Psalms 104:26

There the ships pass, and Leviathan, which You formed to frolic there.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The psalmist addresses God directly while cataloging the natural world as part of a creation hymn. The speaker surveys the sea to highlight divine sovereignty over all living things.

The words — The text states יָצַ֥רְתָּ (ya.Tzar.ta), meaning "you formed," and לְ/שַֽׂחֶק\־ (le./sa.chek-), meaning "to play" or "to frolic." Interpreters observe that these verbs reframe the sea monster from a symbol of chaos into a creature intentionally fashioned for recreation.

The thread — The verse connects to maritime activity in Psalms 107:23 and to the mythic sea beast Leviathan in Psalms 74:14 and Isaiah 27:1. These passages contrast God's creative purpose for Leviathan with His later judgment against it.

Why it lands — The passage requires the reader to acknowledge God's authority over both routine navigation and untamed creation. It demands recognition that the Creator's design encompasses the full spectrum of natural order without being threatened by it.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

שָׁ֭םShamthere אֳנִיּ֣וֹת'o.ni.Yotships יְהַלֵּכ֑וּןye.ha.le.Khu/nthey go about/ !לִ֝וְיָתָ֗ןliv.ya.TanLeviathan זֶֽה־zeh-which יָצַ֥רְתָּya.Tzar.tayou formed לְשַֽׂחֶק־le./sa.chek-to/ playבּֽוֹ׃b/oin/ it

King James Version

There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.

Cross-references

Psalms 107:23 Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters.
Psalms 74:14 You crushed the heads of Leviathan; You fed him to the creatures of the desert.
Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent—Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea.
Genesis 49:13 Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and become a harbor for ships; his border shall extend to Sidon.
Job 3:8 May it be cursed by those who curse the day—those prepared to rouse Leviathan.
Job 41:1 “Can you pull in Leviathan with a hook or tie down his tongue with a rope?
Ezekiel 27:9 The elders of Gebal were aboard as shipwrights, repairing your leaks. All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to barter for your merchandise.