Psalms 19:2

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 19:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night showeth knowledge.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night showeth knowledge.
Psalms 19:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night showeth knowledge.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Day untoday uttereth speech, etc.] This, with the following clause, and night untonight showeth knowledge, some understand of the constant and continued succession of day and night; which declares the glory of God, and shows him to be possessed of infinite knowledge and wisdom; and which brings a new accession of knowledge to men; others, of the continual declaration of the glory of God, and of the knowledge of him made by the heavens and the firmament, the ordinances of which always continue; the sun for a light by day, and the moon and stars for a light by night; and so night and day constantly and successively proclaim the glory and wisdom of God: but rather this is to be understood of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“uttereth--pours forth as a stream; a perpetual testimony.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Day unto day - One day to another; or, each successive day. The day that is passing away proclaims the lesson which it had to convey from the movements of the heavens, about God; and thus the knowledge of God is accumulating as the time moves on. Each day has its own lesson in regard to the wisdom, the power, and the goodness of God, and that lesson is conveyed from one day to another. There is a perpetual testimony thus given to the wisdom and power of the Great Creator. Uttereth speech - The word here rendered uttereth means properly to pour forth; to pour forth copiously as a fountain. Compare Proverbs 18:4; Proverbs 1:23; Proverbs 15:2, Proverbs 15:28. Hence, the word means to utter; to…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Day - Every day and night repeats these demonstrations of God's glory. Uttereth - Or, poureth forth, constantly and abundantly, as a fountain doth water; So this Hebrew word signifies. Knowledge - Gives us a clear knowledge or discovery of God their author. Psalms 19:3”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Day unto: Psa 24:7-10, Psa 78:3-6, Psa 134:1-3, Psa 148:12; Exo 15:20, Exo 15:21; Isa 38:19 night unto: Psa 74:16, Psa 136:8, Psa 136:9; Gen 1:17, Gen 1:18, Gen 8:22 Psalms 19:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification