Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights humanity's unique role in creation as the only creature designed for deliberate, purposeful labor from sunrise to sunset. While other creatures act on instinct, humans are given the capacity for work and sustained effort throughout the day, reflecting a special place and purpose in God's ordered world.
Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the psalm's vibrant descriptions of creation and God's power over the elements, this verse shifts focus to humanity's place within this grand design. After the nocturnal creatures retreat with the dawn, man emerges to engage in his daily labor, highlighting a divinely ordained rhythm of work and rest that characterizes human existence under the sun. This orderly cycle of day, work, and evening rest contrasts with the wilder activities of the night, setting the stage for the psalm's broader reflection on the wisdom and scope of God's works.
In a world often focused on grand achievements, have you ever considered the sacredness of your everyday work? This verse reveals something profound about God's intention for our labor.
Psalms 104, a magnificent psalm celebrating God's creation, includes a simple observation about humanity: "Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening." This isn't just a description of a daily routine; it points to a God-ordained rhythm.
Work as Purpose
Ask a follow-up
Why does the psalmist mention human work right after describing the orderly cycles of day and night? There's a deep connection between our labor and the world God has made.
Psalms 104 beautifully paints a picture of God's ordered universe, where the sun and moon govern the day and night. Within this divine framework, human work finds its place and its security.
The Light of Day for Labor
This passage directly echoes the idea of man's purpose being work and stewardship, showing that labor is an integral part of human existence from the very beginning.
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13These verses highlight that work and enjoyment of its fruits are gifts from God, providing a theological framework for understanding the daily labor mentioned in Psalms 104:23.
John 9:4Jesus' statement about working while it is day, before the night comes, draws a parallel between the natural cycle of day and night for human labor and the spiritual urgency of doing God's work.
Colossians 3:23This verse instructs believers to do their work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, connecting the daily labor of Psalm 104:23 to a higher calling and purpose in service to God.
barnesPsalms 104:23: "Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening."
Man goeth forth ... - Man is now seen to go forth from his dwelling, and he appears on the stage to perform his daily toil, until evening comes, and then again he gives way for the beasts of night. Thus the scene is ever varying - showing how full of animated existence the earth is; how varied are the occupations of its different inhabitants; and how the varieties of being are adapted to its own varied condition…
poolePsalms 104:23: "Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening."
With security and confidence, knowing the nature and custom of wild beasts, that they hide themselves by day.
This verse highlights humanity's unique role in creation as the only creature designed for deliberate, purposeful labor from sunrise to sunset. While other creatures act on instinct, humans are given the capacity for work and sustained effort throughout the day, reflecting a special place and purpose in God's ordered world.
Following the psalm's vibrant descriptions of creation and God's power over the elements, this verse shifts focus to humanity's place within this grand design. After the nocturnal creatures retreat with the dawn, man emerges to engage in his daily labor, highlighting a divinely ordained rhythm of work and rest that characterizes human existence under the sun. This orderly cycle of day, work, and evening rest contrasts with the wilder activities of the night, setting the stage for the psalm's broader reflection on the wisdom and scope of God's works.
Following the psalm's vibrant descriptions of creation and God's power over the elements, this verse shifts focus to humanity's place within this grand design. After the nocturnal creatures retreat with the dawn, man emerges to engage in his daily labor, highlighting a divinely ordained rhythm of work and rest that characterizes human existence under the sun. This orderly cycle of day, work, and evening rest contrasts with the wilder activities of the night, setting the stage for the psalm's broader reflection on the wisdom and scope of God's works.
"Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening." — This verse highlights humanity's unique role in creation as the only creature designed for deliberate, purposeful labor from sunrise to sunset. While other creatures act on instinct, humans are given…
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Last reviewed October 2026