What does Psalms 104:23 mean?

"Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening." - Psalms 104:23

"Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening." - Psalms 104:23

Psalm 104:23 (KJV) states, "Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening." This verse touches on the theme of toil and labor, reflecting on the daily grind and the natural rhythm of human life. It speaks to the inherent human need to work, contribute, and be productive, as well as the cyclical nature of the labor day.

The broader context of Psalm 104 is a hymn of praise to God as the creator and sustainer of the earth. The entire psalm celebrates the beauty and complexity of the natural world, acknowledging the sovereignty and providence of the Lord. The verse in question, 104:23, focuses on the role of human beings in this created order, emphasizing their daily work and toil within the larger context of God's created world.

The verse captures the ordinary, daily routine of human life. It recognizes that each day, people go out to their work and labor until the evening. This everyday activity is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. It speaks to the necessity of work as a means of providing for oneself and contributing to society. The verse acknowledges the persistence and commitment involved in labor, as well as the cyclical nature of the workday. It also points to the predictable and rhythmic nature of human life, as people engage in this pattern day after day.

Additionally, the verse can be understood as a reflection of the divine order and purpose within human labor. It suggests that work holds significance within the broader framework of God's created world. It aligns with the Biblical principle of stewardship, indicating that human work is part of God's design for the ordered world. It also reflects the idea that work is a means through which humans can honor God by responsibly and diligently carrying out their tasks.

Moreover, the verse conveys the idea of time and its importance in human life. It acknowledges the temporal nature of work, as people engage in labor until the evening, when the workday typically ends. This temporal aspect emphasizes the importance of balance and rest, recognizing the need for both work and leisure within the human experience.

In addition to its thematic significance, Psalm 104:23 also holds symbolic value. The verse serves as a metaphor for the larger human journey through life. Just as people go forth to work and labor until the evening, so too do they navigate through the seasons of life, experiencing periods of toil and rest. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of human existence, as individuals face various challenges and responsibilities throughout their lives.

In conclusion, Psalm 104:23 is a rich and evocative verse that addresses the theme of human toil and labor within the context of God's created world. It underscores the significance of work in the human experience, recognizing the need for persistence, diligence, and balance. The verse also holds symbolic significance, serving as a metaphor for the larger human journey through life. Ultimately, Psalm 104:23 invites readers to reflect on the role of work in their lives and to consider its broader significance within God's created order.

Have questions about Psalms 104:23?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Psalms 104:23 Artwork

Psalms 104:23 - "Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening."

Psalms 104:23 - "Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening."

"Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening." - Psalms 104:23

"Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening." - Psalms 104:23

Psalms 104:4 - "Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:"

Psalms 104:4 - "Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:"

"The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies." - Psalms 104:18

"The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies." - Psalms 104:18

"He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills." - Psalms 104:10

"He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills." - Psalms 104:10

Psalms 104:34 KJVA
(34)  My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.

Psalms 104:34 KJVA (34) My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.

Psalms 104:5 - "Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever."

Psalms 104:5 - "Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever."

Psalms 104:35 - "Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD."

Psalms 104:35 - "Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD."

Psalms 104:18 - "The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies."

Psalms 104:18 - "The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies."

Psalms 104:10 - "He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills."

Psalms 104:10 - "He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills."

"Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:" - Psalms 104:4

"Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:" - Psalms 104:4

Psalms 104:32 - "He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke."

Psalms 104:32 - "He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke."

Psalms 104:7 - "At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away."

Psalms 104:7 - "At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away."

"There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein." - Psalms 104:26

"There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein." - Psalms 104:26

"The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God." - Psalms 104:21

"The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God." - Psalms 104:21

Psalms 104:34 - "My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD."

Psalms 104:34 - "My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD."

Psalms 104:6 - "Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains."

Psalms 104:6 - "Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains."

"He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down." - Psalms 104:19

"He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down." - Psalms 104:19

Psalms 104:21 - "The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God."

Psalms 104:21 - "The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God."

Psalms 104:11 - "They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst."

Psalms 104:11 - "They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst."

Psalms 104:17 - "Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house."

Psalms 104:17 - "Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house."

Psalms 104:19 - "He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down."

Psalms 104:19 - "He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down."

Psalms 104:26 - "There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein."

Psalms 104:26 - "There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein."

Psalms 104:22 - "The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens."

Psalms 104:22 - "The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens."

"By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches." - Psalms 104:12

"By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches." - Psalms 104:12

Psalms 104:28 - "That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good."

Psalms 104:28 - "That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good."

Psalms 104:16 - "The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;"

Psalms 104:16 - "The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;"

Psalms 104:12 - "By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches."

Psalms 104:12 - "By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches."

"The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works." - Psalms 104:31

"The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works." - Psalms 104:31

Psalms 104:31 - "The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works."

Psalms 104:31 - "The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works."