Psalms 98:7

Authorized King James Version

Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִרְעַ֣ם
roar
to tumble, i.e., be violently agitated; specifically, to crash (of thunder); figuratively, to irritate (with anger)
#2
הַ֭יָּם
Let the sea
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
#3
וּמְלֹא֑וֹ
and the fulness
fulness (literally or figuratively)
#4
תֵּ֝בֵ֗ל
thereof the world
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,
#5
וְיֹ֣שְׁבֵי
and they that dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#6
בָֽהּ׃
H0

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection