Psalms 29:5

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Psalms 29:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon.

King James Version KJV

The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

American Standard Version ASV

The voice of Jehovah breaketh the cedars; Yea, Jehovah breaketh in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

Bible in Basic English BBE

By the voice of the Lord are the cedar-trees broken, even the cedars of Lebanon are broken by the Lord.

Free Bible Version FBV

the Lord's voice shatters the cedars, even breaking the cedars of Lebanon.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

The voyce of the Lord breaketh the cedars: yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

The voice of Jehovah [is] shivering cedars, Yea, Jehovah shivers the cedars of Lebanon.

World English Bible WEB

The LORD’s voice breaks the cedars. Yes, the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yes, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Sing to the Lord, O ye his saints: and give praise to the memory of his holiness.

Translation for Translators T4T

The sound of Yahweh’s voice breaks great cedar trees, the cedars that grow in Lebanon.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 29:5

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 29:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB ק֣וֹל יְ֭הוָה שֹׁבֵ֣ר אֲרָזִ֑ים וַ/יְשַׁבֵּ֥ר יְ֝הוָ֗ה אֶת אַרְזֵ֥י הַ/לְּבָנֽוֹן

ק֣וֹל qôwl H6963 voice N-ms

יְ֭הוָה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

שֹׁבֵ֣ר shâbar H7665 to break V-Qal

אֲרָזִ֑ים ʼerez H730 cedar N-mp

וַ/יְשַׁבֵּ֥ר shâbar H7665 to break Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְ֝הוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אַרְזֵ֥י ʼerez H730 cedar N-mp

הַ/לְּבָנֽוֹן Lᵉbânôwn H3844 Lebanon Art | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 29:5

ק֣וֹל qôwl H6963 "voice" N-ms

A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.

Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)

Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.

יְ֭הוָה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

שֹׁבֵ֣ר shâbar H7665 "to break" V-Qal

This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.

Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)

Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.

אֲרָזִ֑ים ʼerez H730 "cedar" N-mp

A cedar tree, known for its strength and durability, like the cedar wood used to build Solomon's temple in 1 Kings 5-6. The cedar tree was highly valued in ancient times for its timber and wood.

Definition: 1) cedar 1a) cedar tree 1b) cedar timber, cedar wood (in building) 1c) cedar wood (in purifications)

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cedar (tree). See also: Leviticus 14:4; 1 Chronicles 22:4; Psalms 29:5.

וַ/יְשַׁבֵּ֥ר shâbar H7665 "to break" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְ֝הוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אַרְזֵ֥י ʼerez H730 "cedar" N-mp

A cedar tree, known for its strength and durability, like the cedar wood used to build Solomon's temple in 1 Kings 5-6. The cedar tree was highly valued in ancient times for its timber and wood.

Definition: 1) cedar 1a) cedar tree 1b) cedar timber, cedar wood (in building) 1c) cedar wood (in purifications)

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cedar (tree). See also: Leviticus 14:4; 1 Chronicles 22:4; Psalms 29:5.

הַ/לְּבָנֽוֹן Lᵉbânôwn H3844 "Lebanon" Art | N-proper

Lebanon is a mountain range in Israel, named for its white snow or limestone peaks, often mentioned in Psalms and other books.

Definition: Combined with biq.ah (בִּקְעָה " Valley" H1237I) § Lebanon = "whiteness" a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: Lebanon. See also: Deuteronomy 1:7; Psalms 104:16; Psalms 29:5.

Study Notes — Psalms 29:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 29:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 29:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 29:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 29:5
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 29:5
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 29:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 29:5
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 29:5
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 29:5
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 29:5
Sermons on Psalms 29:5

Context — Ascribe Glory to the LORD

3The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is heard over many waters. 4The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.

5The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon.

6He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. 7The voice of the LORD strikes with flames of fire.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 2:13	against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, against all the oaks of Bashan,
2	Judges 9:15	But the thornbush replied, ‘If you really are anointing me as king over you, come and find refuge in my shade. But if not, may fire come out of the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon.’
3	Psalms 104:16	The trees of the LORD have their fill, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted,

Psalms 29:5 Summary

This verse is saying that God's voice is incredibly powerful and can break even the strongest things, like the tall cedars of Lebanon. It's a reminder that God is in control and His power is greater than anything we can imagine (Psalms 135:6, Jeremiah 32:17). Just like the cedars, our own strengths and weaknesses can be shattered by God's voice, and we need to surrender to His power and majesty. By doing so, we can experience His presence and power in our lives, just like the Psalmist did when he wrote about the voice of the LORD (Psalms 46:1, Isaiah 40:31).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the voice of the LORD to break the cedars?

This phrase is a metaphor for God's powerful and majestic voice, which can shatter even the strongest and most resilient things, just like the mighty cedars of Lebanon (Psalms 29:5, Job 37:5).

Is this verse talking about a literal storm or a symbolic one?

While the verse may be referencing a literal storm, the language used suggests that it's also symbolic of God's power and authority, similar to the way He spoke at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16, Deuteronomy 5:24).

What is the significance of the cedars of Lebanon in this verse?

The cedars of Lebanon were known for their strength and grandeur, so when the voice of the LORD breaks them, it's a testament to God's overwhelming power, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible (Psalms 93:4, Isaiah 40:25-26).

How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?

This verse reminds us that God's power is not just something we read about in the Bible, but it's also something we can experience in our own lives, just like the Psalmist did when he wrote about the voice of the LORD (Psalms 107:1-2, Romans 1:20).

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to experience the breaking power of God's voice?
How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's majesty, as described in this verse?
In what ways can I apply the truth of God's powerful voice to my daily struggles and challenges?
What are some 'cedars' in my life that need to be shattered by God's voice, and how can I surrender them to Him?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 29:5

The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars,.... Such an effect thunder has upon the tallest, strongest, and largest trees, as to break them into shivers; yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 29:5

The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon. The voice ... the cedars. "The cedars" are specified, being the stateliest of trees; among them those of Lebanon were pre- eminent.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 29:5

By thunder-bolts; which have oft thrown down trees and towers. Lebanon; a place famous for strong and lofty cedars. See 5:15.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 29:5

Psalms 29:5 The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.Ver. 5. The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars] i.e. The thunder, and those things that either go before it or follow it, as lightnings, thunder bolts, storms, tempest, &c., breaking and turning up by the roots huge trees. The Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon] Which are the tallest, thickest, and most durable of any place in the habitable world. What a shame is it, then, that our hard hearts break not, yield not, though thunderstruck with the dreadful menaces of God’ s mouth! Corripimur sad non corrigimur, &c. A fearful case. Let the tall cedars see to it. Nam per Cedros intelligit αλληγορικως quicquid est eximium in mundo. Where is that hammer of the nations, Nebuchadnezzar? that terror of the world, Tamerlane, &c.? Are they not broken in pieces as a potter’ s vessel?

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 29:5

(5) The voice of the Lord breaketh.—Better more literally, The voice of Jehovah breaking the cedars, and Jehovah hath shivered the cedars of Lebanon. (The verb in the second clause is an intensive of that used in the first.) The range of Lebanon receives the first fury of the storm. Its cedars, mightiest and longest-lived of Eastern trees, crash down, broken by the violence of the wind. (For cedar, see 2 Samuel 7:2.) It has been objected that the thunder should not be made the agent in the destruction; but comp. Shakespeare— “And thou, all-shaking thunder, Smite flat the thick rotundity o’ the world! Crack Nature’s moulds, all germens spill at once. That make ingrateful man!”—King Lear, Acts 3, sc. 2.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 29:5

Verse 5. Breaketh the cedars] Very tall trees attract the lightning from the clouds, by which they are often torn to pieces. Woods and forests give dreadful proof of this after a thunderstorm.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 29:5

5. cedars] The noblest and strongest of the trees of the forest; emblematical of worldly magnificence (Isaiah 2:13). yea, the Lord breaketh] R.V. yea, the Lord breaketh in pieces. The idea of the first line is emphasised and particularised in the second. Cp. Psalms 29:8.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 29:5

Breaketh the cedars - The thunder prostrates the lofty trees of the forest.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 29:5

5. Breaketh the cedars of Lebanon—Thunderbolts riving great trees and tearing up the earth, particularly as seen in tropical climates, have been the terror of all ages.

Sermons on Psalms 29:5

	Sermon	Description
	Hell's Message to a No-Hell Generation by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching about God's eternal judgment and punishment against sin. He mentions a significant religious event in 1963 where
	God's Palm Tree Saints by John Hames	John Hames preaches on how the righteous shall flourish like the palm tree, drawing parallels between the characteristics of the palm tree and the Spirit-filled believer. He emphas
	More Value by Mary Wilder Tileston	Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the care and value God places on His creation, using the example of sparrows and herons to illustrate how God remembers and provides for even th