King James Version

What Does Psalms 29:4 Mean?

Psalms 29:4 in the King James Version says “The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. powerful: Heb. in power full: Heb. in majes... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. powerful: Heb. in power full: Heb. in majesty

Psalms 29:4 · KJV


Context

2

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. the glory: Heb. the honour of his name in: or, in his glorious sanctuary

3

The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. many: or, great

4

The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. powerful: Heb. in power full: Heb. in majesty

5

The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

6

He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The declaration 'The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty' describes divine speech's authority and glory. God's voice creates (Gen. 1), commands (Ex. 19), and judges (Rev. 1:10-11). Reformed theology emphasizes that Scripture is God's powerful, majestic voice—efficacious and authoritative. When God speaks, things happen (Heb. 4:12). The repetition emphasizes certainty and awe. Divine speech demands response—obedience or rebellion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

At Sinai, God's thunderous voice terrified Israel (Ex. 19:16-19). His voice through prophets commanded and warned. The early church experienced the Spirit's powerful voice at Pentecost. God's word accomplishes His purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond to Scripture as 'the powerful voice of the LORD'?
  2. What does the 'majesty' of God's voice teach about reverent Bible reading?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
ק֥וֹל1 of 6

The voice

H6963

a voice or sound

יְ֝הוָ֗ה2 of 6

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בַּכֹּ֑חַ3 of 6

is powerful

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

ק֥וֹל4 of 6

The voice

H6963

a voice or sound

יְ֝הוָ֗ה5 of 6

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בֶּהָדָֽר׃6 of 6

is full of majesty

H1926

magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 29:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 29:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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