Bible Strands
Psalms 33:13
The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the sons of men.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses the worshiping assembly, shifting from the blessing of the chosen nation in verse 12 to God’s universal observation before introducing His earthly gaze in verse 14.
The words — מִשָּׁמַיִם (mi.shamayim) means “from the heavens,” and הִבִּיט (hi.bit) translates literally as “he looks” or “gazes.”
The thread — This pattern of divine observation from above runs through Job 28:24, Psalms 11:4, and Psalms 53:2, where God’s position above frames His examination of human conduct and seeking.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to recognize that God’s sight extends from His throne to every person, establishing the factual basis for His sovereign assessment before any human response occurs.
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
The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
Cross-references
- Job 28:24 For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.
- Psalms 11:4 The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.
- Psalms 53:2 God looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God.
- Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
- 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.”
- Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.
- Jeremiah 23:23 “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away?”
- Psalms 14:2 The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God.
- Psalms 102:19 For He looked down from the heights of His sanctuary; the LORD gazed out from heaven to earth
- Lamentations 3:50 until the LORD looks down from heaven and sees.