Psalms 66:7
Psalms 66:7 in Multiple Translations
He rules forever by His power; His eyes watch the nations. Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
He ruleth by his might for ever; His eyes observe the nations: Let not the rebellious exalt themselves. [Selah
He is ruling in power for ever; his eyes are watching the nations: may his haters have no strength against him. (Selah.)
He rules forever through his power. He keeps an eye on the nations, watching to make sure no rebels rise up in opposition. Selah.
He ruleth the worlde with his power: his eyes beholde the nations: the rebellious shall not exalt them selues. Selah.
Ruling by His might to the age, His eyes among the nations do watch, The refractory exalt not themselves. Selah.
He rules by his might forever. His eyes watch the nations. Don’t let the rebellious rise up against him. Selah.
He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
The earth hath yielded her fruit. May God, our God bless us,
By his great power he rules forever, and he keeps watching all the nations to see what things they do, so those nations that want to rebel against him should not be proud. (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 66:7
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 66:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֹ֘שֵׁ֤ל
בִּ/גְבוּרָת֨/וֹ
עוֹלָ֗ם
עֵ֭ינָי/ו
בַּ/גּוֹיִ֣ם
תִּצְפֶּ֑ינָה
הַ/סּוֹרְרִ֓ים
אַל
ירימו
יָר֖וּמוּ
לָ֣/מוֹ
סֶֽלָה
מֹ֘שֵׁ֤ל
mâshal
H4910
to rule
V-Qal
בִּ/גְבוּרָת֨/וֹ
gᵉbûwrâh
H1369
might
Prep | N-fs | Suff
עוֹלָ֗ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
עֵ֭ינָי/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
בַּ/גּוֹיִ֣ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-mp
תִּצְפֶּ֑ינָה
tsâphâh
H6822
to watch
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
הַ/סּוֹרְרִ֓ים
çârar
H5637
to rebel
Art | V-Qal
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
ירימו
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Hiphil-Juss-3mp
יָר֖וּמוּ
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
לָ֣/מוֹ
Prep | Suff
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 66:7
מֹ֘שֵׁ֤ל
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
V-Qal
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
בִּ/גְבוּרָת֨/וֹ
gᵉbûwrâh
H1369
"might"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word means strength, might, or power, like God's mighty power in Psalm 111:6. It can describe a person's bravery or the strength of an action, as in the mighty deeds of God in Psalm 145:11.
Definition: 1) strength, might 1a) strength 1b) might, valour, bravery 1c) might, mighty deeds (of God) Aramaic equivalent: ge.vu.rah (גְּבוּרָה "might" H1370)
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength. See also: Exodus 32:18; Psalms 71:18; Psalms 20:7.
עוֹלָ֗ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
עֵ֭ינָי/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
בַּ/גּוֹיִ֣ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
תִּצְפֶּ֑ינָה
tsâphâh
H6822
"to watch"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
Tsaphah means to watch or observe, often by leaning forward to see into the distance. It can also mean to wait or keep watch, like a guard.
Definition: 1) to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch 1a)(Qal) to keep watch, spy 1b) (Piel) to watch, watch closely
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man). See also: Genesis 31:49; Proverbs 31:27; Psalms 5:4.
הַ/סּוֹרְרִ֓ים
çârar
H5637
"to rebel"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to rebel or turn away, often used to describe someone being stubborn or disobedient, as seen in its use in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to rebel, be stubborn, be rebellious, be refractory 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be stubborn 1a2) stubborn, rebel (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] away, backsliding, rebellious, revolter(-ing), slide back, stubborn, withdrew. See also: Deuteronomy 21:18; Isaiah 1:23; Psalms 66:7.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
ירימו
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Hiphil-Juss-3mp
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
יָר֖וּמוּ
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
לָ֣/מוֹ
""
Prep | Suff
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
"Selah"
Part
Selah is a musical term in the Bible that signals a pause or interruption in the music, like a rest in a song, often used in Psalms. It is a technical term that sets a moment for reflection and contemplation, as seen in Psalm 3:2.
Definition: § 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: Selah. See also: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 62:5; Psalms 3:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 66:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 66:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 66:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 66:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 66:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 66:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 66:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 66:7
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 66:7
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 66:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 66:7
- Sermons on Psalms 66:7
Context — Make a Joyful Noise
5Come and see the works of God; how awesome are His deeds toward mankind.
6He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the waters on foot; there we rejoiced in Him.
7He rules forever by His power; His eyes watch the nations. Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
8Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of His praise be heard. 9He preserves our lives and keeps our feet from slipping.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 11:4 | The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men. |
| 2 | Matthew 28:18 | Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. |
| 3 | Psalms 140:8 | Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. Selah |
| 4 | Psalms 62:11 | God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: that power belongs to God, |
| 5 | Daniel 4:35 | All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” |
| 6 | Psalms 33:13 | The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. |
| 7 | Psalms 75:4–5 | I say to the proud, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn. Do not lift up your horn against heaven or speak with an outstretched neck.’” |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 16:9 | For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” |
| 9 | Job 9:4 | God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has resisted Him and prospered? |
| 10 | Daniel 5:20–28 | But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him. He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes. But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this. Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways. Therefore He sent the hand that wrote the inscription. Now this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. And this is the interpretation of the message: MENE means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. TEKEL means that you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. PERES means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.” |
Psalms 66:7 Summary
[Psalms 66:7 reminds us that God is all-powerful and in control of everything, and that He watches over all nations. This means we can trust Him with our lives and our future, just like it says in Jeremiah 29:11, 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' God sees everything that happens, and He will not let those who rebel against Him succeed in the end, as we see in Psalms 37:1-2, which says 'Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God 'rules forever by His power' in Psalms 66:7?
This phrase emphasizes God's eternal sovereignty and authority over all things, as also stated in Psalms 103:19, where it says 'The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.'
Why does the verse warn against the 'rebellious' exalting themselves?
This warning is given because those who rebel against God's rule will ultimately face His judgment, as seen in Proverbs 29:1, which says 'A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.'
What does the phrase 'His eyes watch the nations' imply about God's involvement in global affairs?
This phrase suggests that God is actively aware of and involved in the affairs of all nations, as also stated in Jeremiah 32:19, which says 'You are great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.'
What is the significance of the word 'Selah' at the end of Psalms 66:7?
The word 'Selah' is a musical term that likely indicates a pause or a moment of reflection in the song, allowing the listener to ponder the significance of what has just been said, much like the pauses in Habakkuk 3:3 and Habakkuk 3:9.
Reflection Questions
- How does the knowledge that God 'rules forever by His power' impact my daily life and decisions?
- In what ways can I practically submit to God's rule and authority in my own life, and what are the benefits of doing so?
- What are some ways that I may be 'exalting myself' or rebelling against God's rule, and how can I humble myself before Him?
- How can I trust in God's sovereign power and watchful eye, even when global events seem chaotic or uncertain?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 66:7
He ruleth by his power forever,.... Christ is the Ruler in Israel, King over his holy hill of Zion; who must reign till all enemies are put under his feet.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 66:7
He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 66:7
The same power which God had and put forth for his people in ancient time, he still hath in as great vigour as ever, and is not at all weakened by age, and is as able and ready to act for them now as ever he was; which he hath showed by this late and glorious instance. His eyes behold the nations; he sees all their secret and subtle devices, and can and will defeat them, when he sees fit. Let not the rebellious exalt themselves; lift up their hands against God, or against his people. Or, the rebellious (i.e. those people which rebel against this almighty God and his laws) shall not exalt themselves, as they vainly hope and design to do; but shall be brought down and destroyed, as is hereby implied.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 66:7
Psalms 66:7 He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.Ver. 7. He ruleth by his power] As sole sovereign, universal monarch, αυτοκρατωρ, παντοκρατωρ. Sesostris, king of Egypt, would needs be styled κοσμοκρατωρ, emperor of the whole world (Herod. l. 2); he lived about the time of Samson, and perished by the hands of his own householdservants. His eyes behold the nations] For which purpose they run to and fro through the earth, 2 Chronicles 16:9. Let not the rebellious, &c.] Heb. the off fallen, froward, and refractory persons; these shall soon be repressed and crest fallen.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 66:7
(7) His eyes behold.—Better, his eyes keep watch on the nations. God is, as it were, Israel’s outpost, ever on the alert to warn and defend them against surrounding nations. Let not . . .—Literally, the rebellious, let them not exalt for themselves, where we may supply “horn” as in Psalms 75:4-5, or “head” as in Psalms 3:3; Psalms 110:7. For the rebellious, comp. Psalms 68:6.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 66:7
Verse 7. He ruleth by his power] His omnipotence is employed to support his followers, and cast down his enemies. His eyes behold the nations] He sees what they purpose, what they intend to do; and what they will do, if he restrain them not. Let not the rebellious exalt themselves.] They shall not succeed in their designs: they have their own aggrandizement in view, but thou wilt disappoint and cast them down. Selah.] Mark this. It is true.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 66:7
7. by his power] By his might (R.V.), as Psalms 65:6. for ever] What is true for the past is true for the present and the future. God’s sovereignty is eternal. Cp. Psalms 145:13; Jeremiah 10:10. his eyes behold the nations] Better, as R.V. renders the word in Proverbs 15:3, keep watch upon. He is the world’s watchman, sleeplessly on the watch lest any foe should injure Israel. Cp. Psalms 33:10; Psalms 33:13 ff; Isaiah 27:3; and Hezekiah’s prayer (Isaiah 37:17), “open thine eyes, O Lord, and see.” let not the rebellious exalt themselves] A warning to those who obstinately resist God’s will (Psalms 68:6; Psalms 68:18) to humble themselves (Psalms 2:10 f), rather than a prayer to God to humble them (Psalms 9:19). Cp. God’s reproof of Sennacherib by Isaiah (Isaiah 37:23), “Against whom hast thou exalted thy voice and lifted up thine eyes on high?”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 66:7
He ruleth by his power for ever - literally, “Ruling by his power forever.” The idea is, that he does this constantly; in each age and generation. He never has ceased to rule; he never will.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 66:7
7. His eyes behold—His eyes watch. A police-watch is intended. Thus exact knowledge and perfect power leave no hope of impunity.
Sermons on Psalms 66:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Bound to the Living Word by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the majesty and power of God as the ruler of all creation, whose laws govern the universe and the affairs of humanity. He highlights that God's testimoni |
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Don't Be Fooled, Jesus Reigns by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that Jesus reigns supreme over all nations and human authorities, asserting that no earthly power, including political parties or businesses, holds true |
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We Serve a Righteous King by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the majesty and power of God as the righteous King who governs all of creation with unchanging laws. He highlights that God's testimonies and decrees are |
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Governed by the Word of God by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that if Christ is the supreme authority over His kingdom, then our lives must be governed by Him in every aspect. He explains that to be governed by Jesu |
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The Righteous Are on Trial by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his past messages about faith and acknowledges that he has not fully practiced what he preached. However, he realizes that God has put him |
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The Apocalypse - Revelation 6a (The First Five Seals) by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the opening of the scroll in the book of Revelation. There are two main perspectives on how the seals on the scroll are opened. One view sugge |
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What Can You Do? by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and uncertainty that many people feel in the current world, particularly in relation to issues such as terrorism and moral decay. He |