Psalms 97:5
Psalms 97:5 in Multiple Translations
The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.
The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
The mountains melted like wax at the presence of Jehovah, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
The mountains became like wax at the coming of the Lord, at the coming of the Lord of all the earth.
The mountains melt like wax in the presence of the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.
The mountaines melted like waxe at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
Hills, like wax, melted before Jehovah, Before the Lord of all the earth.
The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the LORD of the whole earth.
Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm:
The mountains/hills melt like wax in front of Yahweh, the one who is the Lord, who rules over all the earth.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 97:5
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 97:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָרִ֗ים
כַּ/דּוֹנַ֗ג
נָ֭מַסּוּ
מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
מִ֝/לִּ/פְנֵ֗י
אֲד֣וֹן
כָּל
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
הָרִ֗ים
har
H2022
mountain
N-mp
כַּ/דּוֹנַ֗ג
dôwnag
H1749
wax
Prep | N-ms
נָ֭מַסּוּ
mâçaç
H4549
to melt
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מִ֝/לִּ/פְנֵ֗י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | Prep | N-cp
אֲד֣וֹן
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 97:5
הָרִ֗ים
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
כַּ/דּוֹנַ֗ג
dôwnag
H1749
"wax"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to wax, often used figuratively to describe something that melts away. It appears in Psalm 68:2 and 97:5, where God's enemies melt like wax before him. It symbolizes weakness and vulnerability.
Definition: wax (always figurative 'of melting')
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: wax. See also: Psalms 22:15; Psalms 97:5; Psalms 68:3.
נָ֭מַסּוּ
mâçaç
H4549
"to melt"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To melt or waste away is what this verb means, often used to describe something weakening or disappearing. It appears in books like Psalms and Isaiah, describing the effects of disease or fear. This word can also mean to faint or lose strength.
Definition: 1) to dissolve, melt 1a) (Qal) to waste away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to melt, vanish, drop off, melt away 1b2) to faint, grow fearful (fig.) 1b3) wasted, worthless (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to melt
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: discourage, faint, be loosed, melt (away), refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 16:21; Psalms 68:3; Psalms 22:15.
מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | 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.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִ֝/לִּ/פְנֵ֗י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | 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.
אֲד֣וֹן
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
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 97:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 97:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 97:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 97:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 97:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 97:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 97:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 97:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 97:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 97:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 97:5
- Sermons on Psalms 97:5
Context — Let the Earth Rejoice
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. 7All worshipers of images are put to shame— those who boast in idols. Worship Him, all you gods!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nahum 1:5 | The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence— the world and all its dwellers. |
| 2 | Micah 1:3–4 | For behold, the LORD comes forth from His dwelling place; He will come down and tread on the high places of the earth. The mountains will melt beneath Him, and the valleys will split apart, like wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope. |
| 3 | Isaiah 24:19–20 | The earth is utterly broken apart, the earth is split open, the earth is shaken violently. The earth staggers like a drunkard and sways like a shack. Earth’s rebellion weighs it down, and it falls, never to rise again. |
| 4 | Isaiah 64:1–2 | If only You would rend the heavens and come down, so that mountains would quake at Your presence, as fire kindles the brushwood and causes the water to boil, to make Your name known to Your enemies, so that the nations will tremble at Your presence! |
| 5 | Habakkuk 3:6 | He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations; the ancient mountains crumbled; the perpetual hills collapsed. His ways are everlasting. |
| 6 | Psalms 47:2 | How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! |
| 7 | Psalms 46:6 | Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice. |
| 8 | Joshua 3:11 | Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go ahead of you into the Jordan. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 1:2 | To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: |
| 10 | Isaiah 54:5 | For your husband is your Maker— the LORD of Hosts is His name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth. |
Psalms 97:5 Summary
This verse means that when God is present, even the strongest and most stable things, like mountains, are changed and humbled by His power. It's like when wax melts in front of a fire - it can't resist the heat. This shows us how mighty and powerful God is, and how we should respect and worship Him, as we see in Psalms 95:6 and Isaiah 6:1-5. Just like the mountains, we should be willing to surrender and be changed by God's presence in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the mountains to melt like wax at the presence of the LORD?
This phrase is a metaphor describing the power and majesty of God, where even the strongest and most stable creations, like mountains, are transformed and humbled by His presence, as seen in other scriptures like Isaiah 64:1-2 and Micah 1:4.
Why is the LORD referred to as the Lord of all the earth in this verse?
This title emphasizes God's sovereignty and dominion over all creation, as stated in Psalms 24:1 and Psalms 50:12, reminding us of His absolute authority and control over the world.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger description of God's power and glory, where His presence is accompanied by fire, lightning, and the trembling of the earth, as seen in Psalms 97:3-4, and is followed by the proclamation of His righteousness and the shame of idol worshipers in Psalms 97:6-7.
What can we learn from the image of mountains melting like wax?
This image teaches us about the transcendent power of God, where even the most seemingly permanent and unshakeable things are subject to His will, as expressed in Matthew 17:20 and Mark 11:23, reminding us to trust in His power and majesty.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'mountains' in my life that need to be melted by the presence of the LORD, and how can I surrender them to His power and control?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's majesty and power, as described in this verse?
- In what ways can I proclaim God's righteousness and glory in my own life, as the heavens do in Psalms 97:6?
- What idols or false securities in my life need to be put to shame, and how can I turn to worship the one true God instead?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 97:5
The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord,.... Kimchi interprets the "hills" of the kings of the wicked; and it was verified in Herod and his nobles, and the citizens of Jerusalem, who,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 97:5
The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 97:5
The hills; the strongest and loftiest parts of the earth; whereby he may understand the great potentates of the world who set themselves against the Messias. The Lord of the whole earth; whose dominion shall not then be confined in Canaan, as now in a manner it is, but shall be enlarged over the whole earth.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 97:5
Psalms 97:5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.Ver. 5. The hills melted like wax] Nothing shall be so stout and steady as to be able to stand before them. Before the Lord] Adon, Dominator, the maker and master of all, the rightful proprietary. The Latin translation hath it, All the earth is before the face of the Lord.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 97:5
(5) The hills melted.—Comp. Psalms 68:8, Note: Micah 1:4. The Lord of the whole earth.—An expression first met with exactly in Joshua 3:11-13, though Abraham speaks of God as judge of the whole earth (Genesis 18:25). (Comp. Micah 4:13; Zechariah 4:10; Zechariah 6:5.) Though Jehovah was the tribal God, yet in marked distinction to surrounding tribes Israel regarded Him as having universal dominion.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 97:5
Verse 5. The hills melted like wax] The fire of God seized on and liquefied them, so that they no longer opposed his march; and the mountains before him became a plain. The Lord of the whole earth.] אדון כל הארץ adon col haarets, the Director, Stay, and Support of the whole earth. The universal Governor, whose jurisdiction is not confined to any one place; but who, having created all, governs all that he has made.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 97:5
5. From Micah 1:4; Micah 4:13; cp. Zechariah 4:14; Zechariah 6:5. The dissolution of the most solid and ancient parts of the earth is the expression of its terror and the measure of His power. Cp. Habakkuk 3:6.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 97:5
The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord - They seemed to flow down as if they were like melted wax: that is, they could not stand before him. The most firm, solid, lofty things were as nothing in his presence.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 97:5
5. At the presence—Literally, from before the face. See, in a humbler sense, the terror of countenance, Matthew 28:3-4
Sermons on Psalms 97:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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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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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The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes by John Wesley | John Wesley addresses the terrifying reality of earthquakes as divine judgments from God, emphasizing that they serve as a reminder of human sinfulness and the need for repentance. |
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At the End of Time - Part 2 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the concept of enduring through hardships as a form of training from God, emphasizing the need for courage and perseverance in spreading the gospel despite |
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"Too Intense?" "Radical?" by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker passionately shares his personal experiences of sacrifice and persecution for his faith in Jesus Christ. He recounts witnessing people dying and a young |
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The Fire of God by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a remarkable move of God in a village in Persia called West Ben Haar. The village experienced a great stir and many people professed faith i |
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Don't Blame It on the Devil by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the need for personal accountability and the dangers of blaming the devil for our shortcomings. He reflects on the importance of divine intervention in |