King James Version

What Does Psalms 66:3 Mean?

Psalms 66:3 in the King James Version says “Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselv...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 66 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. submit: or, yield feigned obedience: Heb. lie”

Psalms 66:3 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician, A Song or Psalm. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: all: Heb. all the earth

2

Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.

3

Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. submit: or, yield feigned obedience: Heb. lie

4

All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.

5

Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.

Read Psalms 66 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalmist calls all creation to acknowledge God's terrifying power in His works. The Hebrew 'nora' (terrible) conveys awesome reverence rather than fear, emphasizing God's majestic sovereignty. This divine power is so overwhelming that even enemies, in grudging submission, must acknowledge His supremacy—a foretaste of Philippians 2:10-11 where every knee bows to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 66 is a communal hymn of praise likely sung after a significant deliverance, possibly from exile. The congregation recounts God's mighty acts in Israel's history as evidence of His continued faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's terrible power in creation lead you to worship rather than fear?
  2. In what ways have you seen God's power cause even His enemies to submit, whether willingly or unwillingly?
  3. How does the assurance of God's sovereign power over all opposition strengthen your faith in difficult times?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אִמְר֣וּ1 of 10

“Say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֵ֭אלֹהִים2 of 10

“unto 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

מַה3 of 10
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

נּוֹרָ֣א4 of 10

“How terrible”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מַעֲשֶׂ֑יךָ5 of 10

“art thou in thy works”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

בְּרֹ֥ב6 of 10

“through the greatness”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

עֻ֝זְּךָ֗7 of 10

“of thy power”

H5797

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

יְֽכַחֲשׁ֖וּ8 of 10

“submit”

H3584

to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)

לְךָ֣9 of 10
H0
אֹיְבֶֽיךָ׃10 of 10

“shall thine enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

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 66:3 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 66:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 18:44Psalms 65:5Psalms 81:15Psalms 47:2Psalms 22:28-29Isaiah 2:19

Test Your Knowledge

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