Psalms 33:15

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 33:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “He that fashioneth the hearts of them all, That considereth all their works.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

He that fashioneth the hearts of them all, That considereth all their works.
Psalms 33:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 33

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15He that fashioneth the hearts of them all, That considereth all their works.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Happy [is that] people that is in such a case, etc.] Whose families are in good order and behave well; who enjoy plenty of all good things; whose flocks and herds increase, and who live in peace and prosperity; these are temporal blessings highly valuable, and for which those who have them should be thankful, as being happy in comparison of others that are destitute of them, (<052803>Deuteronomy 28:3-6); and especially who besides these are blessed with spiritual blessings, signified by them, and of which these were typical; [yea], happy [is that] people, whose God [is] the Lord; whose God the Lord is, not only by creation, and as he is a common benefactor and preserver, but as their God in…”
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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
“fashioneth--or, "forms," and hence knows and controls (Pro 21:1). alike--without exception. considereth--or, "understands"; God knows men's motives.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He fashioneth their hearts alike - That is, one as well as another; or, one as really as another. No one is exempt from his control, or from all that is implied in the word “fashioneth.” The meaning is not that their hearts are made to “resemble” each other, or to be “like” each other, whether in goodness or in wickedness - but that all alike “are” made by him. The idea in the word “fashioneth” here is not that of “creating,” in the sense that He “makes” the heart by his own power what it is, whether good or bad; but that, as he has “formed” the hearts of all people, he must see what is in the heart, or must behold all the purposes and thoughts of people. The Maker of the human heart must…”
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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
“Fashioneth - Having said that God sees and observes all men, he now adds, that he rules and governs them; yea, even the hearts which are most unmanageable, he disposes and inclines according to the counsel of his will. Alike - Or, equally, one as well as another: whether they be Jews or Gentiles, princes or peasants; all are alike subject to his jurisdiction. Their works - Both outward and inward, all the workings of their minds and actions, and all their endeavours and actions. Psalms 33:16”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“fashioneth: Pro 22:2, Pro 27:19; Ecc 7:29; Isa 64:8; Act 17:26 considereth: Psa 44:21; Job 11:11, Job 34:21, Job 34:22; Pro 24:12; Jer 32:19; Hos 7:2; Co1 4:5 Psalms 33:16”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification