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Psalms 66:12

Psalms 66:12 in Multiple Translations

You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us into abundance.

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

Thou didst cause men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

You let men go driving over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but you took us out into a wide place.

You let people ride roughshod over us; we suffered through fire and flooding, but you brought us to a safe place.

Thou hast caused men to ryde ouer our heads: we went into fire and into water, but thou broughtest vs out into a welthie place.

Thou hast caused man to ride at our head. We have entered into fire and into water, And Thou bringest us out to a watered place.

You allowed men to ride over our heads. We went through fire and through water, but you brought us to the place of abundance.

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place .

You allowed our enemies to trample on us; we experienced difficulties/troubles that were like [MET] walking through fires and floods, but now you have brought us into a place where we have plenty.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 66:12

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 66:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הִרְכַּ֥בְתָּ אֱנ֗וֹשׁ לְ/רֹ֫אשֵׁ֥/נוּ בָּֽאנוּ בָ/אֵ֥שׁ וּ/בַ/מַּ֑יִם וַ֝/תּוֹצִיאֵ֗/נוּ לָֽ/רְוָיָֽה
הִרְכַּ֥בְתָּ râkab H7392 to ride V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
אֱנ֗וֹשׁ ʼĕnôwsh H582 human N-ms
לְ/רֹ֫אשֵׁ֥/נוּ rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-ms | Suff
בָּֽאנוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-1cp
בָ/אֵ֥שׁ ʼêsh H784 fire Prep | N-cs
וּ/בַ/מַּ֑יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) Conj | Prep | N-mp
וַ֝/תּוֹצִיאֵ֗/נוּ yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
לָֽ/רְוָיָֽה rᵉvâyâh H7310 abundance Prep | N-fs
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 66:12

הִרְכַּ֥בְתָּ râkab H7392 "to ride" V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.
אֱנ֗וֹשׁ ʼĕnôwsh H582 "human" N-ms
Enosh refers to a human or mankind in general, used to describe individuals or people as a whole in the Bible.
Definition: 1) man, mortal man, person, mankind 1a) of an individual 1b) men (collective) 1c) man, mankind Aramaic equivalent: e.nash (אֱנָשׁ "man" H0606)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: another, [idiom] (blood-) thirsty, certain, chap(-man); divers, fellow, [idiom] in the flower of their age, husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some ([idiom] of them), [phrase] stranger, those, [phrase] their trade. It is often unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in apposition with another word. Compare H376 (אִישׁ). See also: Deuteronomy 32:26; Psalms 8:5; Psalms 9:20.
לְ/רֹ֫אשֵׁ֥/נוּ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
בָּֽאנוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-1cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בָ/אֵ֥שׁ ʼêsh H784 "fire" Prep | 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.
וּ/בַ/מַּ֑יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" Conj | Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וַ֝/תּוֹצִיאֵ֗/נוּ yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
לָֽ/רְוָיָֽה rᵉvâyâh H7310 "abundance" Prep | N-fs
This word means having more than enough, being satisfied or full. In Psalm 23, David says his cup runs over, meaning he has abundance and is grateful. It's about being content and wealthy in a spiritual sense.
Definition: saturation
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: runneth over, wealthy. See also: Psalms 23:5; Psalms 66:12.

Study Notes — Psalms 66:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 43:1–2 Now this is what the LORD says— He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.
2 Isaiah 51:23 I will place it in the hands of your tormentors, who told you: ‘Lie down, so we can walk over you,’ so that you made your back like the ground, like a street to be traversed.”
3 Psalms 40:2–3 He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
4 James 5:11 See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
5 1 Thessalonians 3:3–4 so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass.
6 Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
7 Revelation 7:14–17 “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. ‘Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.’ For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ”
8 Psalms 107:35–37 He turns a desert into pools of water and a dry land into flowing springs. He causes the hungry to settle there, that they may establish a city in which to dwell. They sow fields and plant vineyards that yield a fruitful harvest.
9 Job 36:16 Indeed, He drew you from the jaws of distress to a spacious and broad place, to a table full of richness.
10 Psalms 33:19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

Psalms 66:12 Summary

[Psalms 66:12 means that even when life is really hard and it feels like everything is against us, God can bring us through to a place of abundance and joy. This verse reminds us that God is always with us, even in the toughest times, and He can bring us out into a place of freedom and prosperity, as seen in (Exodus 14:13-14) and (Romans 8:28). We can trust God because He loves us and is sovereign over all things. We can worship Him and thank Him for the good things He has done for us, just like the psalmist did in (Psalms 66:13-14).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'ridden over' by men, as stated in Psalms 66:12?

This phrase likely refers to a time of oppression or hardship when the people of God were dominated by their enemies, similar to what is described in Exodus 1:13-14, but God ultimately brought them into a place of abundance and freedom.

How can we trust God when we are going through difficult times, like fire and water?

We can trust God because He is sovereign and loving, as seen in Psalms 66:12, and He promises to never leave or forsake us, as stated in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5.

What is the significance of 'abundance' in this verse?

The abundance mentioned in Psalms 66:12 refers to a state of spiritual and material prosperity, where God's people can thrive and worship Him without hindrance, similar to the promises found in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Jeremiah 29:11.

How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?

This verse reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, God is always with us and can bring us into a place of abundance and joy, if we trust and obey Him, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 8:28.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in your life when you felt like you were being 'ridden over' by circumstances, and how did God bring you through those times?
  2. How can you apply the principle of trusting God in difficult times, like fire and water, to your current challenges?
  3. What are some ways you can worship God and give thanks for the abundance He has brought into your life, like the psalmist in Psalms 66:13-14?
  4. What does it mean for you to trust God's sovereignty and love, even when you don't understand what is happening in your life?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 66:12

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads,.... Jarchi and Kimchi interpret it of the kings and nations of the world ruling over Israel; and may very well design the Heathen powers and antichristian

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 66:12

O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: -The sore trouble out of which God brought His people into a wealthy place; praise to God accordingly. Verse 8,9.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 66:12

Men; weak, and mortal, and miserable men, as the word signifies, no better nor stronger than we, if thou hadst not given them power over us. To ride over our heads; to ride upon our shoulders. By thy permission they have used us like slaves, yea, like beasts, to carry their persons or burdens. Compare . Through fire and through water, i.e. through various and dangerous trials and calamities. See 69:2 30:8. Into a wealthy place, Heb. into a moist or well-watered place; such as Canaan was, both in a proper sense and figuratively, as being replenished with Divine graces and blessings.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 66:12

Psalms 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy [place].Ver. 12. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads] Subjected us to the villanies and outrages of the basest persons, who have used us more like beasts than men. We went through fire and through water] That is, through variety of sharpest afflictions, noted out by this proverbial passage; fire and water are merciless elements, Aelius Pertinax fortunae pila pervulgate dicebatur, quod variis casibus exercitus fuit. It is the true Christian’ s comfort that nothing befalleth him but by a sweet providence; and that God goeth along with him into both fire and water, Isaiah 43:2, to see that he take no hurt by either. But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place] Heb. moist, that is, into the air, saith Aben Ezra, opposed to fire and water, where we might draw breath, and live comfortably. In locum irriguum, in refrigerium. It is but winking, said that martyr at the stake, and we shall be in heaven immediately. The Arabic hath it, Eduxisti nos ad requiem. Confer Acts 3:19.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 66:12

(12) Ride over our heads.—For the figure comp. Isaiah 51:23. We went through fire and water.—A figure of extreme danger. (Comp. Isaiah 43:2.) A wealthy place.—The LXX. and Vulg., “to refreshment,” which is certainly more in keeping with the figures employed, and may perhaps be got out of the root-idea of the word, “overflow.” But a slight change gives the frequent figure “a broad place.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 66:12

Verse 12. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads] Thou hast permitted us to fall under the dominion of our enemies; who have treated us as broken infantry are when the cavalry dashes among their disordered ranks, treading all under the horses' feet. We went through fire and through water] Through afflictions of the most torturing and overwhelming nature. To represent such, the metaphors of fire and water are often used in Scripture. The old Psalter considers these trials as a proof of the uprightness of those who were tried - We passid thrugh fire and watir: that is, thurgh wa and wele, as a man that leves noght his waye for hete na for kald, for dry na for wette; and thou out lede us fra tribulacyon intill koling (cooling) that is, in till endles riste, that we hope to hafe after this travell. Wealthy place.] Well watered place, to wit, the land of Judea.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 66:12

12. Better: Thou didst cause … we went … but thou hast brought us out. The figure in the first line is clearly that of the vanquished flung down upon the ground, and trampled remorselessly under the horsehoofs or crushed by the chariot wheels of their conquerors. Cp. Isaiah 51:23. Representations of a conqueror driving his chariot over prostrate foes may be seen on Egyptian and Assyrian monuments. The sense of outrage is heightened by the word for men, which means mortal men. Cp. Psalms 9:19; Psalms 10:18; Psalms 56:1. Fire and water are symbolical of extreme and varied dangers. Cp. Isaiah 43:2. into a wealthy place] Lit., into abundance, the opposite of the privations we endured. But the Ancient Versions point to a different and more suitable reading, a place of liberty. Cp. Psalms 18:19; Psalms 119:45.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 66:12

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads - This refers evidently to some national subjection or conquest - most probably to their having been subdued by the Babylonians.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 66:12

12. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads—Rabbi Schwarz, of Jerusalem, thinks (Palest., p.

Sermons on Psalms 66:12

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson Thou Hast Set My Feet in a Large Place by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Isaiah 4 and Psalms 42, focusing on the theme of finding hope and help in God's presence. He encourages the congregation to refle
A.W. Tozer Collection of a.w. Tozer's Prayers - Volume 5 by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern about society's obsession with fame and the immoral influences it has on people. He prays for God to help individuals and families br
Seth Rees Blessings in Disguise (Psalm Lxvi. 12) by Seth Rees Seth Rees preaches about the service of difficulty in the Christian experience, highlighting how opposition and trials have historically led to growth and prosperity. He emphasizes
Charles E. Cowman Sailing Through the Tempest by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding peace and rest through conflict and adversity, emphasizing that true strength and tranquility come from enduring trials and storms. He high
St. Benedict of Nursia The Fourth Degree of Humility by St. Benedict of Nursia St. Benedict of Nursia preaches about the fourth degree of humility, emphasizing the importance of holding fast to patience with a silent mind in obedience, even in the face of dif
James Bourne Letter 182. by James Bourne James Bourne reflects on his visits to Hertfordshire, sharing about his struggles, fears, and encouraging moments in prayer. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing the presen
James Bourne Letter 129. by James Bourne James Bourne encourages Mrs. Oakley to cherish the spiritual life that has begun in her, urging her to seek the Lord through prayer and His word to maintain and increase it. He rem

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