Psalms 66:3
“Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's awesome power in His works forces His enemies to submit.
Context
The psalm shifts to declare God's power: His deeds are so mighty that even His enemies must acknowledge His supremacy.
What Does Psalms 66:3 Mean?
Terrible here means awesome, mighty, inspiring awe—a response to God's demonstrated power. The psalmist declares that God's enemies cannot resist; they will be compelled to submit. This submission is not voluntary allegiance but the inescapable consequence of God's superior might.
The greatness of His power is evident in His works—the creation, historical interventions, providential acts. When enemies see what God can do, they have no choice but to yield. This is not about conversion of hearts but the crushing reality of His authority.
In the Original Language
terrible (נוֹרָא, nora) — inspiring awe or dread; awesome, formidable.