3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

Other Translations of Psalm 8:3

New International Version

3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

English Standard Version

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

The Message

3 I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings.

New King James Version

3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,

New Living Translation

3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers- the moon and the stars you set in place-

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 8:3

Commentary on Psalm 8:3-9

(Read Psalm 8:3-9)

We are to consider the heavens, that man thus may be directed to set his affections on things above. What is man, so mean a creature, that he should be thus honoured! so sinful a creature, that he should be thus favoured! Man has sovereign dominion over the inferior creatures, under God, and is appointed their lord. This refers to Christ. In Hebrews 2:6-8, the apostle, to prove the sovereign dominion of Christ, shows he is that Man, that Son of man, here spoken of, whom God has made to have dominion over the works of his hands. The greatest favour ever showed to the human race, and the greatest honour ever put upon human nature, were exemplified in the Lord Jesus. With good reason does the psalmist conclude as he began, Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth, which has been honoured with the presence of the Redeemer, and is still enlightened by his gospel, and governed by his wisdom and power! What words can reach his praises, who has a right to our obedience as our Redeemer?