Psalms 147:16
Psalms 147:16 in Multiple Translations
He spreads the snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes;
He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.
He giveth snow like wool; He scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes.
He gives snow like wool; he sends out ice-drops like dust.
He sends snow as white as wool, and scatters frost like ashes.
He giueth snowe like wooll, and scattereth the hoare frost like ashes.
Who is giving snow like wool, Hoar-frost as ashes He scattereth.
He gives snow like wool, and scatters frost like ashes.
He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes.
He sends snow which covers the ground like a white wool blanket [SIM], and he scatters frost on the ground like wind scatters ashes [SIM].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 147:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 147:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/נֹּתֵ֣ן
שֶׁ֣לֶג
כַּ/צָּ֑מֶר
כְּ֝פ֗וֹר
כָּ/אֵ֥פֶר
יְפַזֵּֽר
הַ/נֹּתֵ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Art | V-Qal
שֶׁ֣לֶג
sheleg
H7950
snow
N-ms
כַּ/צָּ֑מֶר
tsemer
H6785
wool
Prep | N-ms
כְּ֝פ֗וֹר
kᵉphôwr
H3713
bowl
N-ms
כָּ/אֵ֥פֶר
ʼêpher
H665
ashes
Prep | N-ms
יְפַזֵּֽר
pâzar
H6340
to scatter
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 147:16
הַ/נֹּתֵ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Art | V-Qal
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
שֶׁ֣לֶג
sheleg
H7950
"snow"
N-ms
Sheleg means snow in Hebrew, likely due to its white color. It is also used in Aramaic as te.lag.
Definition: snow Aramaic equivalent: te.lag (תְּלַג "snow" H8517)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: snow(-y). See also: Exodus 4:6; Psalms 51:9; Psalms 147:16.
כַּ/צָּ֑מֶר
tsemer
H6785
"wool"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to wool, like the kind used to make warm clothing, and is also used to describe something white or woolly.
Definition: 1) wool 1a) wool 1b) whiteness (metaph.) 1c) wool (in garments) Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (עֲמַר "wool" H6015)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: wool(-len). See also: Leviticus 13:47; Proverbs 31:13; Psalms 147:16.
כְּ֝פ֗וֹר
kᵉphôwr
H3713
"bowl"
N-ms
Frost refers to a covering of ice, like the frost that covered the ground in Genesis 31:40. It can also mean a covered goblet, often translated as hoar frost.
Definition: bowl, basin
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bason, hoar(-y) frost. See also: Exodus 16:14; Ezra 8:27; Psalms 147:16.
כָּ/אֵ֥פֶר
ʼêpher
H665
"ashes"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to ashes, often symbolizing worthlessness or something worthless. It is used to describe something that has been destroyed or reduced to nothing.
Definition: 1) ashes 2) (CLBL) worthlessness (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: ashes. See also: Genesis 18:27; Psalms 147:16; Psalms 102:10.
יְפַזֵּֽר
pâzar
H6340
"to scatter"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This word means to scatter or disperse, like throwing seeds in all directions. It can be used to describe either spreading something out in a positive way or forcing people to flee in fear.
Definition: 1) to scatter, disperse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to scatter 1a2) scattered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered 1c) (Piel) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be scattered
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: disperse, scatter (abroad). See also: Esther 3:8; Psalms 147:16; Psalms 53:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 147:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 147:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 147:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 147:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 147:16
- Sermons on Psalms 147:16
Context — It Is Good to Sing Praises
14He makes peace at your borders; He fills you with the finest wheat.
15He sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly.
16He spreads the snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes;
17He casts forth His hail like pebbles. Who can withstand His icy blast? 18He sends forth His word and melts them; He unleashes His winds, and the waters flow.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 38:29 | From whose womb does the ice emerge? Who gives birth to the frost from heaven, |
| 2 | Job 37:6 | For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the gentle rain, ‘Pour out a mighty downpour.’ |
| 3 | Psalms 148:8 | lightning and hail, snow and clouds, powerful wind fulfilling His word, |
| 4 | Isaiah 55:10 | For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, |
| 5 | Job 37:9–10 | The tempest comes from its chamber, and the cold from the driving north winds. By the breath of God the ice is formed and the watery expanses are frozen. |
Psalms 147:16 Summary
Psalms 147:16 tells us that God spreads snow like wool and scatters frost like ashes, showing His amazing power and care in creating our world. Just like how He gently covers the earth with snow, He also gently cares for us (as seen in Psalms 23:2-3). This verse reminds us that God is both powerful and gentle, and we can trust Him to take care of us. By looking at how God creates and controls nature, we can better understand His love and provision for us, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:26.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of snow and frost in this verse?
The snow and frost in Psalms 147:16 symbolize God's creative power and control over nature, as seen in Job 37:6 where God gives the command for snow to fall.
How does this verse relate to God's care for His people?
This verse shows God's attention to detail in creation, which reflects His care for His people, as stated in Matthew 6:26 where Jesus teaches that God feeds the birds and will also provide for us.
Is the scattering of frost like ashes a symbol of judgment?
While frost can be destructive, in this context, it is more about God's majestic power, similar to how He sends hail in Psalms 147:17, demonstrating His ability to both create and destroy.
What does it mean for God to spread snow like wool?
Spreading snow like wool illustrates God's gentle yet powerful touch in creation, much like how He gently leads His people, as described in Psalms 23:2-3 where He leads us beside still waters and restores our souls.
Reflection Questions
- How does contemplating God's power in nature, as described in Psalms 147:16, affect my trust in His provision and care for me?
- In what ways can I reflect God's gentle and powerful character in my own life and interactions with others?
- What are some personal experiences where I've seen God's majesty and power in nature, and how have those experiences shaped my faith?
- How can I use the imagery of snow and frost to explain God's creative power and love to someone who doesn't know Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:16
He giveth snow like wool,.... For colour as white as wool; so the Targum and Kimchi: and for the manner of its falling, lightly and gently as a lock of wool; which for its thinness and fineness it also resembles.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:16
He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes. He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 147:16
Snow like wool; not only in colour, and shape, and softness, but also in use, keeping the fruits of the earth warm. Hoar-frost like ashes; in colour and smallness of parts, as also in its burning quality.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:16
Psalms 147:16 He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.Ver. 16. He giveth snow like wool] For whiteness, lightness, plenty, softness, warmth; for snow, though it be very cold, yet by keeping in the vapours and exhalations of the earth, it causeth an inward warmth to it, and so maketh it very fruitful, say philosophers, Vellera nivis (Virg. Georg.). In which respects the Rabbis say that one day of snow doth more good than five of rain. He scattereth the hoar frost like ashes] When blown about by the wind. It heateth also and drieth (as ashes) the cold and moist earth, nippeth the buds of trees, &c. Unde pruina dicitur a perurenda, saith Sextus Pompeius, Cinis monet ignem subesse quem foveat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 147:16
(16) Like wool.—Both in whiteness and fleecy texture. “The snow falls in large flakes, equal in size to a walnut, and has more resemblance to locks of wool than it has in our country” (Niven, Biblical Antiq., p. 21). “A spice quam densum tacitarum vellus aquarum Defluat. MART., Ep. iv. 3.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:16
Verse 16. He giveth snow like wool] Falling down in large flakes; and in this state nothing in nature has a nearer resemblance to fine white wool. Scattereth the hoar frost like ashes.] Spreading it over the whole face of nature.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:16
16. “Snow must always have been rare in Central and Southern Palestine,” and “frost is very rare at Jerusalem.” Tristram, Nat. Hist. of Bible, p. 28. They would therefore be more striking phenomena than they are to us; and it has been plausibly suggested that the Psalm was composed in or after an exceptionally severe winter.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:16
He giveth snow like wool - He covers the earth with snow, so that it seems to have a clothing of wool.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 147:16
16. Giveth snow—A Greek writer calls snow “fleecy rain.” So frost is like sprinkled ashes, and hail like scattered morsels.
Sermons on Psalms 147:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Fire, and Hail; Snow and Vapours; Stormy Wind Fulfilling His Word by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the sovereignty of God over nature, emphasizing how elements like hail, snow, storms, and winds all fulfill God's word and are under His control. He high |
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2 Peter 3:5 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the willful ignorance of those who profess Christianity yet choose to disregard the foundational truths of creation and divine judgment. He explains that the h |
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Into the Harvest - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of the gospel harvest in today's world. He shares his experience of witnessing a great hunger for the gospel in unlikely places, |
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Breaking Up Fallow Ground by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a proposal to cut down on overeating and gluttony. The idea is to have a small meal and focus more on the business of the Lord. However, ther |
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God's Truth About God's Word by Russell Kelfer | The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of the Word of God in understanding the mind, emotions, and will of individuals. It highlights seven basic truths about the Scriptur |
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The Purpose of the World by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of the Word of God. He compares the potential for beauty in our lives to the barren hillsides and the old violin tha |
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New Beginnings - Gideon's Army I by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Judges and how God allowed areas of resistance to remain in the land so that the younger generation could learn war. The preacher |