Psalms 77:16
Psalms 77:16 in Multiple Translations
The waters saw You, O God; the waters saw You and swirled; even the depths were shaken.
The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.
The waters saw thee, O God; The waters saw thee, they were afraid: The depths also trembled.
The waters saw you, O God; the waters saw you, they were in fear: even the deep was troubled.
When the waters saw you, God, when they looked they trembled! Yes, they shook down to the very depths!
The waters sawe thee, O God: the waters sawe thee, and were afraide: yea, the depths trembled.
The waters have seen Thee, O God, The waters have seen Thee, They are afraid — also depths are troubled.
The waters saw you, God. The waters saw you, and they writhed. The depths also convulsed.
The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were disturbed.
He brought forth water out of the rock: and made streams run down as rivers.
It was as though the waters of the Red Sea saw you and became very afraid, and even the deepest part of the water shook.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 77:16
BAB
Word Study
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Psalms 77:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גָּאַ֣לְתָּ
בִּ/זְר֣וֹעַ
עַמֶּ֑/ךָ
בְּנֵי
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
וְ/יוֹסֵ֣ף
סֶֽלָה
גָּאַ֣לְתָּ
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
בִּ/זְר֣וֹעַ
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
arm
Prep | N-cs
עַמֶּ֑/ךָ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
וְ/יוֹסֵ֣ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
Conj | N-proper
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 77:16
גָּאַ֣לְתָּ
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This Hebrew word means redemption, describing the act of a kinsman buying back a relative's property or marrying their widow, as seen in the story of Boaz in Ruth.
Definition: : redeem 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. See also: Genesis 48:16; Job 3:5; Psalms 19:15.
בִּ/זְר֣וֹעַ
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
"arm"
Prep | N-cs
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
עַמֶּ֑/ךָ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
וְ/יוֹסֵ֣ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
Conj | N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
"Selah"
Part
Selah is a musical term in the Bible that signals a pause or interruption in the music, like a rest in a song, often used in Psalms. It is a technical term that sets a moment for reflection and contemplation, as seen in Psalm 3:2.
Definition: § 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: Selah. See also: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 62:5; Psalms 3:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 77:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 77:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 77:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 77:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 77:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 77:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 77:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 77:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 77:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 77:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 77:16
- Sermons on Psalms 77:16
Context — In the Day of Trouble I Sought the Lord
14You are the God who works wonders; You display Your strength among the peoples.
15With power You redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
16The waters saw You, O God; the waters saw You and swirled; even the depths were shaken.
17The clouds poured down water; the skies resounded with thunder; Your arrows flashed back and forth. 18Your thunder resounded in the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 14:21 | Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, |
| 2 | Habakkuk 3:15 | You trampled the sea with Your horses, churning the great waters. |
| 3 | Joshua 3:15–16 | Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. |
| 4 | Psalms 114:3–6 | The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back; the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs. Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back, O mountains, that you skipped like rams, O hills, like lambs? |
| 5 | Habakkuk 3:8–10 | 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? You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. Selah You split the earth with rivers. The mountains saw You and quaked; torrents of water swept by. The deep roared with its voice and lifted its hands on high. |
Psalms 77:16 Summary
This verse is saying that even the oceans and the deepest parts of the earth are aware of God's presence and power, and they respond with fear and respect, as seen in Psalms 96:4, where God is described as greater than all other gods. It's like the whole creation is saying, 'We know You're here, God, and we're amazed by Your power!' (Psalms 8:3-4). This should give us confidence and comfort, knowing that God is in control of everything, even when things seem chaotic or uncertain, and remind us to trust in His goodness and love, as seen in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the waters to 'see' God in Psalms 77:16?
This verse is using poetic language to describe the powerful presence of God, similar to how the Psalmist describes God's glory in Psalms 19:1, where the heavens declare His glory.
Is this verse talking about a specific historical event or a general truth about God?
While this verse may be referencing a specific event, such as the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31, it is also making a broader statement about God's power and authority over creation, as seen in Jeremiah 5:22.
What is the significance of the depths being shaken in this verse?
The depths being shaken is a metaphor for the idea that even the most powerful and mysterious forces in the world are subject to God's power, as seen in Job 38:1-7, where God speaks to Job about His control over the oceans and the earth.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
This verse reminds us of God's power and authority, and can encourage us to trust in Him, even in difficult or uncertain circumstances, as seen in Psalms 46:1-3, where God is described as a refuge and strength in times of trouble.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God's power and presence in my own life, and how can I be more aware of His workings in the world around me?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's power and authority, as described in this verse?
- In what ways can I trust in God's power and control, even when faced with challenging or overwhelming circumstances, and how can I find comfort in His presence?
- What are some ways that I can declare God's glory and power to those around me, as the Psalmist does in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 77:16
The waters saw thee, O God,.... The waters not of Jordan, but of the Red sea; these felt and perceived the power of God, in causing a strong east wind, which dried it up, and made way for the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 77:16
The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled. The waters saw thee, O God ... they were afraid - (Psalms 114:3; Habakkuk 3:8-10).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 77:16
The waters saw thee; they felt the visible effects of thy powerful presence. They were afraid; and stood still, as men or beasts astonished commonly do.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 77:16
Psalms 77:16 The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled. Ver. 16. The waters saw thee, O God … they were afraid] This is check to such as will not see to fear so mighty a God. "Lord," saith the prophet, "when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see; but they shall see and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them," Isaiah 26:11.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 77:16
(16-20) The prominence given to Joseph is a feature common to the Asaphic psalm. With this magnificent lyric of the passage of the Red Sea comp. Habakkuk 3:10-11. The narrative in Exodus says nothing of a storm, but Josephus has preserved the tradition (Ant., 2:16. 3). Philo also mentions the storm.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 77:16
Verse 16. The waters saw thee] What a fine image! He represents God approaching the Red Sea; and the waters, seeing him, took fright, and ran off before him, dividing to the right and left to let him pass. I have not found any thing more majestic than this. The depths also were troubled.] Every thing appears here to have life and perception. The waters see the Almighty, do not wait his coming, but in terror flee away! The deeps, uncovered, are astonished at the circumstance; and as they cannot fly, they are filled with trouble and dismay. Under the hand of such a poet, inanimate nature springs into life; all thinks, speaks, acts; all is in motion, and the dismay is general.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 77:16
10–20. The history of the past is the most convincing answer to these questions, the best cordial for his fainting spirits. Cp. Isaiah 63:7 ff.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 77:16
The waters saw thee ... - The waters of the Red Sea and the Jordan. There is great sublimity in this expression; in representing the waters as conscious of the presence of God, and as fleeing in consternation at his presence.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 77:16
16. The waters saw thee—A bold figure. The waters saw God fighting for his people, and were afraid, or seized with pain, as the word denotes. Troubled—Agitated.
Sermons on Psalms 77:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Thy Way Was in the Sea by T. Austin-Sparks | The video is a sermon about the way in which the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea. The speaker reflects on how he had previously written a song about |
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A Message for New Christians by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of four steps to reach the Promised Land. The first step is separation from sin, where individuals must distance themselves f |
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The Worms Shall Crawl Out of Their Holes by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the loss of trust and confidence in various institutions, including the judicial system, school system, and even marriage. He highlights the p |
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(Exodus) Exodus 14:13-16 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. He emphasizes that it is God who works on their behalf and they simply need to a |
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Comfort Proclaimed by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of comforting others in times of sorrow and distress. It encourages believers to find solace in God's presence and to share the mess |
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What Holds Back Revival by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of doing kind deeds as a way to open doors for sharing one's testimony. The preacher also highlights the need for personal sa |
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Taking Back Your Song in the Night by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude and praise to Jesus. They emphasize the importance of thanking and praising God. The speaker then shares a personal story |