King James Version

What Does Psalms 65:5 Mean?

Psalms 65:5 in the King James Version says “By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 65 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:”

Psalms 65:5 · KJV

Salvation

Context

3

Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. iniquities: Heb. Words, or, Matters of iniquities

4

Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

5

By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:

6

Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:

7

Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God answering 'by terrible things in righteousness' reveals that divine deliverance often comes through fearsome displays of power. The phrase 'God of our salvation' identifies YHWH as deliverer. His saving acts extend to 'all the ends of the earth,' anticipating gospel's universal reach. 'Confidence of all the earth' shows creation's dependence on the Creator.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'terrible things' likely reference exodus deliverance, conquest of Canaan, or David's military victories—all involving God's fearsome intervention. These historical acts ground Israel's confidence and testify to watching nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's 'terrible' acts of judgment serve purposes of salvation?
  2. What does God's being 'confidence of all the earth' mean for missions and evangelism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
נ֤וֹרָא֨וֹת׀1 of 11

“By terrible things”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

בְּצֶ֣דֶק2 of 11

“in righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

תַּ֭עֲנֵנוּ3 of 11

“wilt thou answer”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אֱלֹהֵ֣י4 of 11

“us O God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׁעֵ֑נוּ5 of 11

“of our salvation”

H3468

liberty, deliverance, prosperity

מִבְטָ֥ח6 of 11

“who art the confidence”

H4009

properly, a refuge, i.e., (objective) security, or (subjective) assurance

כָּל7 of 11
H3605

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

קַצְוֵי8 of 11

“of all the ends”

H7099

a limit

אֶ֝֗רֶץ9 of 11

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְיָ֣ם10 of 11

“upon the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

רְחֹקִֽים׃11 of 11

“and of them that are afar off”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

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 65:5 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 65:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 10:21Isaiah 45:22Psalms 66:3Revelation 15:3-4Psalms 45:4Psalms 68:19-20

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