Psalms 66:3
Psalms 66:3 in Multiple Translations
Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You.
Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.
Say unto God, How terrible are thy works! Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.
Say to God, How greatly to be feared are your works! because of your great power your haters are forced to put themselves under your feet.
Tell God, “What you do is awesome! Your enemies are forced to bow before you because of your power.
Say vnto God, Howe terrible art thou in thy workes! through the greatnesse of thy power shall thine enemies be in subiection vnto thee.
Say to God, 'How fearful [are] Thy works, By the abundance of Thy strength, Thine enemies feign obedience to Thee.
Tell God, “How awesome are your deeds! Through the greatness of your power, your enemies submit themselves to you.
Say to God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thy enemies submit themselves to thee.
That we may know thy way upon earth: thy salvation in all nations.
They should say to God, “The things that you do are awesome! You are very powerful, with the result that your enemies ◄cringe/bow down► in front of you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 66:3
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 66:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִמְר֣וּ
לֵ֭/אלֹהִים
מַה
נּוֹרָ֣א
מַעֲשֶׂ֑י/ךָ
בְּ/רֹ֥ב
עֻ֝זְּ/ךָ֗
יְֽכַחֲשׁ֖וּ
לְ/ךָ֣
אֹיְבֶֽי/ךָ
אִמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לֵ֭/אלֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
נּוֹרָ֣א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Niphal
מַעֲשֶׂ֑י/ךָ
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-mp | Suff
בְּ/רֹ֥ב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Prep | N-cs
עֻ֝זְּ/ךָ֗
ʻôz
H5797
strength
N-ms | Suff
יְֽכַחֲשׁ֖וּ
kâchash
H3584
to deceive
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
לְ/ךָ֣
Prep | Suff
אֹיְבֶֽי/ךָ
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
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 66:3
אִמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֵ֭/אלֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
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.
נּוֹרָ֣א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מַעֲשֶׂ֑י/ךָ
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
בְּ/רֹ֥ב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
עֻ֝זְּ/ךָ֗
ʻôz
H5797
"strength"
N-ms | Suff
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Definition: 1) might, strength 1a) material or physical 1b) personal or social or political
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 84:6; Psalms 8:3.
יְֽכַחֲשׁ֖וּ
kâchash
H3584
"to deceive"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To deceive or lie, as seen in Psalm 116:11 where the psalmist says all people are liars. It means to be untrue in word or deed, disappointing or failing others. This concept is also found in Proverbs 10:18.
Definition: 1) to deceive, lie, fail, grow lean, be disappointing, be untrue, be insufficient, be found liars, belie, deny, dissemble, deal falsely 1a) (Qal) to become lean 1b) (Niphal) to cringe, feign obedience 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to deceive, deny falsely 1c2) to act deceptively 1c3) to cringe 1c4) to disappoint, fail 1d) (Hithpael) to cringe, feign obedience
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: deceive, deny, dissemble, fail, deal falsely, be found liars, (be-) lie, lying, submit selves. See also: Genesis 18:15; Psalms 18:45; Psalms 66:3.
לְ/ךָ֣
""
Prep | Suff
אֹיְבֶֽי/ךָ
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 66:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 66:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 66:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 66:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 66:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 66:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 66:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 66:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 66:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 66:3
- Sermons on Psalms 66:3
Context — Make a Joyful Noise
1Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth!
2Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious.
3Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You.
4All the earth bows down to You; they sing praise to You; they sing praise to Your name.” Selah 5Come and see the works of God; how awesome are His deeds toward mankind.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 18:44 | When they hear me, they obey me; foreigners cower before me. |
| 2 | Psalms 65:5 | With awesome deeds of righteousness You answer us, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. |
| 3 | Psalms 81:15 | Those who hate the LORD would feign obedience, and their doom would last forever. |
| 4 | Psalms 47:2 | How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! |
| 5 | Isaiah 2:19 | Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth. |
| 6 | Psalms 22:28–29 | For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations. All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before Him— even those unable to preserve their lives. |
| 7 | Psalms 78:35–36 | And they remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer. But they deceived Him with their mouths, and lied to Him with their tongues. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 10:10 | But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation. |
| 9 | Psalms 68:30 | Rebuke the beast in the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations, until it submits, bringing bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war. |
| 10 | Psalms 76:12 | He breaks the spirits of princes; He is feared by the kings of the earth. |
Psalms 66:3 Summary
[This verse is saying that God is incredibly powerful, and that those who oppose Him will ultimately be humbled. We can see examples of God's power in the Bible, such as in the book of Exodus, where He delivers the Israelites from slavery, and in the life of Jesus, where He performs miracles and rises from the dead (John 11:1-44, Matthew 28:1-20). As we reflect on God's power, we can respond with worship and praise, just like the psalmist does in this verse. By trusting in God's power, we can face our fears and challenges with confidence, knowing that He is sovereign over all things (Psalm 23:4, Romans 8:28).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to say that God's enemies cower before Him?
This phrase means that those who oppose God are ultimately powerless and humbled by His great power, as seen in Psalms 2:1-12 and Isaiah 40:21-24.
How can we say that God's power is great if we see evil in the world?
The Bible teaches that God's power is not limited by human understanding, and that He is sovereign over all things, as seen in Romans 11:33-36 and Job 42:2-3.
What are some of God's awesome deeds that we can reflect on?
We can reflect on God's creation of the world, as seen in Genesis 1:1-31, and His redemption of humanity through Jesus Christ, as seen in John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:1-10.
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing God's power and sovereignty in our lives, and responding with humility, worship, and obedience, as seen in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 22:37-40.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God's power at work in my life, and how can I respond with worship and praise?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God's deeds in my daily life?
- What are some things that I am afraid of, and how can I trust in God's power to overcome them?
- How can I share with others the awesome deeds that God has done in my life, and point them to His power and love?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 66:3
Say unto God,.... Or, "concerning God" (t), as some; or, "before God", as the Targum; say to him as follows, in psalms and hymns of praise: how terrible art thou in thy works!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 66:3
Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 66:3
How terrible art thou in thy works! To wit to thine enemies, as it follows. Submit themselves unto thee, Heb. lie unto thee, i.e. profess subjection to thee, not sincerely and freely, but by constraint, and out of a servile fear.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 66:3
Psalms 66:3 Say unto God, How terrible [art thou in] thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.Ver. 3. Say unto God] Hereby it appeareth that this, among other psalms of like nature, was written for the perpetual use of the Church, and to serve for a set form of praising God, as occasion required, either in public or private. Shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee] Heb. shall lie unto thee; that is, saith Kimchi, shall deny that they ever did anything against thee, or thy people. Or, rather, they shall perforce acknowledge thy power and prowess; as Julian the apostate did in his last Vicisti Galilaee; they shall also yield obedience to thee, such as it is, because they can neither will nor choose; this Virtus nolentinm nulla est.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 66:3
Verse 3. How terrible art thou ] Consider the plagues with which he afflicted Egypt before he brought your fathers from their captivity, which obliged all his enemies to submit. Thine enemies submit themselves] Literally, lie unto thee. This was remarkably the case with Pharaoh and the Egyptians. They promised again and again to let the people go, when the hand of the Lord was upon them: and they as frequently falsified their word.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 66:3
3. How terrible art thou in thy works!] Better as R.V., How terrible are thy works! Cp. Psalms 65:5; Revelation 15:3. through the greatness of thy power] Rather, of thy strength; cp. Psalms 46:1; Psalms 63:2; Psalms 68:33-34. submit themselves unto thee] Or, come cringing unto thee. The word, which means literally to lie (hence P.B.V. be found liars unto thee) and so to yield feigned obedience, denotes the unwilling homage paid by the conquered to their conqueror. Cp. Psalms 18:44; Psalms 81:15; Deuteronomy 33:29.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 66:3
Say unto God - In your songs of praise. Let your songs be directly addressed to him, setting forth the grounds of that praise, or the reasons why it is due to him. How terrible art thou in thy works! - How fearful!
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 66:3
3. Say unto God—The psalmist now directs how to fulfil the requirement of Psa 66:2 : namely, by rehearsing and proclaiming the great events which have transpired, and ascribing them to God.
Sermons on Psalms 66:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Unbelievers Contemn the Glory and Excellency of Christ by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about how unbelievers contempt the glory and excellency of Christ, highlighting their refusal to acknowledge the greatness of Christ's person, work, and o |
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Letter 99 by James Bourne | James Bourne emphasizes the prevalence of superficial religious professions and the need for true humility and repentance before God. He highlights the importance of recognizing ou |
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The Final Paradox by Elton Trueblood | Elton Trueblood delves into the profound theological reflections of Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing his unwavering belief in the sovereignty and guidance of God in the midst of great |
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Letter 98 by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches to Mr. T. 0. about the importance of experiencing God's judgments and discipline, which reveal the hidden sins and inventions of our hearts. Through this comm |
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Necessity of Seeing Jesus as King by David Smithers | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of how surrendering their heart to God allowed the word of God to have a deeper impact on their life. They emphasize the im |
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"The Great God" by Colin Peckham | This sermon emphasizes the greatness and glory of God, highlighting the distinction between God's heavenly majesty and our earthly limitations. It calls for a reverent recognition |
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The Divine Names and Titles by E.W. Bullinger | E.W. Bullinger delves into the significance of various names of God in the Bible, highlighting the different aspects of His character and relationship with His people. Elohim, ment |