Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Psalms » Chapter 97 » Verse 2-4

Psalms 97:2-4 King James Version (KJV)

2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.

3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.

4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.


Psalms 97:2-4 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

2 Clouds H6051 and darkness H6205 are round about H5439 him: righteousness H6664 and judgment H4941 are the habitation H4349 of his throne. H3678

3 A fire H784 goeth H3212 before H6440 him, and burneth up H3857 his enemies H6862 round about. H5439

4 His lightnings H1300 enlightened H215 the world: H8398 the earth H776 saw, H7200 and trembled. H2342


Psalms 97:2-4 American Standard (ASV)

2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3 A fire goeth before him, And burneth up his adversaries round about.

4 His lightnings lightened the world: The earth saw, and trembled.


Psalms 97:2-4 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

2 Cloud and darkness `are' round about Him, Righteousness and judgment the basis of His throne.

3 Fire before Him goeth, And burneth round about His adversaries.

4 Lightened have His lightnings the world, The earth hath seen, and is pained.


Psalms 97:2-4 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

2 Clouds and darkness are round about him; righteousness and judgment are the foundation of his throne.

3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his adversaries round about.

4 His lightnings lightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.


Psalms 97:2-4 World English Bible (WEB)

2 Clouds and darkness are around him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3 A fire goes before him, And burns up his adversaries on every side.

4 His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees, and trembles.


Psalms 97:2-4 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

2 Dark clouds are round him; his kingdom is based on righteousness and right judging.

3 Fire goes before him, burning up all those who are against him round about.

4 His bright flames give light to the world; the earth saw it with fear.

Commentary on Psalms 97 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 97

Ps 97:1-12. The writer celebrates the Lord's dominion over nations and nature, describes its effect on foes and friends, and exhorts and encourages the latter.

1, 2. This dominion is a cause of joy, because, even though our minds are oppressed with terror before the throne of the King of kings (Ex 19:16; De 5:22), we know it is based on righteous principles and judgments which are according to truth.

3-5. The attending illustrations of God's awful justice on enemies (Ps 83:14) are seen in the disclosures of His almighty power on the elements of nature (compare Ps 46:2; 77:17; Hab 3:6, &c.).

6. heavens—or, their inhabitants (Ps 50:6), as opposed to "nations" in the latter clause (compare Isa 40:5; 66:18).

7. Idolaters are utterly put to shame, for if angels must worship Him, how much more those who worshipped them.

all ye gods—literally, "all ye angels" (Ps 8:5; 138:1; Heb 1:6; 2:7). Paul quotes, not as a prophecy, but as language used in regard to the Lord Jehovah, who in the Old Testament theophania is the second person of the Godhead.

8, 9. The exaltation of Zion's king is joy to the righteous and sorrow to the wicked.

daughters of Judah—(Compare Ps 48:11).

9. above all gods—(Ps 95:3).

10-12. Let gratitude for the blessings of providence and grace incite saints (Ps 4:3) to holy living. Spiritual blessings are in store, represented by light (Ps 27:1) and gladness.

11. sown—to spring forth abundantly for such, who alone can and well may rejoice in the holy government of their sovereign Lord (compare Ps 30:4; 32:11).