King James Version

What Does Psalms 29:9 Mean?

Psalms 29:9 in the King James Version says “The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 29:9 · KJV

Context

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

10

The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.

11

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Read Psalms 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The description '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' connects divine power over nature to worship. God's voice affects birth ('hinds calve') and revelation ('discovers forests'). The result: universal doxology in God's temple. Reformed theology sees providence producing praise—recognizing God's hand in all events leads to worship. Nature's response to God's voice models human response: awe and adoration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hinds (female deer) represented vulnerable beauty. God's sovereignty extends to their reproduction—He numbers every birth (Ps. 147:9). Stripping forests bare revealed hidden things. All creation testifies to God's glory, prompting worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does observing God's providence in nature lead you to worship?
  2. What does 'every one speaks of His glory' teach about worship's universality?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
ק֤וֹל1 of 10

“The voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

יְהוָ֨ה׀2 of 10

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

יְחוֹלֵ֣ל3 of 10

“to calve”

H2342

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

אַיָּלוֹת֮4 of 10

“maketh the hinds”

H355

a doe or female deer

וַֽיֶּחֱשֹׂ֪ף5 of 10

“and discovereth”

H2834

to strip off, i.e., generally to make naked (for exertion or in disgrace), to drain away or bail up (a liquid)

יְעָ֫ר֥וֹת6 of 10

“the forests”

H3295

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

וּבְהֵיכָל֑וֹ7 of 10

“and in his temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

כֻּ֝לּ֗וֹ8 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֹמֵ֥ר9 of 10

“doth every one speak”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כָּבֽוֹד׃10 of 10

“of his glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

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 29:9 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 29:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 46:2-5Job 39:1-3Ezekiel 20:46-48Psalms 26:8Psalms 48:9Psalms 134:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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