Psalms 97:4

Authorized King James Version

PDF

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

Original Language Analysis

הֵאִ֣ירוּ enlightened H215
הֵאִ֣ירוּ enlightened
Strong's: H215
Word #: 1 of 6
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
בְרָקָ֣יו His lightnings H1300
בְרָקָ֣יו His lightnings
Strong's: H1300
Word #: 2 of 6
lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword
תֵּבֵ֑ל the world H8398
תֵּבֵ֑ל the world
Strong's: H8398
Word #: 3 of 6
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,
רָאֲתָ֖ה saw H7200
רָאֲתָ֖ה saw
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 4 of 6
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וַתָּחֵ֣ל and trembled H2342
וַתָּחֵ֣ל and trembled
Strong's: H2342
Word #: 5 of 6
properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ the earth H776
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ the earth
Strong's: H776
Word #: 6 of 6
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis & Commentary

Divine lightning illuminating the world (tevel) represents God's revelation breaking through darkness. The earth seeing and trembling (chul—writhing, travailing) depicts creation's response to its Creator's unveiled presence. This isn't mere natural phenomenon but theophanic manifestation—God making His power visible. The universal scope ('world... earth') emphasizes that all creation witnesses and responds to God's glory. The trembling is appropriate reverence, not servile terror—the creature acknowledging the Creator.

Historical Context

Lightning was often associated with divine activity in ancient literature, but here it serves as God's self-disclosure rather than capricious divine anger.

Questions for Reflection