Psalms 76:7

KJV

¶ Thou, [even] thou, [art] to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou, even thou, art to be feared {H3372}{H8737)}: and who may stand {H5975}{H8799)} in thy sight {H6440} when {H227} once thou art angry {H639}?

Complete Jewish Bible

You are fearsome! When once you are angry, who can stand in your presence?

Berean Standard Bible

You alone are to be feared. When You are angry, who can stand before You?

American Standard Version

Thou, even thou, art to be feared; And who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 76:7 serves as a profound declaration of God's unparalleled majesty and the terrifying, irresistible nature of His righteous judgment. It emphatically underscores the singular reverence due to the Almighty, asserting that no earthly power, human might, or rebellious force can possibly withstand the overwhelming force of His divine indignation when He rises in wrath to defend His people and establish His perfect justice. This verse encapsulates both the awe-inspiring holiness of God and the absolute certainty of His decisive intervention against all forms of rebellion and opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 76 is a "Song of Triumph," likely composed to commemorate a specific, miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from a formidable enemy. The psalm begins by proclaiming God's renown in Judah and His dwelling in Zion, where He has decisively broken the weapons of war, stating, "[There] brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle" ([Psalm 76:3](/psalms/76-3 "Psalm 76:3 - God Breaks Weapons")). The preceding verses ([Psalm 76:4-6](/psalms/76-4-6 "Psalm 76:4-6 - God's Overwhelming Power")) vividly describe God's overwhelming power, which renders the mightiest warriors helpless and their chariots useless in a deep sleep of death. Verse 7, therefore, serves as a climactic and foundational statement, explaining *why* God is able to achieve such decisive and effortless victory – because He alone is to be feared, and no one can stand against His anger. The subsequent verses ([Psalm 76:8-12](/psalms/76-8-12 "Psalm 76:8-12 - God's Judgment and Call for Tribute")) continue to describe God's judgment from heaven, His saving of the afflicted, and the universal call for all nations to bring tribute to Him, reinforcing the theme of His supreme authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the psalm does not explicitly name the historical event, many scholars connect its triumphant tone and specific imagery to the miraculous destruction of the Assyrian army under Sennacherib during the reign of King Hezekiah. This pivotal event, vividly recounted in [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the LORD Strikes the Assyrians") and [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - Destruction of the Assyrian Army"), describes how 185,000 Assyrian soldiers were struck down by the angel of the Lord in a single night. Such an occurrence would have been an unparalleled demonstration of Yahweh's power and a profound source of national gratitude, awe, and renewed faith. Culturally, the concept of a nation's god fighting on its behalf was common in the ancient Near East, but Psalm 76 elevates Yahweh far above all other deities, portraying Him as the supreme, unchallengeable warrior who defends His chosen city, Jerusalem, and His covenant people. The "fear" described is not merely terror but a profound, reverential awe for a God who actively, powerfully, and justly intervenes in human history.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts God's **unchallengeable sovereignty and omnipotence**. The rhetorical question "who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?" underscores that no human, angelic, or demonic force can withstand His will or power, reinforcing His absolute dominion over creation and history. Secondly, it highlights the **irresistibility of divine judgment**. God's anger is not capricious but holy and righteous, directed against sin, oppression, and rebellion, ensuring that ultimate justice will prevail. This theme resonates with other scriptures detailing God's indignation, such as [Nahum 1:6](/nahum/1-6 "Nahum 1:6 - Who Can Stand Before His Indignation?"). Thirdly, implicitly, the verse speaks to the **security and refuge for the righteous**. While God's wrath is terrifying to His adversaries, it serves as a protective shield for those who trust in Him, affirming that the Lord is indeed a [refuge and strength in times of trouble](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"). The "fear" mentioned is not paralyzing terror for believers, but a reverential awe that leads to worship and obedience, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feared (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This word (H3372) carries a rich semantic range, encompassing not only terror or dread but also profound reverence, awe, and respect. In this context, it signifies the unique and absolute majesty of God, inspiring a holy awe that leads to worship and submission, rather than mere cowering. It is the appropriate response to His transcendent power and holiness, indicating that He is "terrible" or awe-inspiring.
* **Stand (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** This verb (H5975) implies the ability to endure, resist, or remain firm in the face of opposition. The rhetorical question "who may stand?" emphatically declares that no one possesses the strength, authority, or resilience to withstand God's presence or judgment, especially when His righteous anger is aroused. It denotes the inability to maintain one's ground or position.
* **Sight (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** This plural noun (H6440), often used singularly, refers to the face or presence. "In thy sight" means directly before God's very presence or countenance. When used with a prepositional prefix, it can mean "before" or "in the presence of." Here, it emphasizes the direct, unavoidable confrontation with God's holy presence and power, from which there is no escape.
* **Angry (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** This term (H639), literally meaning "nose" or "nostril," is metaphorically used to denote strong, often righteous, indignation or displeasure, stemming from the rapid breathing associated with passion. It is not a human-like fit of rage, but a holy and just anger, particularly against sin, rebellion, and the oppression of His people. When God's anger is kindled, it is effective, decisive, and brings about His intended judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou, even thou, art to be feared":** This opening clause employs emphatic repetition ("Thou, even thou") to underscore the singular and exclusive nature of God's majesty and power. It declares that God alone is worthy of the deepest reverence and awe, distinguishing Him from all other powers, human or divine, that might falsely claim such honor. This "fear" is not a servile dread but a profound recognition of His absolute sovereignty, holiness, and the unique dreadfulness of His power.
* **"and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question that serves as the logical consequence of the first declaration. It asserts that no one possesses the capacity to endure, resist, or even remain in the direct presence of God when His righteous indignation is aroused. The phrase "in thy sight" emphasizes the direct, unavoidable confrontation with God's holy presence and power. The "when once thou art angry" implies that when God's judgment is set in motion, it is swift, decisive, and utterly irresistible, leaving no room for escape or defiance.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 76:7 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of divine majesty and judgment. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?"), which is not meant to elicit an answer but to emphasize the undeniable truth that no one can withstand God's wrath. The very act of asking highlights the utter futility of resistance. The phrase "Thou, even thou," demonstrates **Emphasis** through **Repetition**, underscoring God's unique and singular nature as the sole object of ultimate fear and reverence. The concept of God's "sight" and "anger" uses **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human characteristics (seeing, feeling anger, having a "face" or "nose") to God to make His divine attributes more comprehensible to a human audience, while maintaining His transcendence. Finally, the implied absolute inability of anyone to stand against God can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating for effect to convey the overwhelming and incomparable nature of His power and the certainty of His judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse deeply connects to the biblical understanding of God's holiness, justice, and absolute sovereignty. It reminds us that while God is merciful and gracious, He is also a consuming fire ([Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire")), whose perfect purity cannot tolerate sin. His anger is not a flaw or an uncontrolled emotion, but an expression of His perfect righteousness, directed against all that opposes His holy will and violates His moral order. This "fear of the Lord" is foundational to wisdom and true worship, recognizing His ultimate authority over all creation and history. It is a fear that leads to humility, repentance, and trust in His saving power, rather than a servile dread. The ultimate inability of anyone to "stand" before God's anger foreshadows the Day of the Lord, when all will be held accountable before His throne, and no one will be able to resist His righteous verdict.

* [Nahum 1:6](/nahum/1-6 "Nahum 1:6 - Who Can Stand Before His Indignation?")
* [Revelation 6:16-17](/revelation/6-16-17 "Revelation 6:16-17 - The Wrath of the Lamb")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 76:7 calls us to a profound re-evaluation of our understanding of God. In an age that often emphasizes God's love and grace, this verse serves as a crucial reminder of His awesome holiness, His unchallengeable power, and the seriousness of His righteous judgment. For believers, this truth should cultivate a deeper sense of reverential awe, leading to humble obedience and joyful worship. It assures us that the God who defends His people is indeed powerful enough to overcome any adversary, providing ultimate security and comfort in His protection. For those who do not yet know Him, or who live in defiance of His will, it stands as a sobering warning: there is no escaping the ultimate accountability before a holy God. This verse compels us to consider our standing before Him, prompting us to seek reconciliation through the provision He has made in Christ, lest we find ourselves unable to stand on the Day of His wrath.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "fearfulness" (awe-inspiring majesty and power) shape your worship and daily life?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God's righteous anger provide comfort (for believers) or challenge (for all) to your worldview?**
* **If no one can stand in God's sight when He is angry, what does this imply about the importance of seeking His mercy and grace now?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "fear" is being described in Psalm 76:7? Is it terror or something else?**

Answer: The "fear" described in Psalm 76:7, using the Hebrew word _yârêʼ'_ (H3372), is primarily a profound sense of reverence, awe, and respect, rather than mere terror or dread. While it certainly encompasses the idea of God's overwhelming power that can inspire fear in His enemies, for His people, it signifies a holy awe that leads to worship, obedience, and humility. It's the recognition of God's absolute sovereignty, holiness, and unique majesty. This is the "fear of the LORD" that the Bible consistently presents as the [beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom") and the foundation of a right relationship with Him. It's the kind of fear that acknowledges God's ultimate authority and justice, knowing that He is both capable of judgment and worthy of all praise, leading to a desire to honor and obey Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 76:7, with its declaration of God's fearsome majesty and irresistible judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament reveals God's wrath against sin, the New Testament reveals the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing that wrath on the cross. Jesus, as God incarnate, embodies the very power and authority that no one can stand against. His cleansing of the temple (e.g., [John 2:13-17](/john/2-13-17 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")) demonstrates a holy indignation against profanity and injustice, mirroring the divine anger of the Father. Ultimately, those who are "in Christ" are delivered from the wrath to come, as Christ has absorbed the full force of God's righteous anger against sin on their behalf, making peace through the blood of His cross (e.g., [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from God's Wrath through Christ") and [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). However, for those who reject Him, Christ will return not only as Savior but also as the righteous Judge, before whom "every knee will bow" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow")) and no one will be able to stand in their own righteousness (e.g., [Revelation 6:16-17](/revelation/6-16-17 "Revelation 6:16-17 - The Wrath of the Lamb")). Thus, the fear of the Lord in Psalm 76:7 becomes, for believers, a reverential awe of the Christ who both saves from wrath and will one day execute it perfectly.

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.

Cross-References

Nahum 1:6

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

Psalms 2:12

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him.

Psalms 89:7

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all [them that are] about him.

Ezra 9:15

O LORD God of Israel, thou [art] righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as [it is] this day: behold, we [are] before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.

Psalms 130:3

If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

Jeremiah 10:7

Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise [men] of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [there is] none like unto thee.

Jeremiah 10:10

But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.