Psalms 90:11

Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, [so is] thy wrath.

Who knoweth {H3045}{H8802)} the power {H5797} of thine anger {H639}? even according to thy fear {H3374}, so is thy wrath {H5678}.

Who grasps the power of your anger and wrath to the degree that the fear due you should inspire?

Who knows the power of Your anger? Your wrath matches the fear You are due.

Who knoweth the power of thine anger, And thy wrath according to the fear that is due unto thee?

Psalms 90:11 (KJV)

Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, [so is] thy wrath.

Commentary:

This verse is part of Psalm 90, a psalm traditionally attributed to Moses. It is a profound reflection on the brevity and frailty of human life in contrast to the eternal nature and immense power of God. The psalm laments the consequences of sin, which brings God's judgment and limits human life.

Key Themes:

  • God's Immense Power: The verse emphasizes the unfathomable power of God, particularly as it relates to His anger and wrath against sin. It suggests that human understanding cannot fully grasp the depth and force of divine judgment.
  • Reverence and Awe: The phrase "according to thy fear" is central. It implies that the intensity of God's wrath is commensurate with the reverence and awe (the "fear") that is properly due to Him. The more we understand who God is and the reverence He deserves, the more we begin to comprehend the seriousness of provoking His anger. This "fear" is not mere terror, but a holy respect and awe that acknowledges His absolute power and holiness.
  • Human Ignorance: The rhetorical question "Who knoweth the power of thine anger?" highlights human inability to fully appreciate the severity of God's wrath. We often underestimate the consequences of sin and the depth of God's displeasure.

Linguistic Insight:

The Hebrew word for "fear" (יִרְאָה - yir'ah) used here denotes a deep reverence, awe, or respect, often related to the worship of God, rather than just being scared. The verse suggests that God's wrath is proportional to the degree of reverence that people *should* have for Him. If people truly feared and revered God as they ought, they would understand the terrifying power of His anger.

Practical Application:

This verse serves as a sober reminder of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin. It calls us to cultivate a proper, reverent fear of God, which is foundational to wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Understanding the power of His wrath should lead to humility, repentance, and a desire to live in accordance with His will, rather than presume upon His grace or underestimate the consequences of disobedience.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 33:14

    The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

  • Leviticus 26:24

    Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.

  • 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.

  • Deuteronomy 29:20

    The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.

  • Deuteronomy 29:29

    The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God: but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.

  • Revelation 6:17

    For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

  • Leviticus 26:18

    And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back