Psalms 97:3
Psalms 97:3 in Multiple Translations
Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.
A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
A fire goeth before him, And burneth up his adversaries round about.
Fire goes before him, burning up all those who are against him round about.
Flames proceed him, burning up his enemies on every side.
There shall goe a fire before him, and burne vp his enemies round about.
Fire before Him goeth, And burneth round about His adversaries.
A fire goes before him, and burns up his adversaries on every side.
A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
He hath remembered his mercy his truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
He sends fire in front of him, and he completely burns all his enemies in that fire.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 97:3
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 97:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵ֭שׁ
לְ/פָנָ֣י/ו
תֵּלֵ֑ךְ
וּ/תְלַהֵ֖ט
סָבִ֣יב
צָרָֽי/ו
אֵ֭שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
לְ/פָנָ֣י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
תֵּלֵ֑ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
וּ/תְלַהֵ֖ט
lâhaṭ
H3857
to kindle
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
סָבִ֣יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
צָרָֽי/ו
tsar
H6862
narrow
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 97:3
אֵ֭שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
לְ/פָנָ֣י/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.
תֵּלֵ֑ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וּ/תְלַהֵ֖ט
lâhaṭ
H3857
"to kindle"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
To kindle or burn something is what this Hebrew word means, like a flame that blazes up. It is used to describe fire or passion, as seen in the Bible when something is set on fire or blazing.
Definition: 1) to burn, blaze, scorch, kindle, blaze up, flame 1a) (Qal) blazing (participle) 1b)(Piel) to scorch, burn, blaze
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: burn (up), set on fire, flaming, kindle. See also: Deuteronomy 32:22; Psalms 104:4; Psalms 57:5.
סָבִ֣יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
צָרָֽי/ו
tsar
H6862
"narrow"
N-mp | Suff
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Definition: narrow, tight
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 14:20; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 3:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 97:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 97:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 97:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 97:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 97:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 97:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 97:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 97:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 97:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 97:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 97:3
- Sermons on Psalms 97:3
Context — Let the Earth Rejoice
1The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad.
2Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation.
3Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.
4His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 50:3 | Our God approaches and will not be silent! Consuming fire precedes Him, and a tempest rages around Him. |
| 2 | Psalms 18:8 | Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth. |
| 3 | Hebrews 12:29 | “For our God is a consuming fire.” |
| 4 | 2 Thessalonians 1:8 | in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. |
| 5 | Malachi 4:1 | “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.” |
| 6 | Daniel 7:10 | A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. |
| 7 | Psalms 21:8–9 | Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You. You will place them in a fiery furnace at the time of Your appearing. In His wrath the LORD will engulf them, and the fire will consume them. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 32:22 | For a fire has been kindled by My anger, and it burns to the depths of Sheol; it consumes the earth and its produce, and scorches the foundations of the mountains. |
| 9 | 2 Peter 3:10–12 | But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. |
| 10 | 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. |
Psalms 97:3 Summary
Psalms 97:3 tells us that God is all-powerful and that His presence is accompanied by fire that consumes His enemies. This fire represents God's judgment and purification, and it's a reminder that God is holy and just. As we read in Deuteronomy 4:24, God is a consuming fire, and we are called to reverence and worship Him. In simple terms, this verse means that God is a powerful and righteous God who will ultimately defeat all that is evil, and we can trust in His sovereignty and power, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the fire in Psalms 97:3 represent?
The fire in Psalms 97:3 represents God's judgment and purification, as seen in other scriptures like Deuteronomy 4:24 and Hebrews 12:29, where God is described as a consuming fire.
Who are the foes that the fire consumes?
The foes that the fire consumes are those who oppose God and His righteousness, as mentioned in Psalms 68:1-2, where God is said to scatter His enemies and pursue them with His tempest.
Is this verse only talking about God's judgment, or is there a broader context?
While Psalms 97:3 does describe God's judgment, it is part of a larger picture of God's reign and glory, as seen in the surrounding verses, such as Psalms 97:1-2, where the earth is called to rejoice at God's reign.
How does this verse relate to our lives as believers?
As believers, we can take comfort in the fact that God is a consuming fire who will ultimately defeat all His enemies, as promised in Revelation 20:10, and we can also be reminded of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to Him, as encouraged in 1 Peter 1:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's refining fire?
- How can I better reflect God's righteousness and justice in my daily interactions with others?
- What are some ways that I can rejoice at God's reign, even in the midst of challenging circumstances?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty and power, even when faced with opposition or adversity?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 97:3
A fire goeth before him, c,] Not the fiery law, which went forth from his right hand on Mount Sinai but rather his Gospel, which, as it enlightens, warms, comforts, and refreshes his people,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 97:3
A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. A fire goeth before him; and burneth up his enemies round about - (Psalms 18:8; Psalms 18:12.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 97:3
This fire, and lightning, and earthquake, and the sad effects of them, mentioned here, and ,5, signify those dreadful judgments of God which should be inflicted upon the Jews and others for their refusal and contempt of the Messias; which was foretold in the Old Testament, and accomplished in the New Testament.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 97:3
Psalms 97:3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.Ver. 3. A fire goeth before him] For even our God is a consuming fire, Hebrews 12:29 (and not the God of the Jews only), as shall well appear at the last day, 2 Thessalonians 1:8.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 97:3
(3) This is an echo of Psa 1:3. (Comp. also Psalms 18:8; Habakkuk 3:4-5.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 97:3
Verse 3. A fire goeth before him] Literally, this and the following verse may refer to the electric fluid, or to manifestations of the Divine displeasure, in which, by means of ethereal fire, God consumed his enemies. But fire is generally represented as an accompaniment of the appearances of the Supreme Being. He appeared on Mount Sinai in the midst of fire, thunder, and lightnings, Exodus 19:16-18. Daniel, Daniel 7:9; Daniel 7:10, represents the Sovereign Judge as being on a throne which was a fiery flame, and the wheels of his chariot like burning fire; and a fiery stream issuing from it, and coming forth from before him. St. Paul tells us (2 Thessalonians 1:8) that the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire; and St. Peter, (2 Peter 3:7; 2 Peter 3:10; 2 Peter 3:11,) that when the Lord shall come to judgment the heavens and the earth shall be destroyed by fire, the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, the elements melt with fervent heat, and the earth and its works be burnt up. Here then, will appear, - "Our God in grandeur, and our world on fire." Burneth up his enemies round about.] The fire is his pioneer which destroys all the hinderances in his way, and makes him a plain passage.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 97:3
1–3. The proclamation of Jehovah’s kingdom of power and righteousness.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 97:3
A fire goeth before him - See Psalms 18:13, note; Psalms 50:3, note. And burneth up his enemies round about - Is especially directed against his foes.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 97:3
3. A fire goeth before him—To herald his coming. If the word of God is one of mercy to those who love and obey him, it is also one of judgment and terror to those who despise him.
Sermons on Psalms 97:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Don't Live in Famine by R. Edward Miller | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of revival and the power of God to work miracles. He references the example of John the Baptist, who did not perform miracles |
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Of the Conflagration of the Universe. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the universal conflagration of the universe, emphasizing the literal interpretation of biblical prophecies regarding the end times, particularly the burning o |
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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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Revival a Choice by Merle Weaver | Merle Weaver emphasizes that revival is a choice that requires individuals to seek God wholeheartedly. He highlights the importance of drawing close to God, stating that if we seek |
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When God Stepped Down From Heaven - Duncan Campbell by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon transcript, the speaker recounts a powerful experience where young people were crying out to God for mercy. As they sang Psalm 50, one young man fell to the floor an |
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The Silence of God by Sir Robert Anderson | Sir Robert Anderson preaches about the consequences of challenging God's silence, emphasizing that it signifies the end of grace and mercy and the beginning of divine wrath. He cla |
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The Sinners Mistakes Exposed and Reproved. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the ancient doctrine of a judgment to come, emphasizing that God, though silent in the present life, carefully records the sins of impenitent sinners f |