What does Psalms 66:3 mean?

"Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee." - Psalms 66:3

"Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee." - Psalms 66:3

The Bible verse Psalms 66:3 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee." This verse comes from the book of Psalms, which is a collection of poetic prayers and hymns that express a range of emotions and experiences in the context of the Israelites' relationship with God.

The theme of this verse is the greatness and power of God and the recognition of His authority over His enemies. The verse opens with an exhortation to "Say unto God," indicating a call to acknowledge and address God directly. The psalmist then acknowledges the "terrible" nature of God in His works, highlighting the awe-inspiring and fearsome power of God's actions. The word "terrible" here does not solely mean "to cause terror" but encompasses a sense of reverence, awe, and fear in the presence of God's majesty and might.

The psalmist then continues by acknowledging that it is through the greatness of God's power that His enemies will submit themselves unto Him. This is a recognition of God's sovereignty and authority over all things, including those who oppose Him. The imagery of enemies submitting themselves implies a sense of defeat and acknowledgement of God's power and authority, ultimately yielding to His will.

The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. The book of Psalms is attributed to King David and other writers, and it was a central part of the Israelites' worship and religious expression. Many of the psalms were written during times of triumph, adversity, and personal reflection, offering a means for the Israelites to express their praise, thanksgiving, lament, and petition to God.

In this particular verse, the psalmist may have been reflecting on a specific event or experience in which God demonstrated His power and authority over His enemies. This could have been a reference to a military victory, deliverance from oppression, or a miraculous intervention of God on behalf of His people. The verse serves as a declaration of God's sovereignty and a reminder of His ability to overcome all adversaries.

Symbolism is also present in this verse, particularly in the use of the word "terrible" to describe God in His works. The term "terrible" conveys a sense of awe and reverence, emphasizing the transcendence and incomprehensibility of God's power and actions. It serves to highlight the divine nature of God and His ability to inspire reverence and fear in those who encounter Him. The imagery of enemies submitting themselves further emphasizes the notion of God's ultimate authority and the inevitability of His victory over opposition.

Overall, Psalms 66:3 in the KJV speaks to the enduring themes of God's greatness, power, and authority. It serves as a powerful declaration of faith and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, prompting readers to reflect on His majesty and the submission of His enemies. In doing so, it offers a source of comfort, encouragement, and inspiration for believers, reminding them of the unshakable nature of God's power and His ultimate triumph over all adversaries.

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Psalms 66:3 Artwork

Psalms 66:3 - "Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee."

Psalms 66:3 - "Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee."

"Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee." - Psalms 66:3

"Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee." - Psalms 66:3

Psalms 66:1 - "Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:"

Psalms 66:1 - "Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:"

Psalms 66:18 - "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:"

Psalms 66:18 - "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:"

Psalms 66:9 - "Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved."

Psalms 66:9 - "Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved."

Psalms 66:2 - "Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious."

Psalms 66:2 - "Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious."

"Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments." - Psalms 119:66

"Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments." - Psalms 119:66

Psalms 66:11 - "Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins."

Psalms 66:11 - "Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins."

Psalms 119:66 - "Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments."

Psalms 119:66 - "Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments."

Psalms 66:17 - "I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue."

Psalms 66:17 - "I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue."

Psalms 66:5 - "Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men."

Psalms 66:5 - "Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men."

Psalms 78:66 - "And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach."

Psalms 78:66 - "And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach."

Psalms 66:19 - "But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer."

Psalms 66:19 - "But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer."

Psalms 66:8 - "O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:"

Psalms 66:8 - "O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:"

Psalms 66:13 - "I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,"

Psalms 66:13 - "I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,"

Psalms 66:14 - "Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble."

Psalms 66:14 - "Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble."

Psalms 66:10 - "For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried."

Psalms 66:10 - "For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried."

"Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men." - Psalms 66:5

"Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men." - Psalms 66:5

Psalms 66:20 - "Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me."

Psalms 66:20 - "Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me."

Psalms 66:6 - "He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him."

Psalms 66:6 - "He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him."

Psalms 66:7 - "He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah."

Psalms 66:7 - "He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah."

Psalms 66:4 - "All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah."

Psalms 66:4 - "All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah."

Psalms 66:15 - "I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah."

Psalms 66:15 - "I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah."

Psalms 66:16 - "Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul."

Psalms 66:16 - "Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul."

"All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah." - Psalms 66:4

"All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah." - Psalms 66:4

"Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul." - Psalms 66:16

"Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul." - Psalms 66:16

"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:" - Psalms 66:18

"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:" - Psalms 66:18

Psalms 66:18 KJVA
(18)  If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

Psalms 66:18 KJVA (18) If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

"Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:" - Psalms 66:1

"Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:" - Psalms 66:1

Psalms 66:18 KJVA
(18)  If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

Psalms 66:18 KJVA (18) If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: