Photo by Anton Darius
Christians pop/rock band Elevation Worship has been active since 2007, releasing seven independent albums, a remix, a Spanish album, an acoustic album, eight EPβs, and nine live albums. As mentioned in my last review of Here as in Heaven, Elevation Worship’s album Graves Into Gardens would release May 1st of this year, amid our obsession over handwashing, toilet paper, and practicing social distancing.
Also, check out my other Elevation Worship reviews.
Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/Elevation-worship-graves-into-gardens-live-lyrics.
Side Note: I’m not entirely sure if Interlude (3) is correct on Genius’ link. According to MusicMatch, this line reads, “Oh, come on, if He turned your grave into a garden, say”. In the interest of charitability, I’ve updated this review based on MusicMatch’s version.
Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review. I strongly encourage you to consider the potential blessings and dangers of this artistβs theology by visiting Resources.
1. What message does the song communicate?
Elevation Worship drank up everything that this world had to offer. It left them empty, dissatisfied, and broken. Then came along Jesus, who filled their thirsty souls, gave them more than enough, and repaired their spirits. Proclaiming that there’s nothing more superior to God, they aren’t afraid to come to God in their weaknesses, who knows all things and exists everywhere. He calls them “friend”. In six different ways, Elevation Worship uses Biblical imagery to describe this “great exchange” described at the song’s beginning.
While there’s a minor issue with Interlude (2) (see section 2), it doesn’t affect this song’s overall message.
Side Note: To those who are sensitive to repetition, this song repeats Bridge twice (with an Interlude in between) and repeat Chorus once again to end this song.
Score: 10/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
Most if agrees with Scripture; However, there’s a minor issue with Interlude (2).
[Verse 1]
Lines 1-3: The deceitfulness of worldly pleasure is that it promises satisfaction and never delivers (Psalm 34:10, Proverbs 13:25, Isaiah 55:2, Isaiah 65:13-16, Hosea 4:10, and Micah 6:14-16). Line 5 implies that such ungodly living makes us broken people (Psalm 14:1-3, Psalm 53:1-3, Proverbs 21:16, Luke 15:11-24, Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13, and 1 Timothy 5:6).
Lines 4-7: When we come to God, He gives us spiritual food (Isaiah 55:1-3, John 6:26-35, Revelation 7:13-17) and spiritual drink (Jeremiah 17:13, Zechariah 14:8-9, John 4:7-26, John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-13, Revelation 6:9-11, Revelation 7:13-17, Revelation 21:6-7, and Revelation 22:1-5) that sustains us, where we find rest for our weary souls when we enter God’s love (Psalm 95:6-11, Matthew 11:28-30, Hebrews 3:1-16, and Hebrews 4:1-16). God does these things because He is love (1 John 4:8).
Also, according to line 6, God changes our wants (Psalm 37:4). While I initially criticised this song for its “every” statement, it also says in Matthew 2:3 that all Jerusalem was troubled with Herod. “Every” doesn’t always mean “every” and “all” doesn’t always mean “all”.
[Chorus]
Lines 1-4: Essentially repeats the same phrase four times, that nothing compares to God (Exodus 8:10, Exodus 9:14, Deuteronomy 3:24, Deuteronomy 33:26, Jeremiah 10:6, 1 Samuel 2:2, 2 Samuel 7:22, 1 Kings 8:23, 1 Chronicles 17:20, Psalm 86:8, Psalm 89:6, Psalm 113:5-6, Jeremiah 10:7, Isaiah 40:18, and Isaiah 46:9). He offers us the best thing He could give, namely, Himself (John 3:16 and Romans 5:6-8).
[Interlude (1)]
Line 1: Yes, it’s true that God is superior!
Line 2: *stands up*
[Verse 2]
Lines 1-4: That’s great! The Psalms are full of examples of individuals who weren’t afraid to tell God how they felt, even if it was ungodly. Psalm 138:8-9 is a prominent example, where the Psalmist calls the ones who murder the daughters of Babylon “blessed”. They teach us that it’s OK to be brutally honest with God! We might as well come clean because He knows all things (1 Kings 8:39, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Psalm 44:21, Psalm 139:4, Psalm 147:4-5, Isaiah 40:28, Matthew 10:30, John 16:30, John 21:17, Acts 1:24, Hebrews 4:13, and 1 John 3:20).
Line 5: John 15:15 is where Jesus calls His followers “friend” with three conditions:
- We must obey Jesus (John 15:14),
- He commands us to love one another (John 15:12), and
- He called us to bear fruit (John 15:16).
Elevation Worship obeys Jesus when they show Him their weaknesses (lines 1-4; Matthew 11:28-30) and loves us by warning us about the dissatisfaction of worldly living (Verse 1, lines 1-3). These acts are evidence of fruit that they possess, shown directly in this song.
Lines 6-9: A poetic way of expressing God’s omnipresence (1 Kings 8:27, Psalm 139:7-12, Proverbs 15:3, Jeremiah 23:23-24, Colossians 1:17, and Hebrews 4:13).
[Interlude (2)]
Line 1: Yes and no. Yes in the sense that we as Christ-followers cannot genuinely sing this song unless we trust in God. No in the sense that anyone can sing it without faith.
Line 2: In Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, and Luke 5:17-26, the paralytic’s friends exercised faith by tearing off the roof so that the paralytic could enter the crowd and receive healing by Jesus.
[Bridge]
Lines 1-4: Rewords Psalm 30:11 and Isaiah 61:3 into general statements. The latter is part of the famed Isaiah 61:1 statement often cited during Christmas, that Jesus would do these wonderful things. Jesus has given us the “great exchange”, that He turns our ugly, dead ash-heap of sin into a beautiful tapestry, full of life and freedom (Romans 6:1-11, Romans 7:4-6, Galatians 2:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:11, and 1 Peter 2:24). He is the only one who can (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, 1 Corinthians 3:11, and 1 Timothy 2:5-6).
Lines 5-8: Repeats lines 1-4.
Line 9: Jesus is the “new Adam” (Romans 5:12-21 and 1 Corinthians 15:20-49) in that Christ restores us to a relationship with God. We were dead in our sins (the grave) and enjoy intimacy with God that Adam and Eve had in Genesis 2 (the garden).
Line 10: This comes from Ezekiel’s vision and explanation in Ezekiel 37:1-14, that God turns dead, dry bones into living flesh.
Line 11: This is the 6th time Elevation Worship makes the same point. This time, Elevation Worship borrows from Exodus 14:1-31, Where God held back the Red Sea so that Israel could cross it. This was their only means for salvation, just as stated (and explained) in Line 4, that Christ is the only way we could be saved from our enemy: death.
Lines 12 and 13: Repeats line 1.
[Interlude (3)]
Line 1: Only Jesus could “turn our graves into a garden”.
[Interlude (4)]
Line 1: I guess Elevation Worship meant me? Ok, God, I give you praise!
Line 2: A call to Casper the friendly ghost.
Line 3: We’re not? Ok, God, I give you praise!
Lines 4 and 5: I believe this was meant to be prophetic, to those who came into this song mourning, that God would turn it into dancing.
[Outro]
Line 1: Essentially repeats Bridge, line 5.
Line 2: OK! God, I give you praise!
Score: 9/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Those outside the camp of Christ will likely agree with my overall interpretation, that worldly living never satisfies and Christians believe God is the answer, superior to all others. I have little confidence that they will comprehend Bridge without further explanation or research.
It doesn’t appear to be written for unbelievers given its high dependence on Christian imagery and language.
Score: 7/10
4. What does this song glorify?
Though it glorifies God in describing His “great exchange”.
Score: 10/10
Closing Comments
Elevation Worship’s Graves Into Gardens is a good song. It magnifies God’s superiority and goodness, that we, who were once dead in our trespasses, found satisfaction in Him alone that this world could never offer. Unbelievers should be able to comprehend its basic message, even if they don’t get much of its details in Bridge.
In terms of corporate worship, I’d be happy to sing the studio version as it does not contain the second and third interludes and significantly reduced repetition in Bridge. I don’t recommend it for seeker-sensitive churches.
Final Score: 9/10
Artist Info
Track: Graves Into Gardens (Live) (listen to the song)
Artist: Elevation Worship (Feat. Brandon Lake)
Album: Graves Into Gardens (Live)
Genre: Rock
Release Year: 2020
Duration: 7:32
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
Updates:
06/18/2022 – After reading Andrew Khan’s comment, I removed much of my criticism and significantly improved this song’s score, from 7/10 to 9/10.
09/14/2021 β Per Artist Theology announcement, I expanded the red text to encourage others to study Elevation Worship’s theology.
03/15/2021 β Updated per repetition announcement, relegating commentary as a side note. I left my concluding comments alone and did not raise the score.
01/08/2021 – After prayerfully reading BRANDON D LEQUIEU’s comment, I made a few alterations to dull my harshness of “every” in section 1 and in my concluding statements. I also added an alternative explanation for others to consider in section 2. Finally, I slightly raised my score for section 1, raising this song’s rating from 6.5/10 to 7/10.
11/03/2020 – Neal Cruco informed me that Elevation Worship released a studio version that addressed much of my criticism. I added it as a note to the end of my review.
Comments
Krispin
Hi all.
Might I suggest my interpretation for the expression βevery desireβ
When I hear about God satisfying His people, I donβt think of Him granting every wish as I (or we)word them. I think about the reason behind why I desire certain things whether itβs a longing for a friend, or joy, or rest. Many people look to material things and experiences to bring them that feeling and satisfaction but I find those things in God and I continue to do so. So, God may not grant me those things that might actually turn out to be detrimental to me and others, but He sees my deepest longing, shows me Christ the Hope of Glory, and I will begin to learn along the way that everything I desire apart from Him needs changing and is temporary.
Vince Wright
Krispin,
Thank you for your comment! What you state is what Elevation Worship attempted; However, surely it could have been worded better? I offered a suggestion in my review: “And every Godlyβ desire is now satisfied”. Do you think it would better communicate your interpretation?
-Vince Wright
Krispin
After thinking more about it, I see what you mean. This also reminds me that not every desire of mine remains after a while of being in a relationship with Jesus. Being near Jesus will cause impure desires to fade away. Sometimes it’s not that He gave me something to satisfy it; His revelation to me renews my mind, therefore renewing my heart, and in the end, the things I long for. And He gives new ones, too.
Thank you!
Vince Wright
Krispin,
Awesome! I am glad to help π
-Vince Wright
Eli Threatt
Hi! Just wanted to add that in Interlude 3, the lyrics on Genius are mistaken. After listening to it multiple times, Brandon Lake and Elevation Worship say βCome on, if He turned/turns your grave into a garden, say!β I can see how itβs easy to hear βLetβs turn our graves into a garden.β I hope this clears up the contradiction to the bridge that you had mentioned.
Vince Wright
Eli,
Thank you for your comment! However, Andrew Khan beat you to it. Sorry, no credit for you! π
-Vince Wright
BRANDON D LEQUIEU
Hello. First, let me say that as a worship leader, I love what you are doing here. I came, looking for something specific, then spent a long time looking at things that i didn’t even realize that i wanted. Which makes for a great segue into my thoughts here.
In Psalm 37:4, inspired by God, the psalmist states that if we delight in the Lord, He will gives us the desires of our heart, without clarifying “Godly desires”.
I feel the implication is that when we truly delight in God, he supernaturally changes the desires of our hearts, to be in proper alignment with His heart.
With that said, I think this song makes the same claim, which is expressly scriptural. The songwriter makes it clear that he is now delighting in God, and therefore, ALL his CURRENT desires are satisfied.
I took it as a modern interpretation of Psalm 37:4.
Thoughts?
Vince Wright
Brandon,
Thank you for your compliment and thoughts!
Your argument is something I had considered when I wrote this review. It provides a different framework and context by which we can understand the meaning of “everyβ desire is now satisfied”. My interpretation is literal, that “every” means all desires, including wicked and noble ones. Every means every. Your view is that because God “came along and put me back together”, which would include changed desires due to delighting myself in the Lord (Psalm 37:4). Thus, the scope of “every” is not all desires, but only those which God has given to me.
I see your point and how you arrived at that conclusion, but I still think it could be made clearer by including an additional qualifier to reduce ambiguity. Thus, my recommendation to explicitly state “Godly” in front of desire. I even agreed in my review that this was Elevation’s intended meaning. However, without it, I’m afraid that both our interpretations have legitimacy based on the rules and regulations of the English language.
After prayerfully rereading this review, I concluded that I made it sound like in section 1 that I was absolutely certain that my interpretation was correct without any consideration to yours. I’ve modified my review to include both possibilities and dulled my harshness in language. I also added to section 2 the Verse you presented in your comment and made a few modifications in my tone.
-Vince Wright
Tony
Vince,
Thanks for making this review. I totally understand your point about “every” desire, and I’m glad that Brandon posted his viewpoint. I think that by following the singer’s story, as God “put (him) back together”, every desire is now a Godly desire.
I’m looking forward to seeing more of your reviews and tests.
God Bless,
Tony J
Skeptic
So you don’t believe that God will satisfy all desires even the wicked ones? Then how would you explain the act of a Prophet who calls God to send down fire on those who ridiculed him for having a bald head? How would explain the repetitive calls of David and other characters to delivered them from their enemies even to the point of killing them. I don’t need to cite scriptures because I know you are familiar with it.
Vince Wright
Skeptic,
Great question!
Take a look at James 4:1-3 and tell me what you think.
-Vince Wright
John assisi
Hey Brandon.. I agree , but the words sayβ every desire , now satisfied ( here in your love) what desires are satisfied in his love everyone in my life…
Bram
Hey,
Just as a pre-face: I really love this song, it shows me new ways of the power of our great God! These are just some quick thoughts from me as a young believer. I’m interested in what you think!
The way I interpret the “every desire” line is by looking at the next line. If my desire is satisfied in His love, then is that desire not godly? Or, if the desire is in His love, wouldn’t that make that desire godly?
I also feel like the interludes are a bit misplaced (although I think they are true on itself) to review. In a live setting where Elevation Worship is singing this, it’s to hype up the audience that is singing with them. Not necessarily to add anything to the actual song. Which in my opinion, stands strong its own without the interludes.
– Bram
Vince Wright
Bram,
Thank you for your comments and inquiry!
The big question is, what does Elevation Worship mean by “every desire”? Is it all the desires they have or every Godly desire? Based on the lyrics provided, both are legitimate conclusions. The former is unbiblical. The latter could be expressed better by adding the word “Godly” or some other adjective to clarify the type of desires that are in God’s love.
In terms of interludes, building hype is understandable, but they should still be without error. As I stated, I don’t suspect they will make it to a recorded studio version, if one is produced.
-Vince Wright
John Assisi
Vince, but you must finish the thought…Here in Your love..The love of God is perfect. Any desire I have in the love of God is perfect. Just consider that. But you canβt stop in the middle of a verse to interpret it. Thanks love your posts.
Vince Wright
John,
Thank you for your comment!
After considering your statement, I now see two possibilities based on context of “every desire is satisfied here in Your love”:
1) All desires, whether good or evil, are satisfied in God’s love (which is a contradiction)
2) Only desires that are consistent with God’s love are satisfied.
The trouble is, the second interpretation isn’t clear because of the way the sentence is worded. That may have been what Elevation meant, but it’s not what their words communicate. A simple fix would be to say “every Godly desire is now satisfied” or some other qualifier that clarifies the statement.
-Vince Wright
Joe
Again I reference Psalm 37:4 and pose the question that if the scripture does not need to clearly specify that it actually means only ‘Godly’ desires for the meaning of the verse to be inferred, why must the song lyric?
Vince Wright
Joe,
Great question!
This verse tells us specifically which desires will be granted to us. Namely, desires that God gives us. The lyric says that all desires are satisfied. It requires a qualifier.
-Vince Wright
Mark
I’m not sure I’d agree with your reading of Psalm 37:4. I read it as “the desires of your heart,” not “the desires that God put into your heart.” The Psalm doesn’t address where our desires come from – although the fact that there’s a command in it (“delight yourself in the Lord”) suggests that we have some influence or control over our desires.
I also think Psalm 145:19 (and to a lesser extent, 145:16) would fit into the same discussion. If a qualifier is needed, why not there as well?
I think the problem lies with a misunderstanding of “satisfy” or “fulfill” and the nature of what a desire is. It doesn’t exclusively refer to someone’s getting the precise thing he was wishing for. We also commonly use it to refer to situations where someone gets anything to meet the root need, especially if what he gets is better than what he desired.
Vince Wright
Mark,
Thank you for your comment!
I’ve prayed about what you said and studied Psalm 145 in context. There is a qualifier, namely, He fulfills the desires of those who fears Him. That is, the type of desire fulfilled will be in keeping with deep reverence and respect for God. These two Verses presented don’t state that “every” desire is satisfied, as Elevation puts it. But, it does state that God satisfies the desires of all living creatures.
I understand that this line is meant to contrast worldly and Godly desires, but it still sounds off to me.
-Vince Wright
Joe
Perhaps the line about satisfied desires is simply a reference to Psalm 37:4? ‘Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.’
JM
That’s how I took it. The context Of Psalm 37 provides all we need to know that it refers to every “Godly” desire, even though the word “Godly” isn’t there. Likewise, the context of the song “Graves into Gardens” provides all we need to know that it refers to every “Godly” desire, even though the word “Godly” isn’t there. If a non-believer could misunderstand the song, the non-believer could misunderstand the Psalm as well. I contend they would misunderstand either, due to the context.
JM
^^^neither, not either
Brett
Amen!! That is what they meant.
Luis
The mourning to dancing line is from Psalm 30:11
Brett
As for your “friends” analysis, we are saved by grace, through faith. That is how we are His friends, as well. Also, the Vine produces the fruit. Our job is to believe – I John 3:23.
Neal Cruco
Vince,
Thought you might like to know that a studio version was released. It fixes most of the problems that you found.
https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/elevationworship/gravesintogardensstudioversion.html
Joe
Maybe I’m missing it, but what is different from the original in the “studio version” lyrics?
Neal Cruco
Joe,
The interludes and outro (as marked in the Genius lyrics) are omitted, and the excessive repetition of the bridge is reduced to a single partial repetition. Vince said in his closing comments that these were two of the three areas he had problems with, so I figured I’d let him know about the studio version.
Vince Wright
Neal,
Thanks for letting me know! I’ve added this at the end of my conclusion so that new readers can learn about it.
-Vince Wright
John Assisi
Donβt know if anybodyβs mentioned it here. But every desire is followed with .. Hear in your love…
Those words change everything..Context is king…Also the repetition just enforces the victory.. also makes the fun fun ..Song of praise..
Mark
Also, everything in the verse that preceded the “every desire” lyric makes clear that the narrator isn’t talking about worldly desires. He/she mentions searching the world and finding all it had to offer was not enough.
Ted olivas
This song speaks out of the personal experience and to those who understand this experience. The woman at the well said “Come, see a Man ο»Ώwho told me all things that I ever did”, of course Jesus did not reveal all things she had done but at that moment in time what Jesus revealed was all that mattered. What score do you give John 4:19, does it measure up?
.
Jimmy Cochran
Mark 9:38-41… commentaries like yours bring the enemy great delight
Melody Hilyer
Hello! Love how you have broken down the lyrics to Bible scriptures. Thank you. That will come in handy. However, the biggest thing I am looking forward to finding is someone who will break down the bands and if they are progressive Christianity with soft gospels verses a more Berean group. Elevation, Hillsong, Bethel are the top 3 that their musics royalties go to churches that are not scripturally correct.
Should we buy these songs to listen to even if they are scripturally correct when the band is owned by a church or preacher who isnβt?
Vince Wright
Melody,
Thank you for your comments!
You might want to check out Allen Parr’s video on Hillsong, Elevation, and Bethel. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wi4RADE4zL0&ab_channel=THEBEATbyAllenParr.
-Vince Wright
Albert
I agree. God does use people to convey His message … But when a song is sung saying all-everything trouble will be satisfied because of ChrisT this is not true … He said that you will have trouble in this world, sO … But then he turns graves into gardens, I quickly question? But if it were to say, He ChrisT takes dead-lives and turns them, those lives into gardens aCtive for ChrisT, I could accept this … Most graves in reality have dead flowers on them unless tended-to regularly … The song sounds good until the questions cometh forward. Because I have accepted ChrisT and my-Mind has changed, does my life now become completely wonderful? No! But there is always something, and we should look if it really lines with the word of God, not just because … Someone could take the songs within a church setting as bible and it is noT …
Keith Morris
Just a quick thought that if the minor repetition in this song bothers you, then heaven will be a miserable place for you indeed! Iβm kidding with you a little. Of course our glorified bodies and mindsβnot to mention the manifest presence of Godβwill probably? overcome the earthly limitations of our bodies and minds. I say βprobably?β because God knows us and I suppose an alternative is for Him to have a place for those who cannot stomach repetition (not to mention that He could give us our own music during certain moments). Iβm referring of course to Revelation: βDay and night they never stop sayingβ¦β It amazes me that people cannot handleβat its most extremeβa few minutes of repetition, when Revelation seems clear that it is not just for minutes, not just for hours, not even just for days that these words repeat. But Iβm sure that topic has been hashed out before on the siteβneither βsideβ is likely to change opinions. We will have to wait for heaven for you to be corrected, or to get your own corner! π π In the interest of your Berean namesake, I just had to point that out! Blessings.
Jeff Paquette
Definitely understand how you arrived at your conclusion regarding “every desire”, however the next line provides further context. I believe the key here is in the complete thought, “every desire is now satisfied here in your love”. To me this implies that being “here in” God’s love satisfies all his desires; something the world can never do. In this context it makes it impossible for “every desire” to even remotely imply fleshly or sinful desires because God removes those desires as you grow closer to Him, as you have noted in your analysis.
Moses Andrews III
Hello,
Thank you for your service. I wanted to address the line about “tearing the roof off.” I believe that it’s taking a line from familiar funk songs. “Tearing the roof off” is another way to ask the congregation or listeners to lift their voices to the Lord or make some noise. It is very deeply rooted in Black faith traditions. Elevation may be a predominantly white institution, but they draw lots of influences from Black church traditions. These concepts are foreign to a lot of other traditions. There are a few other things in this song that are “Gospel-like” and drawn from Black church traditions.
Pam Wright
Hi Vince I just wanted to mention that Psalm 103:5 in The Passion translation says God satisfies every desire with good things!
Neal Cruco
Pam,
I would warn you against using The Passion “Translation”. It is the work of a single (and apparently ideologically motivated) person, Brian Simmons, and discrepancies between it and mainstream translations are numerous. Even the FAQ on their website openly claims that it changed the words of God in order to communicate the “intended” meaning. It stretches even the definition of a paraphrase, and certainly is not a translation.
https://www.gotquestions.org/Passion-Translation.html
https://thinktheology.co.uk/blog/article/whats_wrong_with_the_passion_translation
https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2022/february/passion-translation-tpt-bible-gateway-remove-charismatic-pa.html
Now, the links contain plenty of examples to specific verses where TPT clearly added something, but Psalm 103:5 happens to be another example! Let’s see the verse in the ESV, CSB, and NLT, followed by TPT:
ESV: “who satisfies you with good, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
CSB: “He satisfies you with good things; your youth is renewed like the eagle.”
NLT: “He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagleβs!”
TPT: “You satisfy my every desire with good things. Youβve supercharged my life so that I soar again like a flying eagle in the sky!”
The first three translations are word-for-word, middle-ground, and thought-for-thought. These are all legitimate ways to translate from the original languages, and they all have their appropriate purposes. But you notice that they all parallel each other pretty closely. Not so with TPT. You can see it’s the only one to claim that our every desire is satisfied, while the others just say that God satisfies us with good things.
Once again, I warn you away from using The Passion Translation in any way, except to point out its error. Bible translations are not inherently infallible or inspired; only the original manuscripts are. Translations are only as inspired as they are accurate to the original language.
Vince Wright
Mom,
Thank you for your comment!
I tend to read The Passion much like The Message: not as a translation, but as commentary.
Case in point: Neal Cruco provided three translations for Psalm 103:5, each one as an example of the three basic methods for translating a text. Allow me to go a step further and show you the original Hebrew. Understand that I am not a scholar nor do I play one on TV. But, you already knew that! π
I looked through the various words from https://biblehub.com/interlinear/psalms/103-5.htm, but couldn’t find anything that would translate to “all desire”, much less “desire”. Word like Avah (a lustful craving), Mishalah (a request/petition), and Taavah (desire) aren’t present here like they are with Deuteronomy 5:21, Psalm 37:4, and Proverbs 10:24 (respectively).
In Psalm 103:5, the first word is Saba or Sabea, which means “to be sated, satisfied or surfeited. The second is Towb, which means “pleasant, agreeable, good”. The third is Adi, meaning “ornaments”, or in the case of Psalm 103:5, “years”.
A more literal, wooden translation might read “satisfies good years”. Thus, satisfaction is not for our desires, much less all our desires, but for our years!
The NIV and ASV contain the word “desire”. For reasons I do not wish to discuss in this comment, I have a lot of issues with the NIV. I don’t put a whole lot of stock into it.
After briefly examining various translations and looking at the Hebrew, the phrase “every desire” appears to be an insertion. Again, I’m not an expert in Hebrew. Perhaps a scholar or someone who knows ancient Hebrew could more satisfactory answer this or confirm/refute my analysis. But, I’m not convinced that The Passion got this one right.
-Vince Wright
Michael Ramsey
I did not read the comments because there were too many so I do not know if anyone has said this already. Matthew 6:33 and Psalm 37:4 for the every desire part. I know that the wording is still a little sketchy.
Andrew Khan
Hi! I was reading this test of Graves into Gardens to determine how biblically sound it is to do for a worship night. I’m not gonna comment on the “every desire” line since so many have done so already, but I want to focus on Interlude 3.
You are saying that it is not biblical because saying “Oh, come on, let’s turn our graves into a garden, say:” contradicts Bridge, lines 4 and 5, that only Jesus could βturn our graves into a gardenβ. However, this is not actually what Brandon Lake said. Instead of saying “Oh, come on, let’s turn our graves into a garden, say,” if you listen closely he actually says “Oh, come on, if He turned your grave into a garden, say.” This is not only exactly what I myself hear, but is confirmed by Musixmatch, which provides the lyrics when you listen on Spotify, or do a google search: “graves into gardens lyrics.” So Genius, your lyric source, actually got this line wrong, and Musixmatch got it right.
I agree that we cannot turn our own graves into gardens, because that would be saying that we can do something that only He can do. But that is not what Brandon Lake said, and if this is something that affects the score on this test I suggest you take changing the score into consideration.
Vince Wright
Andrew,
Thank you for your comment!
Although I couldn’t hear the difference, it wasn’t 100% clear which version is correct. So, I took a charitable approach and went with MusicMatch. Also, I’ve changed my mind about “every”/”all” a while back, leaving only a minor issue with Interlude (2). Even then, it doesn’t affect the song’s message and inherent glorification.
-Vince Wright
Brett Rocker
I think it’s fairly odd to include those interludes which aren’t really a part of the song, they are just Brandon shouting trying to engage the congregation. Whenever I do this song, I will do my own inflections to try and engage the congregation, if so lead by the Spirit to do so, but the lyrics themselves are the same, the interludes are not included in that. Like I wouldn’t put up on the lyric slides “Come on stand up!” haha
Wendy Bodine
I may be super-pedantic, but I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around the Biblical basis for the phase “graves into gardens”. All the other analogies have bases in Scripture, but I can’t find or recall any instance where a grave was literally turned into a garden (as a sea was literally made into a highway, and bones literally became an army). The aforementioned scriptures to support this really don’t. Can anyone shed some more light on this, please? Or am I just seriously overthinking this? Thanks in advance and GOD bless!
Vince Wright
Wendy,
Thank you for your inquiry!
I don’t think Elevation Worship is being literal when they say “graves into gardens”. The grave represents spiritual death. The garden represents life. Seas and highways is lost and found. Bones into armies is, again, death and life (though alluding to the “dry bones” in Ezekiel 37).
-Vince Wright
Matt
What does “A call to Casper the friendly ghost” mean? I can’t find the lyrics to his interlude
Vince Wright
Matt,
Great question!
It’s meant to be a running joke, to poke fun at filler lyrics.
-Vince Wright