A Hebrew Surprise in Psalm 147

In Psalm 147, there is a Hebrew surprise that is not obvious in translation. Notice these two verses (4&5):

“He determines the number of the stars;

he gives to all of them their names.

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;

his understanding is beyond measure.”

The words “number” and “measure” are the same Hebrew word: mispar (מִסְפָּר). We might render it more literally, “He counts the stars, but his understanding cannot be counted.”

When we stare into the night sky, we cannot number the stars. They are too vast for our minds to comprehend. If we cannot fathom a visible element of creation, how could we ever fathom the mind of God? - Chad Bird