Psalms 68:2
Psalms 68:2 in Multiple Translations
As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God.
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: As wax melteth before the fire, So let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
Let them be like smoke before the driving wind; as wax turning soft before the fire, so let them come to an end before the power of God.
Blow them away as if they were smoke; melt them like beeswax in a fire. Let the wicked die in God's presence.
As the smoke vanisheth, so shalt thou driue them away: and as waxe melteth before the fire, so shall the wicked perish at the presence of God.
As the driving away of smoke Thou drivest away, As the melting of wax before fire, The wicked perish at the presence of God.
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away. As wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
SAVE me, O God: for the waters are come in even unto my soul.
Like wind blows smoke away, chase your enemies away. Like wax melts when it is near a fire, cause wicked people to ◄disappear/be destroyed►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 68:2
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 68:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָק֣וּם
אֱ֭לֹהִים
יָפ֣וּצוּ
אוֹיְבָ֑י/ו
וְ/יָנ֥וּסוּ
מְ֝שַׂנְאָ֗י/ו
מִ/פָּנָֽי/ו
יָק֣וּם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֱ֭לֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
יָפ֣וּצוּ
pûwts
H6327
to scatter
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אוֹיְבָ֑י/ו
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
וְ/יָנ֥וּסוּ
nûwç
H5127
to flee
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מְ֝שַׂנְאָ֗י/ו
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Piel | Suff
מִ/פָּנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
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 68:2
יָק֣וּם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
אֱ֭לֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יָפ֣וּצוּ
pûwts
H6327
"to scatter"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.
אוֹיְבָ֑י/ו
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
וְ/יָנ֥וּסוּ
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
מְ֝שַׂנְאָ֗י/ו
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Piel | Suff
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
מִ/פָּנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — Psalms 68:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 68:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 68:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 68:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 68:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 68:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 68:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 68:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 68:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 68:2
- Sermons on Psalms 68:2
Context — God’s Enemies Are Scattered
1God arises. His enemies are scattered, and those who hate Him flee His presence.
2As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God.
3But the righteous will be glad and rejoice before God; they will celebrate with joy. 4Sing to God! Sing praises to His name. Exalt Him who rides on the clouds — His name is the LORD— and rejoice before Him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 1:4 | The mountains will melt beneath Him, and the valleys will split apart, like wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope. |
| 2 | Psalms 37:20 | But the wicked and enemies of the LORD will perish like the glory of the fields. They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away. |
| 3 | Isaiah 9:18 | For wickedness burns like a fire that consumes the thorns and briers and kindles the forest thickets which roll upward in billows of smoke. |
| 4 | Hosea 13:3 | Therefore they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes, like chaff blown from a threshing floor, like smoke through an open window. |
| 5 | Psalms 97:5 | The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. |
| 6 | Revelation 6:16–17 | And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” |
| 7 | Psalms 80:16 | Your vine has been cut down and burned; they perish at the rebuke of Your countenance. |
| 8 | Nahum 1:5–6 | The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence— the world and all its dwellers. Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him. |
| 9 | Psalms 76:7 | You alone are to be feared. When You are angry, who can stand before You? |
| 10 | 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9 | in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might, |
Psalms 68:2 Summary
This verse, Psalms 68:2, tells us that God will easily and completely destroy the wicked, just like smoke disappears in the air or wax melts in a fire. It reminds us that God is all-powerful and will judge those who are against Him, which is a theme also seen in other parts of the Bible like Isaiah 9:18. The image of the wicked perishing 'in the presence of God' shows us that God's judgment is personal and direct, as mentioned in Romans 14:10-12. This truth should give believers comfort and hope, knowing that God is righteous and will ultimately destroy evil, allowing the righteous to rejoice and celebrate before Him, as encouraged in Psalms 68:3-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to drive out the wicked like smoke is blown away?
This phrase, found in Psalms 68:2, illustrates how easily and completely God can remove the wicked from His presence, much like smoke vanishes in the air, as seen in Isaiah 9:18 where God's judgment is likened to a consuming fire.
How does the image of wax melting before the fire relate to the wicked perishing in God's presence?
The melting of wax before fire, mentioned in Psalms 68:2, symbolizes the inability of the wicked to withstand God's judgment, highlighting their vulnerability and ultimate destruction, a theme also found in Revelation 20:15 where those whose names are not in the Book of Life are thrown into the lake of fire.
What is the significance of the wicked perishing 'in the presence of God'?
The phrase 'in the presence of God' from Psalms 68:2 emphasizes that the wicked will face their demise directly before God, underscoring the personal and direct nature of God's judgment, as also seen in Romans 14:10-12 where every knee will bow before God and each will give an account of themselves to Him.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's justice and righteousness?
Psalms 68:2 contributes to the understanding of God's justice by showing His power to judge and destroy wickedness, reflecting His righteousness and holiness, concepts that are central to God's character as described in Psalms 119:137 and Isaiah 30:18.
Reflection Questions
- How does the imagery of smoke being blown away and wax melting before the fire affect your understanding of God's power over the wicked?
- In what ways do you see the wicked trying to stand against God in the world today, and how does this verse give you hope or comfort?
- What does it mean for you personally to consider that the wicked will perish 'in the presence of God', and how should this truth influence your daily life and decisions?
- How can you, as a believer, rejoice and celebrate before God, knowing that He is a God of justice who will ultimately destroy wickedness, as hinted in Psalms 68:3-4?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 68:2
As smoke is driven away, so drive [them] away,.... This both describes the character of wicked men, Christ's enemies; as their darkness and ignorance, their will worship and superstition, and their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 68:2
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. As smoke is driven away ... as wax melteth before the fire.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 68:2
As smoke is driven away; as smoke at first mounts high and fills a great space of air, but speedily vanisheth into air, or is dispersed with the wind.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 68:2
Psalms 68:2 As smoke is driven away, [so] drive [them] away: as wax melteth before the fire, [so] let the wicked perish at the presence of God.Ver. 2. As smoke is driven away, &c.] Smoke at first sight seemeth formidable, but soon vanisheth; and the higher it ascendeth the sooner it is dissipated: so here. Guicciardine saith of Charles VIII of France, that he came into the field like thunder and lightning, but went out like a snuff; more than a man at first, and less than a woman at last. A semblably of God’ s enemies. As wax melteth before the fire, &c.] Wax is a more solid substance than smoke, but, held to the fire, it quickly dissolveth. The psalmist both prayeth and prophesieth here, that the downfall of the Church’ s enemies may be praeceps et praesentissimum, sad and sudden, as is elegantly set forth by these two similitudes.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 68:2
(2) Smoke.—The figure of the vanishing smoke has occurred before (see Psalms 37:20); for that of the melting wax see Psalms 97:5. Both figures are too obvious to need reference to the cloud and fire of the ancient encampment.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 68:2
2. The verbs should be rendered as in Psalms 68:1 by futures: As smoke … so shalt thou drive them away: as wax … so shall the wicked perish at the presence of God. The smoke scattered by the wind is an apt emblem for total disappearance (Psalms 37:20; Hosea 13:3); the wax melted by the fire for unresisting impotence (Psalms 97:5; Micah 1:4). “At the blast of the breath of Jehovah” the wicked vanish, leaving no trace behind; the consuming fire of His wrath they are powerless to withstand.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 68:2
As smoke is driven away - To wit, by the wind. Smoke - vapor - easily disturbed and moved by the slightest breath of air - represents an object of no stability, or having no power of resistance, and
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 68:2
2. Smoke… wax—Emblems of the feebleness and instability of such as fight against God.
Sermons on Psalms 68:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Keeping Your Spirit Focused by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience not to worry or be envious of those who do wrong. He emphasizes the temporary nature of evil and compares it to withering grass |
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2001 Advent Week 2 - Prodigal's Sister by John Piper | In this sermon transcript, a woman is depicted watching a beautiful sunset and reflecting on the heritage of her ancestors. She wonders where she should stay for the night and pray |
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1 Corinthians 15:11 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of luxury and the importance of self-control, highlighting how indulging in excess leads to spiritual and physical harm, causing the soul |
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The Towers Have Fallen (Sept 16 2001) - Part 3 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the need for repentance and turning away from wicked ways to avoid God's judgment. It warns of the consequences of societal sins, such as idolatry, immoralit |
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When Jesus Makes Himself Known by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that the church, before the return of Jesus, will not be characterized by fear and frailty but will flourish in the richness of God's presence. He highli |
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"Can God Forgive Me?" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the unfathomable mercy and forgiveness of God, highlighting a powerful encounter with a soldier haunted by his past sins and seeking redemption. It explores |
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The Spirit and the Bride Say Come by R.G. Lee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting Jesus Christ as one's Savior. He warns that if someone were to die without accepting Christ, they would be consider |