King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, [and] the waters flow.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Then he sends his word out and melts them; he makes the winds blow, and the water flows.
Berean Standard Bible:
He sends forth His word and melts them; He unleashes His winds, and the waters flow.
American Standard Version:
He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: He causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
He sendeth out{H7971} his word{H1697}, and melteth{H4529} them: he causeth his wind{H7307} to blow{H5380}, and the waters{H4325} flow{H5140}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Psalms 147:15
- He sendeth forth his commandment [upon] earth: his word runneth very swiftly.
Psalms 33:9
- For he spake, and it was [done]; he commanded, and it stood fast.
Job 37:10
- By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.
Job 6:16
- Which are blackish by reason of the ice, [and] wherein the snow is hid:
Job 6:17
- What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
Job 37:17
- How thy garments [are] warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south [wind]?
Psalms 107:20
- He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered [them] from their destructions.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Psalms 147:18
Psalm 147:18 is part of a larger psalm that falls within the final collection of psalms known as the "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150), which are characterized by their praise of God. The verse itself is a poetic expression of God's sovereignty over nature, a common theme in the Psalms.
In this verse, the psalmist describes two distinct acts of God that demonstrate His power and control over the natural world. First, "He sendeth out his word, and melteth them," which can be interpreted as God's command causing ice or frost to melt. This reflects the idea that the natural elements respond to God's will, emphasizing the power of divine speech. The verse does not specify what is being melted, but the imagery suggests a transition from winter to spring, symbolizing renewal and God's role in the seasonal cycle.
Second, "he causeth his wind to blow, [and] the waters flow." Here, the psalmist portrays God as commanding the wind, which in turn affects the movement of water, possibly referencing the rain that fills rivers and streams or the way wind influences currents. This illustrates God's control over the atmosphere and hydrosphere, essential components for life, and underscores His role as the sustainer of creation.
Historically, the people of Israel lived in an agrarian society highly dependent on the climate and seasonal rains for their survival. This verse would have resonated with them as a testament to God's active involvement in their daily lives, providing for their needs and demonstrating His faithfulness.
In summary, Psalm 147:18 celebrates God's mastery over the elements of nature, using the imagery of melting ice and flowing waters to convey His power, presence, and provision. It reflects the Israelites' understanding of God as intimately involved in the natural order and serves as a reminder of His role as the source of life and sustenance.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H7971
There are 790 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁלַח
Transliteration: shâlach
Pronunciation: shaw-lakh'
Description: a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications); [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). - Strong's Number: H1697
There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דָּבָר
Transliteration: dâbâr
Pronunciation: daw-baw'
Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. - Strong's Number: H4529
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מָסָה
Transliteration: mâçâh
Pronunciation: maw-saw'
Description: a primitive root; to dissolve; make to consume away, (make to) melt, water. - Strong's Number: H7307
There are 348 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רוּחַ
Transliteration: rûwach
Pronunciation: roo'-akh
Description: from רוּחַ; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions); air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). - Strong's Number: H5380
There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָשַׁב
Transliteration: nâshab
Pronunciation: naw-shab'
Description: a primitive root; to blow; by implication, to disperse; (cause to) blow, drive away. - Strong's Number: H4325
There are 525 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מַיִם
Transliteration: mayim
Pronunciation: mah'-yim
Description: dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen; [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). - Strong's Number: H5140
There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָזַל
Transliteration: nâzal
Pronunciation: naw-zal'
Description: a primitive root; to drip, or shed by trickling; distil, drop, flood, (cause to) flow(-ing), gush out, melt, pour (down), running water, stream.