Psalms 68:4
Psalms 68:4 in Multiple Translations
Sing to God! Sing praises to His name. Exalt Him who rides on the clouds — His name is the LORD— and rejoice before Him.
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him.
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: Cast up a highway for him that rideth through the deserts; His name is Jehovah; and exult ye before him.
Make songs to God, make songs of praise to his name; make a way for him who comes through the waste lands; his name is Jah; be glad before him.
Sing praises to God! Sing praises to his wonderful reputation! Praise the rider of the clouds—his name is the Lord! Be happy in his presence!
Sing vnto God, and sing prayses vnto his name: exalt him that rideth vpon the heauens, in his Name Iah, and reioyce before him.
Sing ye to God — praise His name, Raise up a highway for Him who is riding in deserts, In Jah [is] His name, and exult before Him.
Sing to God! Sing praises to his name! Extol him who rides on the clouds: to the LORD, his name! Rejoice before him!
Sing to God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.
I have laboured with crying; my jaws are become hoarse: my eyes have failed, whilst I hope in my God.
Sing to God; sing to praise him; sing a song (OR, make a road) for him who rides on the clouds; his name is Yahweh; be glad when you are in his presence.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 68:4
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 68:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְֽ/צַדִּיקִ֗ים
יִשְׂמְח֣וּ
יַֽ֭עַלְצוּ
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
וְ/יָשִׂ֥ישׂוּ
בְ/שִׂמְחָֽה
וְֽ/צַדִּיקִ֗ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Conj | Adj
יִשְׂמְח֣וּ
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
יַֽ֭עַלְצוּ
ʻâlats
H5970
to rejoice
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וְ/יָשִׂ֥ישׂוּ
sûws
H7797
to rejoice
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בְ/שִׂמְחָֽה
simchâh
H8057
joy
Prep | N-fs
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 68:4
וְֽ/צַדִּיקִ֗ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Conj | Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
יִשְׂמְח֣וּ
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
יַֽ֭עַלְצוּ
ʻâlats
H5970
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To rejoice or jump for joy is what this Hebrew word means, like when the Psalmist writes about rejoicing in God's salvation in Psalm 13:5. It's an expression of triumphant joy or celebration. This word is used to describe a strong feeling of happiness.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, exult 1a) (Qal) to exult
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be joyful, rejoice, triumph. See also: 1 Samuel 2:1; Psalms 25:2; Psalms 5:12.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
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.
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
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.
וְ/יָשִׂ֥ישׂוּ
sûws
H7797
"to rejoice"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to feel joyful or cheerful, like a bright and happy feeling. It appears in the Bible when people are celebrating or giving thanks. In the KJV, it is often translated as 'rejoice' or 'be glad'.
Definition: 1) to exult, rejoice 1a) (Qal) to exult, display joy
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: be glad, [idiom] greatly, joy, make mirth, rejoice. See also: Deuteronomy 28:63; Isaiah 61:10; Psalms 19:6.
בְ/שִׂמְחָֽה
simchâh
H8057
"joy"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 68:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 68:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 68:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 68:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 68:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 68:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 68:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 68:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 68:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 68:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 68:4
- Sermons on Psalms 68:4
Context — God’s Enemies Are Scattered
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.
5A father of the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation. 6God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 33:26 | “There is none like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to your aid, and the clouds in His majesty. |
| 2 | Isaiah 12:4–6 | and on that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD; proclaim His name! Make His works known among the peoples; declare that His name is exalted. Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things. Let this be known in all the earth. Cry out and sing, O citizen of Zion, for great among you is the Holy One of Israel.” |
| 3 | Psalms 66:4 | All the earth bows down to You; they sing praise to You; they sing praise to Your name.” Selah |
| 4 | Psalms 66:2 | Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious. |
| 5 | Psalms 104:3 | laying the beams of His chambers in the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind. |
| 6 | Psalms 68:33 | to Him who rides upon the highest heavens of old; behold, His mighty voice resounds. |
| 7 | Psalms 67:4 | Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth. Selah |
| 8 | Psalms 18:10 | He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind. |
| 9 | Psalms 83:18 | May they know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, are Most High over all the earth. |
| 10 | Exodus 6:3 | I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by My name the LORD I did not make Myself known to them. |
Psalms 68:4 Summary
Psalms 68:4 is calling us to worship and praise God for who He is and what He does. We are to sing and give praise to His name, recognizing His power and majesty as the One who rides on the clouds. This reminds us of His greatness, as seen in other scriptures like Job 37:22, where God's power is described in the majesty of the clouds. By rejoicing before Him, we acknowledge His sovereign control over our lives and express our gratitude for His love and care, as encouraged in Psalms 100:4-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'exalt Him who rides on the clouds' in Psalms 68:4?
This phrase is referring to God's power and majesty, as seen in other scriptures like Isaiah 19:1, where God is described as riding on the clouds, demonstrating His control over all creation.
Why are we called to 'sing praises to His name' in this verse?
We are called to sing praises to God's name because of His great works and character, as expressed in Psalms 100:4-5, which reminds us to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.
What is the significance of God's name being 'the LORD' in this context?
The name 'the LORD' is a reference to God's covenant name, Yahweh, which signifies His eternal and unchanging nature, as seen in Exodus 3:15, where God introduces Himself to Moses as the eternal and unchanging God.
How can we 'rejoice before Him' as mentioned in Psalms 68:4?
We can rejoice before God by living a life of gratitude, trust, and obedience, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17, where we are reminded to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can practically 'sing praises to His name' in my daily life?
- How does the image of God 'riding on the clouds' impact my understanding of His power and majesty?
- In what ways can I 'exalt' God in my thoughts, words, and actions today?
- What are some reasons I can rejoice before God, and how can I cultivate a heart of joy in my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 68:4
Sing unto God,.... Manifest in the flesh, risen from the dead, ascended on high, set down at the right hand of his divine Father; having exerted his great strength in their redemption; and therefore
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 68:4
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. Sing ... extol him that rideth upon the heavens.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 68:4
Extol him, by praising him; of which this verb is used, . Or rather, raise up or prepare the way for him; for so this word is commonly used, as 57:10, and elsewhere. And this doubtless they did for this solemnity of bringing the ark to Zion. Compare . That rideth upon the heavens; which phrase is used below, , though in differing words. Or, that did ride in the desert, where the ark was carried, and God marched along with it in the cloudy pillar. Or, that now rideth as (which particle is frequently understood) in the desert, i.e. that is now carried from place to place as it was in the desert. The word here rendered heavens doth generally signify the desert or plain fields, as ,50 36:13 , compared with . By his name Jah; whereby he is known and distinguished from all false gods; for Jah is generally conceived to be an abbreviature of the name Jehovah, which the heathens pronounced Jao. Before him; before the ark, where he is present, as David himself is said, to dance before the Lord upon this occasion, .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 68:4
Psalms 68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.Ver. 4. Sing unto God, sing praises] Cantate, Psallite, do it daily and duly, not in a customary, formal, bedulling way. For a help hereunto was this psalm penned, quo nihil ornatius, magnificentius, divinius denique scribi a quoquam possit, saith learned Beza, in a lofty and lively style. Extol him that rideth upon the heavens] Exalt him so, as when a heap is made up unto a great height. Beza rendereth it, Sternite viam equiti deserti, Cast up or pave the way for him that rideth in the desert. Confer Isaiah 40:3-4 Malachi 3:1 Matthew 3:3. The Septuagint render it, οδοποιησατε, Raise up the way, and make it ready (as they use to do before kings that ride in triumph), that the King of glory may come into your hearts, those deserts indeed. By his name Jah] The same with Jehovah, that proper and incommunicable name of God. Some of the heathens called it Jao, as Diodorus Siculus, Macrobius, &c. Holy and reverend is this name, Aυταυτος, Essentiator, and it is here and elsewhere given to Christ.
See it interpreted Revelation 1:4.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 68:4
(4) Sing praises . . .—Better, play on the harp.Extol him that rideth upon the heavens.—Rather, cast up a highway for him that rideth on the steppes. (Comp. Isaiah 40:3, of which this is apparently an echo.) The poet’s voice is the herald’s who precedes the army of God to order the removal of all obstructions, and the formation of cairns to mark the road. Isaiah 57:14; Isaiah 62:10, are passages alluding to the same custom. The translation, “upon the heavens,” rests on a rabbinical interpretation of ‘arabôth.By derivation it means “a dry sandy region,” a “steppe.” The singular of the noun forms with the article a proper name designating the Jordan valley. (In the poetical books, however, any wild tract of country is called ‘Arabah—Isaiah 35:1; Isaiah 35:6.) The plural often designates particular parts of this region, as the plains of Moab or Jericho (2 Kings 25:4-5). Such a restricted sense is quite in keeping with the allusions to the early history which make up so much of the psalm. By his name JAH.—Better, his name is Jah. This abbreviated form of Jehovah is first found in Exodus 15:2. No doubt the verse is a fragment of a song as old as the Exodus.
It may be noticed here that the dependence of this psalm on older songs is nowhere more conspicuous than in the very various use of the Divine names, Elohim, Adonai, El, Shaddai, Jehovah, Jah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 68:4
Verse 4. Extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH] "Extol him who sitteth on the throne of glory, in the ninth heaven; YAH is his name; and rejoice before him." - Targum. בערבות baaraboth, which we render in the high heavens, is here of doubtful signification. As it comes from the root ערב arab, to mingle, (hence ereb the evening or twilight, because it appears to be formed of an equal mixture of light and darkness; the Septuagint translate it δυσμων, the west, or setting of the sun; so does the Vulgate and others;) probably it may mean the gloomy desert, through which God, in the chariot of his glory, led the Israelites. If this interpretation do not please, then let it be referred to the darkness in which God is said to dwell, through which the rays of his power and love, in the various dispensations of his power and mercy, shine forth for the comfort and instruction of mankind. By his name Jah] יה Yah, probably a contraction of the word יהוה Yehovah; at least so the ancient Versions understood it. It is used but in a few places in the sacred writings. It might be translated The Self existent.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 68:4
4–6. God’s people are summoned to welcome Him and prepare the way for His coming: He is the champion of the weak and defenceless, the liberator of the captive.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 68:4
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name - That is, to him; the name being often put for the person himself. The repetition denotes intensity of desire; a wish that God might be praised with the highest praises.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 68:4
4. Extol him—Hebrew, Cast up to him. The same word is used Isaiah 57:14; Isaiah 62:10, and elsewhere, for the levelling and smoothing (grading, as we would say) of public royal and military highways.
Sermons on Psalms 68:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Building the House of God - Trials Anger and Victory Part 2 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of understanding God's love and presence during trials, encouraging believers to be vulnerable and open to God's word. He draws parallels |
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The Day of the Lord (Pentecost) by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a horse that was harnessed with a cow and had lost its wings. A student wanted to buy the horse and when he touched its mane, the h |
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Evangelism 01 My Testimony by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the teacher discusses a situation where a board does not explicitly state whether a certain action is allowed or not. The teacher asks the audience if they would li |
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Make His Praise Glorious by Joshua Daniel | Joshua Daniel preaches about the importance of making God's name glorious, emphasizing the spiritual hunger and thirst that people have, and questioning if we have truly magnified |
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Exposition on Psalm 69 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the importance of humility, poverty, and praise in the Christian life. He emphasizes the need to acknowledge our own sinfulness and need for God's merc |
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Exposition on Psalm 19 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the glory of God revealed through the heavens and the works of His hands, as well as the proclamation of His Word day and night. He emphasizes the univers |
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Improve God's Name by Ralph Erskine | Ralph Erskine preaches on the significance of God's name in salvation, emphasizing how God's mercy and goodness are displayed for the sake of His name. Believers are encouraged to |