King James Version

What Does Psalms 93:3 Mean?

Psalms 93:3 in the King James Version says “The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 93 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

Psalms 93:3 · KJV


Context

1

The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

2

Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. of old: Heb. from then

3

The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

4

The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.

5

Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever . for ever: Heb. to length of days


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The repetition of 'floods have lifted up' creates urgency and intensity, depicting chaotic waters (nahar—rivers/floods) as threatening forces. In Hebrew cosmology, uncontrolled waters symbolize chaos, evil, and opposition to God's order. The threefold repetition ('lifted up... lifted up... lifted up their waves') emphasizes both the magnitude of chaos and the psalmist's rhetorical intensity. Yet even this threatening imagery serves to magnify God's superior power in the next verse.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern creation myths often featured gods battling sea monsters or chaos waters. This psalm subverts that mythology by showing Yahweh's easy supremacy over such forces.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'floods' or overwhelming circumstances in your life feel like chaos threatening to overtake you?
  2. How does recognizing that God is sovereign even over chaos change how you respond to life's turbulent times?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
יִשְׂא֖וּ1 of 9

have lifted up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

נְהָר֣וֹת2 of 9

The floods

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

יְֽהוָ֗ה3 of 9

O LORD

H3068

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

יִשְׂא֖וּ4 of 9

have lifted up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

נְהָר֣וֹת5 of 9

The floods

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

קוֹלָ֑ם6 of 9

their voice

H6963

a voice or sound

יִשְׂא֖וּ7 of 9

have lifted up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

נְהָר֣וֹת8 of 9

The floods

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

דָּכְיָֽם׃9 of 9

their waves

H1796

a dashing of surf


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 93:3 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 93:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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