The World Stands Still

Q: In Psalm 93 some versions of the Bible say that the world stands still? But isn't it moving?

A: Thank you for your question. It seems that you believe the Psalmist is referring to the earth standing still as if he means it is not rotating on its axis or orbiting the Sun. If that were the case, I would agree with your conclusion because the earth is moving. However, I do not believe that was the intent of the author. I am assuming you are referring to Psalm 93:1. After looking at multiple translations, I did not see a translation that specifically translated that verse as the "world stands still." However, I did see many versions that translated the passage in question as "the world is firmly established, it cannot be moved." For example, the New International Version 1984 (NIV) translates Psalm 93:1, "The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved." There are a couple of ways one can look at this verse. First, we can look at it from a physical stand point as it pertains to the earth's actual location and its position in the universe. Secondly, one can look at it from the stand point that the world is a testimony to God's strength and majesty. 

It was not long ago, that many people believed the earth to be flat. However, the Prophet Isaiah wrote of the circular shape of the earth. In Isaiah 40:22, he wrote, "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in." There are many pagan traditions that believe the earth sits on the back of a turtle or an elephant. Yet, prior to the time of Isaiah, Job spoke of the earth as being suspended on nothing. Job 26:7 says, "He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing." You see that in multiple instances the Bible confirms what we now know to be true in science, long before any scientist was able to establish the fact that the earth was circular in shape and rested in space without any known assistance. So, it is quite possible that the Psalmist was referring to this fact about the earth, relative to time and space, not making an incorrect statement about the actual movement of the earth. 

The earth, and its creation, has also been used as a testimony to the power and majesty of the Lord. Psalm 24:2 says, "for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters." Psalm 78:69 says, "He built his sanctuary like the heights, like the earth that he established forever." Psalm 119:90 says, "Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures." These verses not only reveal how the earth was made, but how it testifies of God's power, faithfulness and eternal existence. Sticking with the theme of Psalm 93, other scriptures seem to parallel the Psalmists apparent intent to establish the fact that the Lord reigns. 1 Chronicles 16:30 says, "Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved." Psalm 96:10 is almost an exact quote of Psalm 93:1, "Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity." To this day people still sit in awe of the beauty, majesty, power and mysteriousness of the earth. All of it testifies of the beauty, majesty, power and mysteriousness of our Lord; the one, true God of the Bible.

In conclusion, it is easy to see how what we know to be true about the earth, that it does move and does not stand still, can conflict with one possible interpretation of Psalm 93:1. One thing that has helped me many times to understand difficult passages is to take my thoughts about a passage to their logical conclusion. If that conclusion about a difficult passage conflicts with what I know to be true about simpler passages, then I have to believe my conclusion about the difficult passage is incorrect. That is why I recommend using different translations, looking at similar passages and, ultimately, asking the Lord to help me discern the meaning of a particular verse. After all, since He wrote the Bible, He is the one who can lead us into what He is meaning in a particular passage of scripture. Jesus told His disciples in John 16:13, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth." It is that same Spirit of truth, the life of God, that indwells each and every believer in Jesus Christ. Trust that He will reveal to you whether or not what I have said here about Psalm 93 is true or not, just as I will do the same. If He leads us to the same conclusion then we can rejoice in the fact that the God of the Universe has spoken to us. May the Lord continue to guide you and lead you into His truth.