Psalms 98:7
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Original Language Analysis
יִרְעַ֣ם
roar
H7481
יִרְעַ֣ם
roar
Strong's:
H7481
Word #:
1 of 6
to tumble, i.e., be violently agitated; specifically, to crash (of thunder); figuratively, to irritate (with anger)
הַ֭יָּם
Let the sea
H3220
הַ֭יָּם
Let the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
2 of 6
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
תֵּ֝בֵ֗ל
thereof the world
H8398
תֵּ֝בֵ֗ל
thereof the world
Strong's:
H8398
Word #:
4 of 6
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,
Historical Context
Ancient Israel understood creation as participant in covenant—cursed through Adam's fall (Genesis 3:17), blessed through Noah's rainbow (Genesis 9:13), responsive to God's voice (Psalm 29). This verse reflects Hebrew cosmology where creation actively responds to its Creator.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing creation as worshiper (not mere resource) change your relationship to the natural world?
- What does it mean that the 'sea roars' in praise—can inarticulate creation somehow glorify God?
- How will Christ's redemption affect not just humans but the whole created order?
Analysis & Commentary
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof (יִרְעַם הַיָּם וּמְלֹאוֹ, yir'am hayam umelo'o)—the psalmist summons creation itself to praise. Ra'am (roar, thunder) describes the sea's powerful voice. The phrase umelo'o (and its fulness) means everything the sea contains—creatures, waves, depths.
The world, and they that dwell therein (תֵּבֵל וְיֹשְׁבֵי בָהּ, tevel veyoshvei vah)—tevel (world, inhabited earth) expands from sea to land, from nature to humanity. Yoshvei (those dwelling) includes all earth's inhabitants. Creation theology meets universal worship: everything God made must praise its Maker.
This cosmic call to worship anticipates Romans 8:19-22, where creation itself groans for redemption's completion. Paul sees nature longing to join redeemed humanity in freedom's glory. The new creation will feature both renewed humans and renewed cosmos praising together (Revelation 21:1-4).