Psalms 68:3
Psalms 68:3 in Multiple Translations
But the righteous will be glad and rejoice before God; they will celebrate with joy.
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God: Yea, let them rejoice with gladness.
But let the upright be glad; let them have delight before God; let them be full of joy.
But those who are right with God are happy, and they celebrate in God's presence, full of joy.
But the righteous shalbe glad, and reioyce before God: yea, they shall leape for ioye.
And the righteous rejoice, they exult before God, And they joy with gladness.
But let the righteous be glad. Let them rejoice before God. Yes, let them rejoice with gladness.
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yes, let them exceedingly rejoice.
I stick fast in the mire of the deep: and there is no sure standing. I am come into the depth of the sea: and a tempest hath overwhelmed me.
But righteous people should be joyful; they should rejoice when they are in God’s presence; they should be happy, and be very joyful.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 68:3
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 68:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ/הִנְדֹּ֥ף
עָשָׁ֗ן
תִּ֫נְדֹּ֥ף
כְּ/הִמֵּ֣ס
דּ֭וֹנַג
מִ/פְּנֵי
אֵ֑שׁ
יֹאבְד֥וּ
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
אֱלֹהִֽים
כְּ/הִנְדֹּ֥ף
nâdaph
H5086
to drive
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
עָשָׁ֗ן
ʻâshân
H6227
smoke
N-ms
תִּ֫נְדֹּ֥ף
nâdaph
H5086
to drive
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
כְּ/הִמֵּ֣ס
mâçaç
H4549
to melt
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
דּ֭וֹנַג
dôwnag
H1749
wax
N-ms
מִ/פְּנֵי
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
אֵ֑שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
יֹאבְד֥וּ
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 68:3
כְּ/הִנְדֹּ֥ף
nâdaph
H5086
"to drive"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
To drive or disperse is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe people or animals being forced to move. It's like being pushed or shoved, as seen in some biblical events.
Definition: 1) to drive, drive away, drive asunder 1a) (Qal) to drive about 1b)(Niphal) to be driven, be driven about
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: drive (away, to and fro), thrust down, shaken, tossed to and fro. See also: Leviticus 26:36; Psalms 68:3; Psalms 1:4.
עָשָׁ֗ן
ʻâshân
H6227
"smoke"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for smoke, whether literal or figurative, is used throughout the Bible. In Exodus, God appears to Moses in a cloud of smoke, while in other places it represents God's anger or judgment. Smoke can also symbolize prayer rising to God.
Definition: 1) smoke 1a) smoke 1b) in metaphor, simile 1c) smoke (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: smoke(-ing). See also: Genesis 15:17; Proverbs 10:26; Psalms 18:9.
תִּ֫נְדֹּ֥ף
nâdaph
H5086
"to drive"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To drive or disperse is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe people or animals being forced to move. It's like being pushed or shoved, as seen in some biblical events.
Definition: 1) to drive, drive away, drive asunder 1a) (Qal) to drive about 1b)(Niphal) to be driven, be driven about
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: drive (away, to and fro), thrust down, shaken, tossed to and fro. See also: Leviticus 26:36; Psalms 68:3; Psalms 1:4.
כְּ/הִמֵּ֣ס
mâçaç
H4549
"to melt"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
To melt or waste away is what this verb means, often used to describe something weakening or disappearing. It appears in books like Psalms and Isaiah, describing the effects of disease or fear. This word can also mean to faint or lose strength.
Definition: 1) to dissolve, melt 1a) (Qal) to waste away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to melt, vanish, drop off, melt away 1b2) to faint, grow fearful (fig.) 1b3) wasted, worthless (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to melt
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: discourage, faint, be loosed, melt (away), refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 16:21; Psalms 68:3; Psalms 22:15.
דּ֭וֹנַג
dôwnag
H1749
"wax"
N-ms
This word refers to wax, often used figuratively to describe something that melts away. It appears in Psalm 68:2 and 97:5, where God's enemies melt like wax before him. It symbolizes weakness and vulnerability.
Definition: wax (always figurative 'of melting')
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: wax. See also: Psalms 22:15; Psalms 97:5; Psalms 68:3.
מִ/פְּנֵי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֵ֑שׁ
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.
יֹאבְד֥וּ
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 68:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 68:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 68:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 68:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 68:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 68:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 68:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 68:3
- Sermons on Psalms 68:3
Context — God’s Enemies Are Scattered
1God arises. His enemies are scattered, and those who hate Him flee His presence.
2As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God.
3But the righteous will be glad and rejoice before God; they will celebrate with joy.
4Sing to God! Sing praises to His name. Exalt Him who rides on the clouds — His name is the LORD— and rejoice before Him. 5A father of the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 64:10 | Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in Him; let all the upright in heart exult. |
| 2 | Psalms 100:1–2 | Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs. |
| 3 | 1 Thessalonians 5:16 | Rejoice at all times. |
| 4 | Revelation 18:20 | Rejoice over her, O heaven, O saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her. |
| 5 | Psalms 95:1–2 | Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song. |
| 6 | Psalms 97:12 | Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones, and praise His holy name. |
| 7 | Psalms 98:8–9 | Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity. |
| 8 | Psalms 43:4 | Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God. |
| 9 | Psalms 21:1 | O LORD, the king rejoices in Your strength. How greatly he exults in Your salvation! |
| 10 | Revelation 19:7 | Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. |
Psalms 68:3 Summary
This verse tells us that people who love and follow God will be happy and rejoice in His presence. It's like being with someone you love and respect, and feeling joyful and content. As the Bible says in Psalms 37:4, when we delight ourselves in the Lord, He gives us the desires of our hearts, and we can experience joy and rejoicing. We can rejoice in God's presence by worshiping Him, singing praises to His name, and trusting in His goodness, as encouraged in Psalms 100:1-5 and John 15:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the righteous to rejoice before God?
This means that those who are in a right relationship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ, will experience joy and happiness in His presence, as seen in Psalms 16:11 and Psalms 37:4.
How can we celebrate with joy before God?
We can celebrate with joy by worshiping Him, singing praises to His name, and acknowledging His goodness and love in our lives, as encouraged in Psalms 100:1-5 and Ephesians 5:19-20.
Is this verse only talking about future joy, or can we experience it now?
While there will be ultimate joy in God's presence in heaven, as described in Revelation 21:4, we can also experience joy and rejoicing in our daily lives as we walk with God and trust in His goodness, as promised in John 15:11 and Galatians 5:22.
What is the relationship between God's judgment and the righteous rejoicing?
The verse comes in the context of God's judgment on the wicked, as seen in Psalms 68:1-2, and highlights the contrast between the fate of the wicked and the experience of the righteous, who will rejoice in God's presence, as also seen in Proverbs 10:28-30 and Romans 2:6-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can practically rejoice and celebrate before God in my daily life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of joy and happiness in my relationship with God, even in difficult circumstances?
- What are some things that hinder my ability to rejoice and celebrate before God, and how can I overcome them?
- In what ways can I reflect the joy and love of God to those around me, and be a source of encouragement and hope to others?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 68:3
But let the righteous be glad,.... At the incarnation of Christ, which is matter of joy to all people that believe in him; as did Zacharias and Elisabeth, who were both righteous, and also Simeon;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 68:3
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 68:3
For God’ s gracious appearance on their behalf, and for his settled presence with them.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 68:3
Psalms 68:3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.Ver. 3. But let the righteous be glad] When he seeth the vengeance, Psalms 58:10 while this wise King scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them, Proverbs 20:26. Let them rejoice before God] Heb. At the presence of God, from which the wicked must flee, Psalms 68:1. See Isaiah 33:14. Yea, let them exceedingly rejoice] Heb. rejoice with gladness; overabound exceedingly with joy, as St Paul did, 2 Corinthians 7:4. Joy is the just man’ s portion, which the wicked may not meddle with, Hosea 9:1.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 68:3
3. But the righteous shall be glad, shall exult at the presence of God; Yea, they shall rejoice with gladness. The righteous are the people of God, viewed in the light of their calling: the wicked are the heathen, regarded in the light of their general antagonism to God and His people. Cp. Habakkuk 1:13. In the contrast between Israel and the heathen the unrighteousness of many in Israel fades out of sight. The A.V. rendering before in this verse and Psalms 68:4 fails to bring out the significant contrast with Psalms 68:1-2. The Presence which brings dismay and destruction to the wicked, brings joy and blessing to the righteous. Cp. Psalms 67:1; Exodus 33:14; Isaiah 63:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:9-10.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 68:3
But let the righteous be glad - That is, Let them be prosperous and happy; let them be under thy protecting care, and partake of thy favor.
Sermons on Psalms 68:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Secret of Gladness by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the secret of gladness in the Christian life, asserting that true joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in God's love and grace. He explains th |
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Shining Bright in Our Trials by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord with joy and gladness, rooted in the assurance of His protection over His children. He illustrates how biblical figure |
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Serving the Lord With Gladness by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God desires His people to serve Him with joy and gladness, rooted in the understanding of His tender love and ongoing work in their lives. He warns |
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The Gospel of Jesus Christ (s.n.e. Reformation Conference) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker presents a thought-provoking scenario to illustrate the concept of justice and forgiveness. He describes a situation where a person's family has been br |
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Ravenhill Humor - on Hymn 'And Can It Be' by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill humorously critiques the rendition of the hymn 'And Can It Be,' expressing his disappointment after hearing it sung poorly for many years. He imagines that Charle |
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Walk of the New Man 03 by Rick Bovey | In this sermon, the speaker breaks down the passage into three parts. He begins by discussing the growth stages of children and relates it to the spiritual growth of believers. He |
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We're Marching to Zion (Zion City Choir) by John Alexander Dowie | The video is a repetitive chant or song asking the Lord to let His joy be known. The phrase "And hear us, how we sing our song" is repeated multiple times throughout the video. The |