Psalms 97:4
Psalms 97:4 in Multiple Translations
His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles.
His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
His lightnings lightened the world: The earth saw, and trembled.
His bright flames give light to the world; the earth saw it with fear.
His flashes of lightning light up the world; the earth watches and trembles.
His lightnings gaue light vnto the worlde: the earth sawe it and was afraide.
Lightened have His lightnings the world, The earth hath seen, and is pained.
His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees, and trembles.
His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.
All around the world he causes lightning to flash; people on the earth see it, and it causes them to be afraid and tremble.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 97:4
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 97:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵאִ֣ירוּ
בְרָקָ֣י/ו
תֵּבֵ֑ל
רָאֲתָ֖ה
וַ/תָּחֵ֣ל
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
הֵאִ֣ירוּ
ʼôwr
H215
to light
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
בְרָקָ֣י/ו
bârâq
H1300
to use lightning
N-mp | Suff
תֵּבֵ֑ל
têbêl
H8398
world
N-fs
רָאֲתָ֖ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
וַ/תָּחֵ֣ל
chûwl
H2342
to twist
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 97:4
הֵאִ֣ירוּ
ʼôwr
H215
"to light"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
Or means to give light, whether physically or spiritually, as in Psalm 119:105 where God's word is a light to our path.
Definition: 1) to be or become light, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become light (day) 1a2) to shine (of the sun) 1a3) to become bright 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be illuminated 1b2) to become lighted up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give light, shine (of sun, moon, and stars) 1c2) to illumine, light up, cause to shine, shine 1c3) to kindle, light (candle, wood) 1c4) lighten (of the eyes, his law, etc) 1c5) to make shine (of the face)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break of day, glorious, kindle, (be, en-, give, show) light (-en, -ened), set on fire, shine. See also: Genesis 1:15; Psalms 67:2; Psalms 13:4.
בְרָקָ֣י/ו
bârâq
H1300
"to use lightning"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to lightning, a bright and powerful force of nature. It is also used to describe a flashing sword, conveying a sense of speed and intensity.
Definition: to flash (with lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bright, glitter(-ing sword), lightning. See also: Exodus 19:16; Jeremiah 10:13; Psalms 18:15.
תֵּבֵ֑ל
têbêl
H8398
"world"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for world, it refers to the earth and its inhabitants. In the Bible, it's used to describe the world God created, like in Psalm 24, which says the earth belongs to God.
Definition: world
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: habitable part, world. See also: 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 97:4; Psalms 9:9.
רָאֲתָ֖ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וַ/תָּחֵ֣ל
chûwl
H2342
"to twist"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 97:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 97:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 97:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 97:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 97:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 97:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 97:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 97:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 97:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 97:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 97:4
- Sermons on Psalms 97:4
Context — Let the Earth Rejoice
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. 6The heavens proclaim His righteousness; all the peoples see His glory.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 77:18 | Your thunder resounded in the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. |
| 2 | Psalms 104:32 | He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they smolder. |
| 3 | Exodus 19:16–18 | On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. |
| 4 | Revelation 11:19 | Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder, and an earthquake, and a great hailstorm. |
| 5 | Psalms 114:7 | Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, |
| 6 | Job 9:6 | He shakes the earth from its place, so that its foundations tremble. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 10:10 | But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation. |
| 8 | Psalms 96:9 | Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth. |
| 9 | Matthew 27:50–51 | When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit. At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. |
| 10 | Revelation 19:11 | Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. |
Psalms 97:4 Summary
This verse is saying that God's power is so great that it lights up the whole world, and when people see it, they are amazed and a little scared. It's like when there's a big thunderstorm and the lightning flashes - it gets your attention! God wants us to know how powerful and amazing He is, so we will respect and worship Him, just like the psalmist does in Psalms 100:2-5. By remembering God's power and glory, we can live with reverence and humility, as encouraged in Micah 6:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when it says 'His lightning illuminates the world' in Psalms 97:4?
This phrase is a metaphor for God's power and glory being revealed to all people, much like the way lightning illuminates the darkness, as seen in Ezekiel 1:14 and Matthew 24:27.
Why does the earth 'see and tremble' in response to God's lightning?
The earth trembles because it is acknowledging God's mighty power and authority, similar to the way the earth responded to God's presence in Psalms 68:8 and Habakkuk 3:10.
Is this verse talking about a literal storm or a spiritual one?
While the language is poetic, it's likely referring to a spiritual storm, where God's power and judgment are being revealed, as seen in Psalms 29:3-9 and Isaiah 30:27-30.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
This verse reminds us of God's awe-inspiring power and glory, and we can apply it by revering and worshiping Him, as encouraged in Psalms 95:6 and Revelation 4:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'tremble' before God's power and authority in my own life?
- How can I be more aware of God's presence and power in the world around me?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to acknowledge God's authority and surrender to His will?
- How can I share the revelation of God's power and glory with others, as the heavens proclaim His righteousness in Psalms 97:6?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 97:4
His lightnings enlightened the world,.... Either the doctrines of the Gospel, compared thereunto, because of the swift progress they made, and the large extent of them in the world, in a very little
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 97:4
His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled. His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled - drawn from Psalms 77:18. The bare sight of thee caused the earth to tremble (Psalms 77:16).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 97:4
His lightnings enlightened the world: this phrase signifies not so much illumination as terror and judgments, as appears both from the following words, and from the constant use of the phrase in that sense, as 144:6, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 97:4
Psalms 97:4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.Ver. 4. His lightnings enlightened the world] His apostles, those fulmiua Ecclesiastica, shall spread gospel light, and amaze people; the Lord working with them, and confirming their word with signs following, Mark 16:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 97:4
(4) See Psalms 77:17-18, from which this is taken.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 97:4
Verse 4. His lightnings enlightened the world] Though this be no more than a majestic description of the coming of the Lord, to confound his enemies and succour his followers, yet some spiritualize the passage, and say, the lightnings signify the apostles, who enlightened the world by their heavenly doctrine. The earth saw, and trembled.] The earth is represented as a sentient being. It saw the terrible majesty of God; and trembled through terror, fearing it should be destroyed on account of the wickedness of its inhabitants.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 97:4
4–6. The recent manifestation of Jehovah’s power, described in terms of the great Theophanies of old.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 97:4
His lightnings enlightened the world ... - See the notes at Psalms 77:18. Compare Psalms 104:32; Habakkuk 3:6-10.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 97:4
4. Earth saw, and trembled—As an affrighted servant. Even Moses said: “I exceedingly fear and quake.” Hebrews 12:21
Sermons on Psalms 97:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Thy Way Was in the Sea by T. Austin-Sparks | The video is a sermon about the way in which the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea. The speaker reflects on how he had previously written a song about |
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Attributes of God - Greatness by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the doubts and uncertainties that people may have about how anything good can come out of certain situations. However, he emphas |
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The Attributes of God - Part 1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness of God and His ability to behold and count the things in heaven and on earth. The preacher references Psalm 113:6, which state |
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The Awful Presence of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to turn their attention towards God and His message. He uses the story of Moses and the burning bush as an example |
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A Missional Encounter by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the encounter with God on Mount Sinai. The people were afraid of approaching God because of His power and might. Howeve |
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The Holiness of God - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for reverence and sanctification in His presence. He refers to the story of Moses encountering God at the b |
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(Worship - Part 3): Worship the Lord in Glory and Meekness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fallen state of humanity and the loss of the vision of God's glory. He highlights that despite our fallen nature, God desired us because |