Psalms 114:5
Psalms 114:5 in Multiple Translations
Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back,
What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back?
What aileth thee, O thou sea, that thou fleest? Thou Jordan, that thou turnest back?
What was wrong with you, O sea, that you went in flight? O Jordan, that you were turned back?
Red Sea—why did you run away? Jordan River—why did you retreat?
What ailed thee, O Sea, that thou fleddest? O Iorden, why wast thou turned backe?
What — to thee, O sea, that thou fleest? O Jordan, thou turnest back!
What was it, you sea, that you fled? You Jordan, that you turned back?
What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back?
The Lord is merciful and just, and our God sheweth mercy.
If someone asks, “What happened at the Red Sea that caused the water to run away? What happened that caused the water in the Jordan River to stop flowing?
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 114:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 114:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַה
לְּ/ךָ֣
הַ֭/יָּם
כִּ֣י
תָנ֑וּס
הַ֝/יַּרְדֵּ֗ן
תִּסֹּ֥ב
לְ/אָחֽוֹר
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
לְּ/ךָ֣
Prep | Suff
הַ֭/יָּם
yâm
H3220
West
Art | N-ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תָנ֑וּס
nûwç
H5127
to flee
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
הַ֝/יַּרְדֵּ֗ן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
תִּסֹּ֥ב
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לְ/אָחֽוֹר
ʼâchôwr
H268
back
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 114:5
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לְּ/ךָ֣
""
Prep | Suff
הַ֭/יָּם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תָנ֑וּס
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
הַ֝/יַּרְדֵּ֗ן
Yardên
H3383
"Jordan"
Art | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
תִּסֹּ֥ב
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
לְ/אָחֽוֹר
ʼâchôwr
H268
"back"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the back or rear side of something. It can also refer to a location or direction, like the West. In Genesis, it describes the back of the Tabernacle.
Definition: 1) the back side, the rear 1a) backwards 1b) hereafter (of time) 1c) behind
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter, (be-) hind(-er part), time to come, without. See also: Genesis 49:17; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 9:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 114:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 114:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 114:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 114:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 114:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 114:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 114:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 114:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 114:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 114:5
- Sermons on Psalms 114:5
Context — A Psalm of Exodus
3The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back;
4the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs.
5Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back,
6O mountains, that you skipped like rams, O hills, like lambs? 7Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Habakkuk 3:8 | Were You angry at the rivers, O LORD? Was Your wrath against the streams? Did You rage against the sea when You rode on Your horses, on Your chariots of salvation? |
| 2 | Jeremiah 47:6–7 | ‘Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!’ How can it rest when the LORD has commanded it? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the shore of its coastland.” |
Psalms 114:5 Summary
Psalms 114:5 is asking why the sea and Jordan River stopped in their tracks, and it's because they were responding to God's power and presence. Just like in Exodus 14:21, where God parted the Red Sea, this verse shows that God is in control of all creation. The sea and Jordan turning back is a reminder that God is all-powerful and deserving of our worship and reverence, as mentioned in Psalms 96:10-13. This verse encourages us to reflect on God's majesty and power in our own lives, and to respond to His presence with worship and obedience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the sea and Jordan turning back in Psalms 114:5?
The sea and Jordan turning back symbolize the power and majesty of God, as seen in other scriptures like Exodus 14:21 where God parted the Red Sea, demonstrating His control over nature.
Why are the mountains and hills personified in this verse?
The personification of mountains and hills emphasizes the idea that all creation responds to God's presence, as mentioned in Psalms 96:10-13, where the heavens and earth are called to rejoice before the Lord.
Is this verse talking about a specific historical event?
While the verse does not specify a particular event, it is likely referencing the Exodus and the parting of the Jordan River in Joshua 3:13-17, where God miraculously stopped the flow of the river to allow the Israelites to pass through.
What does this verse teach us about God's character?
This verse highlights God's power, majesty, and ability to control nature, as seen in Psalms 115:3, where it is written that God does whatever He pleases in heaven and on earth.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can reflect God's power and majesty in my own life?
- How can I, like the sea and Jordan, respond to God's presence in my life?
- In what ways can I, like the mountains and hills, rejoice and worship God in my daily life?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge God's control and sovereignty, just like the natural world does?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 114:5
What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest?.... What was the matter with thee? what appeared to thee? what didst thou see? what didst thou feel, which caused thee to flee in such haste?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 114:5
What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back? What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back? Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 114:5
What was the cause of this unusual motion? Such speeches directed to senseless creatures are very frequent, both in Scripture and in other authors, and especially in poetical writings, such as this is.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 114:5
Psalms 114:5 What [ailed] thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, [that] thou wast driven back?Ver. 5. What ailed thee, O thou sea?] Or, what came to thee? can there any natural reason be given, or was it God’ s powerful presence only that caused you to run retrograde? Atheists and unbelievers will search the devil’ s skull to find out something whereby they may elevate God’ s great works, and elude his arguments; as Pharaoh sat not down under the miracle, but sent for the magicians, and hardened his own heart.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 114:5
Verse 5. What ailed thee, O thou sea] The original is very abrupt; and the prosopopoeia, or personification very fine and expressive: - What to thee, O sea, that thou fleddest away! O Jordan, that thou didst roll back! Ye mountains, that ye leaped like rams! And ye hills, like the young of the fold! After these very sublime interrogations, God appears; and the psalmist proceeds as if answering his own questions: - At the appearance of the Lord, O earth, thou didst tremble; At the appearance of the strong God of Jacob. Converting the rock into a pool of waters; The granite into water springs. I know the present Hebrew text reads חולי chuli, "tremble thou," in the imperative; but almost all the Versions understood the word in past tense, and read as if the psalmist was answering his own questions, as stated in the translation above. "Tremble thou, O earth." As if he had said, Thou mayest well tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 114:5
5, 6. The past becomes present to the poet’s mind, and he challenges Nature to explain its behaviour. The A.V. misses the vividness of the Hebrew tenses. Render: What aileth thee, thou sea, that thou fleest? Thou Jordan, that thou turnest back? Ye mountains, that ye skip like rams? Ye hills, like young sheep?
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 114:5
What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest?... - literally, “What to thee, O sea,” etc. That is, What influenced thee - what alarmed thee - what put thee into such fear, and caused such consternation?
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 114:5
5. O thou sea—The apostrophe is bold and beautiful. For other specimens of this figure see Deuteronomy 32:1; 2 Samuel 1:21
Sermons on Psalms 114:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Don't Lay Down Your Sword by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill emphasizes the urgency of not laying down our spiritual sword, which represents the Word of God, in the face of demonic attacks and societal challenges. He discusse |