Bible Strands
Psalms 104:4
He makes the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalmist declares God's sovereign control over creation in a hymn of praise, placing this verse immediately before describing how God established the earth on its foundations.
The words — The Hebrew verb עֹשֶׂה ('o.Seh) means "[he is] making," while רוּח֑וֹת (ru.Chot) translates to "winds" and אֵשׁ לֹהֵט ('esh lo.Het) means "flaming fire."
The thread — The New Testament quotes this description when applying it to angels in Hebrews 1:7, while the imagery of fiery chariots and divine messengers echoes narratives like 2 Kings 2:11 and 2 Kings 6:17.
Why it lands — The text states that winds and fire function as His messengers and servants. This requires the reader to recognize that natural phenomena and spiritual beings operate entirely under divine command.
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
King James Version
Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:
Cross-references
- Hebrews 1:7 Now about the angels He says: “He makes His angels winds, His servants flames of fire.”
- 2 Kings 2:11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.
- 2 Kings 6:17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
- Hebrews 1:14 Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
- Psalms 148:8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, powerful wind fulfilling His word,
- Ezekiel 1:13 In the midst of the living creatures was the appearance of glowing coals of fire, or of torches. Fire moved back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it.
- Acts 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection nor angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.