68:34 68:34

Psalms 68:35

69:1 69:1

Bible Versions

O God, [thou art] terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel [is] he that giveth strength and power unto [his] people. Blessed [be] God.
O God {H430}, thou art terrible {H3372}{H8737)} out of thy holy places {H4720}: the God {H410} of Israel {H3478} is he that giveth {H5414}{H8802)} strength {H5797} and power {H8592} unto his people {H5971}. Blessed {H1288}{H8803)} be God {H430}.
How awe-inspiring you are, God, from your holy places, the God of Isra'el, who gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!
O God, You are awesome in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!
O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: The God of Israel, he giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.

Psalms 68:35 is a powerful concluding statement in a psalm rich with imagery of God's majestic power and victorious leadership over His people. It encapsulates themes of divine awe, covenant faithfulness, and the bestowal of strength.

Context of Psalms 68:35

Psalm 68 is often attributed to King David, celebrating God's triumphant procession and His establishment of His dwelling place on Mount Zion. The psalm recalls significant events in Israel's history, such as the Exodus from Egypt, the journey through the wilderness, and the conquest of enemies. It portrays God as a mighty warrior who scatters His foes but graciously provides for and empowers His chosen people. Verse 35 serves as a climactic doxology, summarizing the awe-inspiring nature of God and His benevolent care for Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Awesome Majesty and Sovereignty: The word "terrible" (KJV) does not imply malevolence but rather evokes a sense of profound awe, dread, and reverence for God's immense power and holiness. It speaks to His unapproachable glory, particularly as manifested from His "holy places"—His sanctuary or heavenly abode. This aspect of God's character demands respect and worship.
  • The Giver of Strength and Power: A central message is that "the God of Israel" is the ultimate source of strength and capability for His people. This divine provision enables them to overcome challenges, fulfill their purpose, and stand firm against opposition. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, assuring believers that their strength comes from the Lord.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: Identifying God as "the God of Israel" underscores His unique, enduring, and faithful relationship with His chosen nation. It reminds the reader of His historical acts of deliverance and His ongoing commitment to His covenant people.
  • Doxology and Praise: The concluding phrase, "Blessed be God," is a direct call to praise and an expression of gratitude for His mighty acts and His constant provision. It encourages a posture of adoration and thanksgiving for all that God is and all that He does.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translation of "terrible" in this verse comes from the Hebrew word 'eymah (אֵימָה), which means "dread," "terror," or "awe." In ancient contexts, particularly when describing God, this term conveyed profound reverence and a recognition of His overwhelming power and holiness, rather than something evil or frightening in a negative sense. It highlights God's majestic and fearful presence. The "holy places" (Hebrew: miqdashim) refers to sanctuaries or places where God's sacred presence is uniquely manifested, emphasizing the source of His awe-inspiring power.

Practical Application and Reflection

For believers today, Psalms 68:35 offers profound encouragement and a call to worship:

  • Source of Strength: In times of weakness, difficulty, or spiritual battle, we are reminded that God is the one who "giveth strength and power unto his people." We can confidently look to Him for the enablement needed to face life's challenges, knowing that His power is made perfect in our weakness.
  • Reverence and Awe: This verse calls us to cultivate a deep sense of reverence for God. He is not merely a friend but also the awesome, sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things, whose holiness demands our respect and adoration.
  • Continuous Praise: Just as the psalm concludes with "Blessed be God," we are invited to live lives of continuous praise and thanksgiving, acknowledging His goodness, power, and faithfulness in every circumstance. Our response to His greatness should always be one of blessing His name, as seen in Psalms 150:6.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 29:11

    The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

  • Psalms 65:5

    [By] terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; [who art] the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off [upon] the sea:

  • Colossians 1:11

    Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

  • Isaiah 40:29

    He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.

  • Philippians 4:13

    I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

  • Psalms 66:5

    Come and see the works of God: [he is] terrible [in his] doing toward the children of men.

  • Zechariah 10:12

    And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.
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