Psalms 98:8
Psalms 98:8 in Multiple Translations
Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy
Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
Let the floods clap their hands; Let the hills sing for joy together
Let the streams make sounds of joy with their hands; let the mountains be glad together,
Let the rivers celebrate, let the hills join in the celebration
Let the floods clap their hands, and let the mountaines reioyce together
Floods clap hand, together hills cry aloud,
Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the mountains sing for joy together.
Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
Thou didst hear them, O Lord our God: thou wast a merciful God to them, and taking vengeance on all their inventions.
It should seem as though the rivers are clapping their hands to praise Yahweh and that the hills are singing together joyfully in front of Yahweh,
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 98:8
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 98:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נְהָר֥וֹת
יִמְחֲאוּ
כָ֑ף
יַ֝֗חַד
הָרִ֥ים
יְרַנֵּֽנוּ
נְהָר֥וֹת
nâhâr
H5104
river
N-mp
יִמְחֲאוּ
mâchâʼ
H4222
to clap
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
כָ֑ף
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fs
יַ֝֗חַד
yachad
H3162
unitedness
Adv
הָרִ֥ים
har
H2022
mountain
N-mp
יְרַנֵּֽנוּ
rânan
H7442
to overcome
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 98:8
נְהָר֥וֹת
nâhâr
H5104
"river"
N-mp
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
יִמְחֲאוּ
mâchâʼ
H4222
"to clap"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to clap hands in joy, like when the Israelites celebrated God's miracles. It appears in Psalm 47:1, where people clap to praise God. Clapping is a way to show excitement and gratitude.
Definition: 1) to strike, clap (the hands) 1a) (Qal) to clap (of joy) 1b) (Piel) to clap (of exultation) Aramaic equivalent: me.ach (מְחָא "to smite" H4223)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: clap. See also: Psalms 98:8; Isaiah 55:12; Ezekiel 25:6.
כָ֑ף
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
יַ֝֗חַד
yachad
H3162
"unitedness"
Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
הָרִ֥ים
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
יְרַנֵּֽנוּ
rânan
H7442
"to overcome"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to sing or shout for joy, often used to express praise or triumph, as seen in Psalm 98:4 where believers are called to shout for joy to the Lord. It can also mean to cry aloud in distress or to summon others. This word is used to describe a loud, vocal expression of emotion.
Definition: 1) to overcome 1a) (Hithpolel) to be overcome
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: aloud for joy, cry out, be joyful (greatly, make to) rejoice, (cause to) shout (for joy), (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph. See also: Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 132:9; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 98:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 98:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 98:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 98:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 98:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 98:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 98:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 98:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 98:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 98:8
- Sermons on Psalms 98:8
Context — Sing to the LORD a New Song
6With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King.
7Let the sea resound, and all that fills it, the world, and all who dwell in it.
8Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy
9before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 55:12 | You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. |
| 2 | Psalms 89:12 | North and south You created; Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at Your name. |
| 3 | Psalms 65:12–13 | The pastures of the wilderness overflow; the hills are robed with joy. The pastures are clothed with flocks, and the valleys are decked with grain. They shout in triumph; indeed, they sing. |
| 4 | Psalms 93:3 | The floodwaters have risen, O LORD; the rivers have raised their voice; the seas lift up their pounding waves. |
| 5 | Psalms 47:1 | Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout unto God with a voice of triumph. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 11:12 | Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!” |
Psalms 98:8 Summary
This verse is saying that all of creation, including the rivers and mountains, will be filled with joy and will worship God when He comes to judge the earth. This is a poetic way of describing the celebration and praise that will happen when God's kingdom is fully established, as seen in Revelation 21:1-4. It's a reminder that our worship is not just about us, but is part of a larger cosmic celebration that includes all of creation, and that one day, everything will be made new and will worship God together, as seen in Isaiah 65:17 and 2 Peter 3:13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for rivers to clap their hands and mountains to sing together for joy?
This verse is using poetic language to describe the joy and celebration that all of creation will experience when God comes to judge the earth, as seen in Psalms 98:9, and is reminiscent of the praise found in Psalms 19:1-6 and Romans 8:22.
Is this verse meant to be taken literally?
No, this verse is using figurative language to convey the idea that all of creation will be filled with joy and will worship God, as seen in Isaiah 55:12 and Luke 19:37-40.
What is the significance of the rivers and mountains being mentioned specifically?
The rivers and mountains are being used as examples of the natural world, which will join in the celebration and worship of God, highlighting the all-encompassing nature of God's creation and His ultimate judgment, as seen in Psalms 96:11-13 and Revelation 20:11-15.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by remembering that our worship and praise of God is not just limited to our individual lives, but is part of a larger cosmic celebration that will one day include all of creation, as seen in Ephesians 1:10 and Colossians 1:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can join in the celebration and worship of God in my daily life?
- How can I see the natural world around me as a reflection of God's glory and worship?
- What are some things that bring me joy and how can I use those things to worship and praise God?
- How can I remember that my worship is not just about me, but is part of a larger celebration that includes all of creation?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 98:8
Let the floods clap their hands,.... Or "rivers" (e), dashing against their banks, as they pass along; a prosopopoeia, as the preceding and following, expressing great joy on account of the Messiah, the reigning King.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 98:8
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. -As in the preceding strophe the intensity of the joy at the Lord's coming is set forth, so in this strophe its extent.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 98:8
Psalms 98:8 Let the floods clap [their] hands: let the hills be joyful together Ver. 8.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 98:8
(8) Clap their hands.—This expression, descriptive of the lapping sound of waves, occurs also in Isaiah 55:12. Let the hills be joyful together.— “Far along, From peak to peak, the rattling crags among, Leaps the live thunder! Not from one long cloud, But every mountain now hath found a tongue, And Jura answers through her misty shroud Back to the joyous Alps who call to her aloud.” BYRON: Childe Harold, canto iii.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 98:8
Verse 8. Let the floods clap their hands] נהרות neharoth, properly the rivers-possibly meaning immense continents, where only large rivers are found; thus including inland people, as well as maritime nations, and those on the sea-coasts generally; as in those early times little more than the coasts of the sea were known. The Gospel shall be preached in the most secluded nations of the world. Let the hills be joyful] All the inhabitants of rocky and mountainous countries.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 98:8
8. Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the mountains sing for Joy together. Cp. Isaiah 55:12; and for the prosopopoeia, Habakkuk 3:10.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 98:8
Let the floods clap their hands - The rivers. Let them join in the universal praise.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 98:8
8. The floods—Hebrew, the rivers. See on Psalms 93:3. Clap their hands—The clapping of the rivers is a figure which differs from Isaiah 55:12, and occurs nowhere else, but finds its origin in the
Sermons on Psalms 98:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Blood Covenant) 4 - the War Against the Covenant by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the inner man's spirit rather than the physical body. He encourages listeners to question old traditions and t |
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Lead Me in the Way Everlasting by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and effectiveness of God's word in our lives. He encourages listeners to cry out to God and acknowledge that His ways and thoughts |
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Logos in Language by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story about killer sharks and their ability to communicate with their trainers. He then transitions to discussing the role of the lo |
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Being Led by Charles Leiter | This sermon focuses on the theme of being led, drawing from the example of Jesus allowing Himself to be led by the Spirit, by the devil in temptation, and by wicked men. It emphasi |
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Full of Song by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound joy that comes from the forgiveness of sin, which transforms sorrow into delight and fills creation with music. He illustrates how a renewed h |
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Isaiah's Gospel by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson expounds on Isaiah's Gospel, emphasizing the invitation to all who thirst to come and receive the abundant blessings of God without cost. He illustrates the richness o |
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Christ's World of Nature by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes that Jesus Christ entered our world at the perfect time, and while His own people rejected Him, nature welcomed Him. He illustrates how the star guided the wi |