Psalms 68:8

Authorized King James Version

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The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

Original Language Analysis

אֶ֤רֶץ The earth H776
אֶ֤רֶץ The earth
Strong's: H776
Word #: 1 of 13
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
רָעָ֨שָׁה׀ shook H7493
רָעָ֨שָׁה׀ shook
Strong's: H7493
Word #: 2 of 13
to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust)
אַף H637
אַף
Strong's: H637
Word #: 3 of 13
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
שָׁמַ֣יִם the heavens H8064
שָׁמַ֣יִם the heavens
Strong's: H8064
Word #: 4 of 13
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
נָטְפוּ֮ also dropped H5197
נָטְפוּ֮ also dropped
Strong's: H5197
Word #: 5 of 13
to ooze, i.e., distil gradually; by implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by inspiration
מִפְּנֵ֥י at the presence H6440
מִפְּנֵ֥י at the presence
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 6 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֱלֹהֵ֥י of God H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י of God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 7 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
זֶ֥ה itself H2088
זֶ֥ה itself
Strong's: H2088
Word #: 8 of 13
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
סִינַ֑י even Sinai H5514
סִינַ֑י even Sinai
Strong's: H5514
Word #: 9 of 13
sinai, mountain of arabia
מִפְּנֵ֥י at the presence H6440
מִפְּנֵ֥י at the presence
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 10 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֱלֹהֵ֥י of God H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י of God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 11 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֱלֹהֵ֥י of God H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י of God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 12 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 13 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis & Commentary

The theophany at Sinai—earth shaking, heavens dropping rain—demonstrates God's transcendent power breaking into creation. 'The earth shook' (Exodus 19:18) and 'the heavens also dropped' recalls provision of manna and water. 'Sinai itself was moved' emphasizes that even the mountain, symbol of permanence, trembles before God's presence. This revelation established the covenant and gave the law, marking Israel as God's people. The physical manifestations authenticated divine presence and commanded reverent fear.

Historical Context

Mount Sinai's theophany (Exodus 19-20) was Israel's foundational religious experience, confirming God's power, holiness, and covenant commitment. This event established the Torah as divine revelation, not mere human wisdom.

Questions for Reflection