Psalms 148:8
Psalms 148:8 in Multiple Translations
lightning and hail, snow and clouds, powerful wind fulfilling His word,
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
Fire and hail, snow and vapor; Stormy wind, fulfilling his word;
Fire and rain of ice, snow and mists; storm-wind, doing his word:
lightning and hail, snow and clouds, and stormy wind—everything that does as he commands.
Fire and hayle, snowe and vapours, stormie winde, which execute his worde:
Fire and hail, snow and vapour, Whirlwind doing His word;
lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy wind, fulfilling his word,
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapors; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
Fire, hail, snow, ice, stormy winds which fulfill his word:
and fire and hail, and snow and frost, and strong winds that obey what he commands, I tell all of you to praise Yahweh!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 148:8
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 148:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵ֣שׁ
וּ֭/בָרָד
שֶׁ֣לֶג
וְ/קִיט֑וֹר
ר֥וּחַ
סְ֝עָרָ֗ה
עֹשָׂ֥ה
דְבָרֽ/וֹ
אֵ֣שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
וּ֭/בָרָד
bârâd
H1259
hail
Conj | N-ms
שֶׁ֣לֶג
sheleg
H7950
snow
N-ms
וְ/קִיט֑וֹר
qîyṭôwr
H7008
smoke
Conj | N-ms
ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
סְ֝עָרָ֗ה
çaʻar
H5591
tempest
N-fs
עֹשָׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal
דְבָרֽ/וֹ
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 148:8
אֵ֣שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
וּ֭/בָרָד
bârâd
H1259
"hail"
Conj | N-ms
Hail is a sign of God's judgment in the Bible, with hailstones sometimes used as a symbol of His power. It appears in stories of destruction and chaos.
Definition: 1) hail 1a) of God's judgment (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: hail(stones). See also: Exodus 9:18; Exodus 10:15; Psalms 18:13.
שֶׁ֣לֶג
sheleg
H7950
"snow"
N-ms
Sheleg means snow in Hebrew, likely due to its white color. It is also used in Aramaic as te.lag.
Definition: snow Aramaic equivalent: te.lag (תְּלַג "snow" H8517)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: snow(-y). See also: Exodus 4:6; Psalms 51:9; Psalms 147:16.
וְ/קִיט֑וֹר
qîyṭôwr
H7008
"smoke"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a thick cloud of smoke, like the kind that rises from a fire. It appears in the book of Exodus to describe the smoke from the mountain when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. This image is also used in Psalm 119 to describe God's presence.
Definition: thick smoke, smoke
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: smoke, vapour. See also: Genesis 19:28; Psalms 119:83; Psalms 148:8.
ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
סְ֝עָרָ֗ה
çaʻar
H5591
"tempest"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a strong storm or hurricane, like a whirlwind. It appears in the Bible to describe powerful natural events. The KJV translates it as storm or tempest.
Definition: tempest Another spelling of se.a.rah (סְעָרָה "tempest" H5591B)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: storm(-y), tempest, whirlwind. See also: 2 Kings 2:1; Isaiah 41:16; Psalms 55:9.
עֹשָׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
דְבָרֽ/וֹ
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
Study Notes — Psalms 148:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 148:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 148:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 148:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 148:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 148:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 148:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 148:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 148:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 148:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 148:8
- Sermons on Psalms 148:8
Context — Praise the LORD from the Heavens
6He established them forever and ever; He issued a decree that will never pass away.
7Praise the LORD from the earth, all great sea creatures and ocean depths,
8lightning and hail, snow and clouds, powerful wind fulfilling His word,
9mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, 10wild animals and all cattle, crawling creatures and flying birds,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 147:15–18 | He sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes; He casts forth His hail like pebbles. Who can withstand His icy blast? He sends forth His word and melts them; He unleashes His winds, and the waters flow. |
| 2 | Revelation 16:8–9 | Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was given power to scorch the people with fire. And the people were scorched by intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues; yet they did not repent and give Him glory. |
| 3 | Revelation 16:21 | And great hailstones weighing almost a hundred pounds each rained down on them from above. And men cursed God for the plague of hail, because it was so horrendous. |
| 4 | Jonah 1:4 | Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart. |
| 5 | Joel 2:30 | I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. |
| 6 | Numbers 16:35 | And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense. |
| 7 | Leviticus 10:2 | So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. |
| 8 | Matthew 8:24–27 | Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” “You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!” |
| 9 | Psalms 18:12 | From the brightness of His presence His clouds advanced— hailstones and coals of fire. |
| 10 | Exodus 10:13 | So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and throughout that day and night the LORD sent an east wind across the land. By morning the east wind had brought the locusts. |
Psalms 148:8 Summary
This verse is saying that even the powerful forces of nature like lightning, hail, snow, and strong winds are obeying God's commands. It's like they are following a set of instructions that God has given them, similar to how the sun and moon follow their paths as described in Jeremiah 31:35. This shows us how much God is in control of everything, even the things that seem really big and powerful to us. By looking at how creation obeys God, we can learn to trust and obey Him too, just as Psalm 103:22 encourages all of God's works to bless Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for lightning and hail, snow and clouds, and powerful wind to fulfill God's word?
This phrase means that these elements of nature are obeying God's commands, much like the way the sun, moon, and stars do as described in Jeremiah 31:35, and it is a testament to God's sovereign power over creation.
Is this verse suggesting that God directly causes natural disasters like hail and lightning?
While God is ultimately in control of all things, including the weather, this verse is highlighting the obedience of creation to God's will, rather than attributing every natural event directly to God's causation, as seen in Job 37:6-13 where God's control over the weather is described.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty over nature?
This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty over the natural world, as seen in Psalm 103:22, where all of God's works are called to bless Him, emphasizing that every aspect of creation, including the weather, is under God's control and care.
What does this verse teach us about our relationship with the natural world?
This verse encourages us to see the natural world as being under God's command, and therefore, we should have a deep respect and reverence for creation, recognizing our place within it, as taught in Genesis 1:28 where humanity is given stewardship over the earth.
Reflection Questions
- As you consider the power of lightning, hail, snow, clouds, and wind, how does this reflect the greatness of God's power in your life?
- In what ways can you, like the elements of nature mentioned in this verse, fulfill God's word in your daily life?
- How does recognizing God's sovereignty over the natural world impact your trust in Him during times of uncertainty or natural disasters?
- What are some ways you can praise God for His creation, just as the elements of nature are called to do in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 148:8
Fire, and hail,.... These, and what follow in this verse, are in the air, but are what are exhaled or drawn up from the earth or water; "fire" is lightning, which is very swift in its motion, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 148:8
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word: Fire - lightning. Vapour - the result of fire and water together.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 148:8
Fire; lightnings and other fire-works of the air. Vapours, or fumes; hot exhalations, as the word properly signifies, as cold exhalations are comprehended under the title of snow. And both of them, arising from the earth, are here fitly mentioned as belonging to it. Fulfilling his word; executing his commands, either for the comfort and refreshment, or for the punishment, of the inhabitants of the earth.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 148:8
Psalms 148:8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word: Ver 8. Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours] This latter is the matter of those former meteors which he purposely mingleth with those forementioned miracles of land and waters, the more to set forth the power of God, because these seem to have no settledness of subsistence, and yet in them he is made visible. Stormy wind fuelling his word] The winds blow not at random, but by a Divine decree; and God hath ordered that whether north or south blow they shall blow good to his people, Son 4:16. He saith to all his creatures, as David did to his captains concerning Absalom, Handle them gently for my sake.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 148:8
(8) Fire.—Lightning, as in Psalms 18:12; Psalms 105:32. where it is also found with “hail.” Vapours.—The same Hebrew word in Genesis 19:28 and Psalms 119:83 is rendered “smoke,” and from the use of the cognate verb is certainly connected with “burning.” Hence we probably have here the figure chiasmus (fire and hail, snow and smoke), the smoke answering to the fire, as the snow to the hail. On the other hand, from Psalms 18:8; Psalms 144:5, it is plain that the driving mists of a storm were regarded as smoke. (Comp. “The smoky mountain tops.”—.) This invocation of the powers of the air is a fine poetic touch, and shows the freedom of lyric treatment of the story of Creation, which in Genesis passes at once from the monsters of the deep to the land and its creatures. To the poet there is another region of life and power; other voices, which, though wild and fierce, may yet join in the grand anthem of praise. Stormy wind.—As in Psalms 107:25. This, to us, free and uncontrollable agent is yet but a messenger of Jehovah, fulfilling his word (Psalms 104:4).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 148:8
Verse 8. Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours] All kinds of meteors, water, and fire, in all their forms and combinations. And air, whether in the gentle breeze, the gale, the whirlwind, the tempest, or the tornado; each accomplishing an especial purpose, and fulfilling a particular will of the Most High.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 148:8
8. Fire, and hail] Lightning and hail are naturally coupled, as hail most commonly falls in thunderstorms. Cp. Psalms 18:12 ff. vapour] The word elsewhere means smoke (Genesis 19:28; Psalms 119:83); but must here mean the mists, which drift like smoke over the mountains.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 148:8
Fire, and hail - Fire, when accompanied by hail; that is, the lightning. See Psalms 18:12. Snow, and vapors - Snow and clouds. It was not unnatural that these should be combined, or suggested together to the mind.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 148:8
8. Fire, and hail; snow, and vapor—It is not clear that “fire” refers exclusively to lightning, which in Palestine “often strikes and causes damage,” (Schwarz,) or that “vapour” means smoke, and not vapory clouds.
Sermons on Psalms 148:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Fire, and Hail; Snow and Vapours; Stormy Wind Fulfilling His Word by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the sovereignty of God over nature, emphasizing how elements like hail, snow, storms, and winds all fulfill God's word and are under His control. He high |
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Revival and Prayer by Michael Haykin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God over the world and its elements. He highlights the limitations of human beings and our dependence on God for |
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His Sun by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the divine ownership of creation, particularly focusing on the sun as God's property. He explains that God not only created the sun but also sustains it, |
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The Vials of the Wrath of God by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord preaches on the pouring out of the vials of God's wrath upon the earth by the seven angels, symbolizing divine judgment. The vial judgments, subsequent to the trum |
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Will the Church Go Through the Tribulation by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the idea that as a person goes through life and achieves certain milestones, they become increasingly ready to go home. These milestones inclu |
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Hell by Thomas Boston | Thomas Boston preaches about the eternal state of the damned in hell, emphasizing the everlasting misery and torment prepared for those who are cursed and sentenced to separation f |
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A Good Report by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson shares a powerful report on the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in New York City, emphasizing the miraculous conversions and spiritual hunger witnessed durin |