Psalms 77:16

KJV

The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.

KJV (with Strong's)

The waters {H4325} saw {H7200}{H8804)} thee, O God {H430}, the waters {H4325} saw {H7200}{H8804)} thee; they were afraid {H2342}{H8799)}: the depths {H8415} also were troubled {H7264}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The water saw you, God; the water saw you and writhed in anguish, agitated to its depths.

Berean Standard Bible

The waters saw You, O God; the waters saw You and swirled; even the depths were shaken.

American Standard Version

The waters saw thee, O God; The waters saw thee, they were afraid: The depths also trembled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 77:16 serves as the climactic turning point in Asaph's lament, shifting from personal despair to a powerful remembrance of God's majestic intervention in history. This verse vividly personifies the natural elements, depicting the "waters" and "depths" of the sea as sentient beings that recoil in terror and agitation at the mere sight of God, recalling the miraculous parting of the Red Sea during the Exodus. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unparalleled power to deliver His people, offering a profound anchor of hope and trust in His enduring faithfulness amidst personal trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 77 is a wisdom psalm, specifically a lament, structured around a dramatic shift from profound personal anguish to a confident recollection of God's past redemptive acts. The psalm begins with Asaph's deep distress, sleepless nights, and questioning of God's faithfulness ([Psalms 77:1-9](/psalms/77-1 "Psalm 77:1-9 - Asaph's Anguish")). The pivotal transition occurs in [Psalms 77:10-12](/psalms/77-10 "Psalm 77:10-12 - Remembering God's Deeds"), where the psalmist consciously decides to remember God's "years of the right hand of the Most High" and His "wonders of old." Verse 16, along with the subsequent verses ([Psalms 77:17-20](/psalms/77-17 "Psalm 77:17-20 - God's Mighty Deliverance")), then launches into a magnificent poetic recounting of the Exodus event, particularly the parting of the Red Sea, which serves as the ultimate historical proof of God's power and unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This historical remembrance provides the foundation for the psalmist's renewed hope and trust.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Exodus from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea")) was the foundational redemptive event in Israelite history, shaping their identity as God's chosen people. It was a constant reminder of Yahweh's unique power, His covenant faithfulness, and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds. In the ancient Near East, large bodies of water, especially the sea, were often associated with chaos, untamed power, and even primordial monsters (e.g., Rahab or Leviathan in other biblical texts, though not directly here). The idea of a deity controlling or subduing the waters was a powerful demonstration of supreme divine authority, far surpassing the localized deities of surrounding nations. For Asaph, a Levitical choirmaster, the Exodus narrative would have been central to Israel's liturgical memory and national identity, providing a wellspring of theological truth and historical precedent.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 77:16 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's absolute sovereignty over creation**, demonstrating that even the most formidable natural forces are subject to His command. The personification of the waters underscores their immediate and fearful obedience to the Creator's presence. Secondly, it emphasizes **divine power and majesty**, portraying God as an awe-inspiring force before whom nothing can stand. The imagery of the waters being "afraid" and "troubled" conveys a sense of overwhelming, irresistible might. Thirdly, and most significantly for the psalmist's journey, it reinforces the theme of **remembrance as a source of hope and faith**. By recalling God's past mighty acts, particularly the deliverance at the Red Sea, Asaph moves from despair to renewed confidence, illustrating that reflecting on God's historical faithfulness can anchor believers in times of personal crisis. This echoes the broader biblical call to "remember the former things of old" ([Isaiah 46:9](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9 - Remember the Former Things")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Waters (Hebrew, _mayim_):** This term (מַיִם) refers to literal water, but in the context of the Red Sea event, it represents a vast, powerful, and seemingly insurmountable obstacle. In ancient Near Eastern cosmology, large bodies of water often symbolized chaos or the untamed forces of nature. The repetition "The waters saw thee... the waters saw thee" emphasizes the direct, undeniable confrontation between God and this elemental force, highlighting its immediate and profound recognition of His divine presence and authority.
* **Afraid (Hebrew, _yakhilu_):** Derived from the root חול (_khul_), this verb (יָחִילוּ) means to tremble, writhe, be in anguish, or be in labor. It conveys a visceral, involuntary reaction of terror and distress. This is not merely a respectful awe but a profound, fearful convulsion in the presence of overwhelming power. The waters are depicted as being seized by a violent, fearful tremor, demonstrating their utter inability to resist or withstand God's appearance.
* **Depths (Hebrew, _tehomot_):** This word (תְּהוֹמוֹת) refers to the deep, often the primeval ocean or abyss, echoing the "deep" (_tehom_) in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit hovering over the waters") that existed before creation was fully ordered. It carries connotations of immense, untamed, and potentially chaotic power. The fact that even these "depths" were "troubled" (or agitated, convulsed) underscores the absolute and comprehensive nature of God's dominion over all creation, including the most formidable and chaotic elements.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee;":** This opening clause employs powerful personification, attributing the human faculty of sight to the inanimate "waters." The emphatic repetition not only highlights the direct encounter between God and the natural world but also underscores the immediate and undeniable recognition of God's presence by these elements. It implies a perception not just of physical sight, but of understanding and awareness of divine power. The use of "O God" (אֱלֹהִים, _Elohim_) emphasizes God's universal sovereignty and creative power.
* **"they were afraid:":** Following their "seeing," the waters react with profound terror. This fear is a visceral, trembling response to God's overwhelming majesty and power. It signifies the complete subjugation of the chaotic elements to the divine will. The waters do not merely observe; they are overcome with dread, demonstrating that no force in creation can stand in defiance of the Creator.
* **"the depths also were troubled.":** This final clause expands on the previous one, reinforcing the absolute nature of God's control. "The depths" refers to the deepest, most formidable parts of the sea, often associated with primeval chaos. The word "troubled" (יִרְגָּזוּ, _yirgazu_) implies agitation, quaking, or violent commotion. It suggests a profound disturbance and disarray within the very foundations of the watery chaos, all at the command or mere presence of God. This completes the picture of God's total dominion over all aspects of the natural world.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 77:16 is rich with literary artistry, primarily employing **Personification**, **Repetition**, and vivid **Imagery**. The most prominent device is **Personification**, where the "waters" and "depths" are endowed with human attributes: they "saw" God, they "were afraid," and they "were troubled." This technique transforms the natural elements into active participants, reacting with visceral terror to the divine presence, thereby magnifying God's power. The **Repetition** of "The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee" serves as a powerful rhetorical device, specifically **Anadiplosis** (repetition of a word or phrase from the end of one clause at the beginning of the next, though here it's within the same clause for emphasis). This repetition is not redundant but deeply emphatic, underscoring the direct, undeniable confrontation between God and the chaotic waters, and highlighting the profound impact of His appearance. The entire verse is infused with powerful **Imagery** that evokes a scene of cosmic awe and terror: the vast, deep waters convulsing in fear, painting a picture of overwhelming divine majesty that subdues even the most formidable forces of nature. This combination of devices creates a dramatic and unforgettable portrayal of God's absolute sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty over creation, particularly over the chaotic forces of nature. It recalls the foundational event of the Exodus, where God demonstrated His unique power by parting the Red Sea, not merely as a historical miracle but as a theological statement about His control over all things. The personification of the waters being "afraid" and "troubled" emphasizes that even inanimate elements instinctively recognize and submit to their Creator's presence. This divine power is not arbitrary but is always exercised in faithfulness to His covenant people, providing deliverance and salvation. The psalmist's recollection of this event transforms his despair into hope, illustrating that remembering God's past demonstrations of power is a vital spiritual discipline for navigating present difficulties. This theological truth assures believers that no obstacle, however overwhelming, is beyond God's capacity to command and subdue for His purposes.

* [Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - Moses Stretches Out His Hand Over the Sea")
* [Psalm 29:3-4](/psalms/29-3 "Psalm 29:3-4 - The Voice of the Lord is Over the Waters")
* [Nahum 1:4](/nahum/1-4 "Nahum 1:4 - He Rebukes the Sea and Makes it Dry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 77:16 offers profound spiritual nourishment for the contemporary believer. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and overwhelming challenges, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging and unchallengeable sovereignty. Just as the ancient waters trembled and obeyed at the mere sight of God, so too do all the "depths" and "troubles" of our lives ultimately bow before His authority. Whether we face personal crises, societal upheavals, or spiritual battles, the God who commanded the Red Sea remains the same. His power is not diminished, and His faithfulness endures. This calls us to cultivate a posture of remembrance, consciously recalling God's past acts of deliverance, both in biblical history and in our own personal narratives. Such remembrance transforms our perspective, shifting us from a focus on the magnitude of our problems to the infinitude of God's power, fostering a deep trust that He can navigate and subdue any "waters" that threaten to overwhelm us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "waters" or "depths" in your life currently feel overwhelming or chaotic?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of power and deliverance (both biblical and personal) strengthen your faith in your current struggles?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God's absolute sovereignty over all creation?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "waters" being personified in this verse?**

Answer: The personification of the "waters" and "depths" as seeing, being afraid, and troubled is a powerful literary device that serves to emphasize God's absolute and overwhelming sovereignty over all creation. By attributing human-like reactions to inanimate elements, the psalmist vividly portrays the immediate and undeniable recognition of God's presence and authority by even the most formidable forces of nature. It highlights that nothing, not even the chaotic and untamed power of the sea, can stand against or resist the Creator. This makes God's power more tangible and awe-inspiring, demonstrating that His dominion extends to every aspect of the physical world, compelling even the elements to tremble in His presence, as seen in the historical account of the [parting of the Red Sea](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - The Parting of the Red Sea").

**How does Psalms 77:16 connect to the overall message of Psalm 77?**

Answer: Psalms 77:16 marks the pivotal turning point in the psalm, transitioning from the psalmist's initial deep personal anguish and questioning of God's faithfulness ([Psalms 77:1-9](/psalms/77-1 "Psalm 77:1-9 - Asaph's Anguish")) to a profound remembrance and confident declaration of God's mighty deeds. The psalmist consciously decides to "remember the deeds of the Lord" ([Psalms 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - Remembering God's Deeds")), and verse 16 is the dramatic commencement of that recollection, focusing on the ultimate demonstration of God's power in the Exodus. This shift illustrates the transformative power of recalling God's historical faithfulness as an anchor for present hope. The verse serves as the lynchpin, demonstrating that God's past actions provide irrefutable evidence of His enduring power and commitment to His people, thereby alleviating the psalmist's despair and restoring his trust.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 77:16, with its majestic portrayal of God's sovereignty over the chaotic waters, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The God who caused the waters to tremble at His presence is the same God incarnate in Jesus. Just as the waters of the Red Sea recoiled before Yahweh, so too did the stormy waters of the Sea of Galilee obey the command of Jesus, who "rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!'" ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). This miraculous act, along with Jesus walking on water ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")), unequivocally demonstrates His divine authority over creation, echoing the power displayed in Psalms 77. The "waters" that "saw" God and were "afraid" foreshadow the recognition of Christ's unparalleled power by all creation. He is the pre-existent Word through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All things created by Him and for Him")), including the very waters and depths. Therefore, the deliverance from the "depths" of chaos in the Old Testament points to Christ, who delivers humanity from the "depths" of sin and death, ultimately calming the storms of our lives and ushering in a new creation where there will be "no more sea" ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - No More Sea")), symbolizing the final vanquishing of all chaos and separation.

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

Exodus 14:21

¶ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.

Habakkuk 3:15

Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, [through] the heap of great waters.

Joshua 3:15

And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)

Joshua 3:16

That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

Psalms 114:3

The sea saw [it], and fled: Jordan was driven back.

Psalms 114:6

Ye mountains, [that] ye skipped like rams; [and] ye little hills, like lambs?

Habakkuk 3:8

Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? [was] thine anger against the rivers? [was] thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses [and] thy chariots of salvation?