King James Version

What Does Psalms 29:7 Mean?

Psalms 29:7 in the King James Version says “The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire. divideth: Heb. cutteth out — study this verse from Psalms chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire. divideth: Heb. cutteth out

Psalms 29:7 · KJV


Context

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.

7

The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire. divideth: Heb. cutteth out

8

The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.

9

The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory. to calve: or, to be in pain doth: or, every whit of it uttereth, etc


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The statement 'The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire' depicts divine control over destructive natural forces. Lightning ('flames of fire') obeys God's voice. Reformed theology sees providence—God governs all natural phenomena down to individual lightning bolts. Nothing occurs outside His decree. This assures believers that even chaotic, destructive forces serve God's purposes. Sovereignty extends to every detail of creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Lightning was mysterious and terrifying to ancient peoples, often attributed to gods' anger. Scripture reveals Yahweh controls lightning (Job 37:3, Ps. 135:7), demonstrating His sovereignty over what seems chaotic and random.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's control over 'flames of fire' comfort you in seemingly chaotic circumstances?
  2. What natural forces today remind you of God's sovereign power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
קוֹל1 of 5

The voice

H6963

a voice or sound

יְהוָ֥ה2 of 5

of the LORD

H3068

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

חֹצֵ֗ב3 of 5

divideth

H2672

to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave

לַהֲב֥וֹת4 of 5

the flames

H3852

flame

אֵֽשׁ׃5 of 5

of fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)


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 29:7 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 29:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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