Psalms 76:4
Psalms 76:4 in Multiple Translations
You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains filled with game.
Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.
Glorious art thou and excellent, From the mountains of prey.
You are shining and full of glory, more than the eternal mountains.
You shine with light; you are more majestic than the everlasting mountains.
Thou art more bright and puissant, then the mountaines of pray.
Bright [art] Thou, honourable above hills of prey.
Glorious are you, and excellent, more than mountains of game.
Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.
I remembered God, and was delighted, and was exercised, and my spirit swooned away.
God, you are glorious! You are like a king as you return from the mountains where you defeated your enemies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 76:4
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 76:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁ֭מָּ/ה
שִׁבַּ֣ר
רִשְׁפֵי
קָ֑שֶׁת
מָגֵ֬ן
וְ/חֶ֖רֶב
וּ/מִלְחָמָ֣ה
סֶֽלָה
שָׁ֭מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
שִׁבַּ֣ר
shâbar
H7665
to break
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
רִשְׁפֵי
resheph
H7565
flash
N-mp
קָ֑שֶׁת
qesheth
H7198
bow
N-fs
מָגֵ֬ן
mâgên
H4043
shield
N-cs
וְ/חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Conj | N-fs
וּ/מִלְחָמָ֣ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Conj | N-fs
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 76:4
שָׁ֭מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
שִׁבַּ֣ר
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
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.
רִשְׁפֵי
resheph
H7565
"flash"
N-mp
This word means a flash of fire or lightning, and can also describe a burning fever or a spark. It is used figuratively to describe God's power and judgment, as seen in the book of Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) flame, firebolt, spark 1a) flame 1b) fire-bolt
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: arrow, (burning) coal, burning heat, [phrase] spark, hot thunderbolt. See also: Deuteronomy 32:24; Psalms 78:48; Psalms 76:4.
קָ֑שֶׁת
qesheth
H7198
"bow"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.
Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.
מָגֵ֬ן
mâgên
H4043
"shield"
N-cs
A shield in biblical times, this word also symbolizes protection, like God being a shield to those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 3:3. It can also refer to a ruler or leader who defends their people.
Definition: shield, buckler
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] armed, buckler, defence, ruler, [phrase] scale, shield. See also: Genesis 15:1; Psalms 33:20; Psalms 3:4.
וְ/חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Conj | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
וּ/מִלְחָמָ֣ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Conj | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
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 76:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 76:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 76:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 76:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 76:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 76:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 76:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 76:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 76:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 76:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 76:4
- Sermons on Psalms 76:4
Context — God’s Name Is Great in Israel
2His tent is in Salem, His dwelling place in Zion.
3There He shattered the flaming arrows, the shield and sword and weapons of war. Selah
4You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains filled with game.
5The valiant lie plundered; they sleep their last sleep. No men of might could lift a hand. 6At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both horse and rider lie stunned.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 19:1–4 | “As for you, take up a lament for the princes of Israel and say: ‘What was your mother? A lioness among the lions! She lay down among the young lions; she reared her cubs. She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men. When the nations heard of him, he was trapped in their pit. With hooks they led him away to the land of Egypt. |
| 2 | Daniel 7:17–28 | ‘These four great beasts are four kings who will arise from the earth. But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever—yes, forever and ever.’ Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others—extremely terrifying—devouring and crushing with iron teeth and bronze claws, then trampling underfoot whatever was left. I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—the horn whose appearance was more imposing than the others, with eyes and with a mouth that spoke words of arrogance. As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days arrived and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for them to possess the kingdom. This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it. And the ten horns are ten kings who will rise from this kingdom. After them another king, different from the earlier ones, will rise and subdue three kings. He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time. But the court will convene, and his dominion will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, dominion, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey Him.’ Thus ends the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face turned pale. But I kept the matter to myself.” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 19:6 | He prowled among the lions, and became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men. |
| 4 | Daniel 7:4–8 | The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and given the mind of a man. Suddenly another beast appeared, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. So it was told, ‘Get up and gorge yourself on flesh!’ Next, as I watched, another beast appeared. It was like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and it was given authority to rule. After this, as I watched in my vision in the night, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, and it was terrifying—dreadful and extremely strong—with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed; then it trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns. While I was contemplating the horns, suddenly another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like those of a man and a mouth that spoke words of arrogance. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 4:7 | A lion has gone up from his thicket, and a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his lair to lay waste your land. Your cities will be reduced to ruins and lie uninhabited. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 38:12–13 | in order to seize the spoil and carry off the plunder, to turn a hand against the desolate places now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and possessions and who live at the center of the land.’ Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will ask, ‘Have you come to capture the plunder? Have you assembled your hordes to carry away loot, to make off with silver and gold, to take cattle and goods, to seize great spoil?’ |
Psalms 76:4 Summary
This verse, Psalms 76:4, describes God as being full of light and more majestic than even the most impressive mountains. This means that God is incredibly powerful and glorious, beyond anything we can imagine, as seen in other verses like Psalms 104:1-2, which describes God's mighty works in creation. Just like a brilliant light can illuminate a dark room, God's presence can bring hope and guidance to our lives, and we can trust in His power to overcome any challenge, just as the psalmist does in this passage. By reflecting on God's majesty and power, we can deepen our faith and trust in Him, and live in the light of His presence, as described in John 8:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God is 'resplendent with light' in Psalms 76:4?
This phrase describes God's glorious and radiant nature, much like in Ezekiel 1:27-28, where the prophet sees a brilliant light surrounding God's throne, emphasizing His holiness and power.
How can God be 'more majestic than mountains filled with game'?
This comparison highlights God's greatness and majesty, surpassing even the most impressive natural wonders, as seen in Psalms 95:4, which says God's hands formed the mountains, demonstrating His incredible power and creative ability.
What is the significance of light in describing God's nature?
In the Bible, light often represents God's purity, wisdom, and presence, as seen in Psalms 27:1, where God is called the 'light of my salvation', and in 1 John 1:5, which states that 'God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all'.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Psalms 76:4 is part of a larger passage describing God's power and victory over His enemies, as seen in the surrounding verses, such as Psalms 76:3, where God shatters the weapons of war, and Psalms 76:6, where His rebuke stuns both horse and rider.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have experienced God's majesty and power in my life, and how can I reflect on those moments to deepen my faith?
- How can I, like the psalmist, describe God's glory and majesty in my own words, and what would I compare His greatness to?
- In what ways can I, as a follower of God, reflect His light and radiance to those around me, and what does that look like in my daily life?
- What are some 'mountains' in my life that seem insurmountable, and how can I trust in God's power and majesty to overcome them, just as the psalmist does in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 76:4
Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 76:4
Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 76:4
Thou, O God; to whom he directeth his speech here, as also . Than the mountains of prey; either, 1. Than the greatest kings and emperors of the earth, which in prophetical writings are oft compared to mountains, as ,3 Isa 41:15 . And they are called mountains of prey, because then they generally were established by tyranny, and maintained by preying upon their own subjects, or other inferior kingdoms. Or, 2. (which amounts to the same thing) Than the most powerful enemies of thy people, upon whom they used and now desired and expected to prey; such persons being oft expressed by the name of mountains, as , &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 76:4
Psalms 76:4 Thou [art] more glorious [and] excellent than the mountains of prey.Ver. 4. Thou art more glorious and excellent] Or, more bright and magnificent. Glorious God was before, but now more glorious by this late deliverance, illuminating his people with his marvellous light. Than the mountains of prey] Those vast hosts of Assyrians lying now upon the mountains around Jerusalem, and plundering the country at their pleasure. Thou, Lord, art far more illustrious and admirable than all those Grassatores populi, ac reges quantumvis elati, those mountains of lions and leopards, Son 4:8, the kingdoms of this world, enemies to the Church.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 76:4
(4) Thou art . . .—Better, Splendid art thou, glorious one, from the mountains of prey. The construction is somewhat doubtful and favours Hupfeld’s emendation (nora, i.e., to be feared, as in verses 8 and 13, instead of noar, i.e., glorious). Certainly the comparative of the Authorised Version is to be abandoned. The poet’s thought plainly proceeds from the figure of Psa 76:2. The mountains are the mountains of prey of the Lion of Judah. True, a different image, as so frequently in Hebrew poetry, suddenly interrupts and changes the picture. The hero appears from the battle shining in the spoils taken from the foe.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 76:4
Verse 4. Than the mountains of prey.] This is an address to Mount Zion. Thou art more illustrious and excellent than all the mountains of prey, i.e., where wild beasts wander, and prey on those that are more helpless than themselves. Zion was the place where GOD dwelt; the other mountains were the abode of wild beasts.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 76:4
4–6. The manifestation of God’s majesty in the discomfiture of the enemy.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 76:4
Thou art more glorious and excellent - The word rendered glorious - נאור na'ôr - is from the verb which means “to shine,” to give light, and the word would properly refer to a luminous or “shining”
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 76:4
4. Mountains of prey—The verse is elliptical and obscure, but literally the words would seem to mean, mountains where beasts of prey abounded and held high carnival. Son 4:8.
Sermons on Psalms 76:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Wrath of Satan Shall Praise God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He emphasizes that when Jesus shows up, the game is over for the enemi |
|
Exposition on Psalm 77 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the Psalms, interpreting the congregation as those who leap over to reach Christ Jesus, emphasizing the importance of seeking God for Himself and not j |
|
Daniel's Night Visions and Their Meaning by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the visions of Daniel, highlighting the desire for knowledge about future events and the fate of God's people amidst upheavals. The sermon covers |
|
(Through the Bible) Lamentations by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of being double-minded and unstable in one's ways, as mentioned in the book of James. He emphasizes that God does not speak both |