Psalms 77:16 Meaning and Explanation
“The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The waters recognized God's presence and were filled with fear.
The Context of Psalms 77:16
Creation itself responds with fear and awe to God's presence and power.
What Does Psalms 77:16 Mean?
'The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee' personifies the waters as witnesses to God. This repetition emphasizes the universal recognition of God's presence. The waters—whether Red Sea, river, or cosmic waters—respond to God's appearance. To 'see' God means to perceive his reality and power directly. The waters themselves are sentient in the presence of the divine, aware of his majesty.
'they were afraid: the depths also were troubled' shows the waters' response to God's presence: fear and disturbance. This is not malice but the natural reaction of creation to encounter with the Creator. Even the depths—the most mysterious and powerful aspects of the waters—respond with trembling. This cosmic fear reflects the awesome power before which all created things tremble.
Psalms 77:16 in the Original Language
yare (יָרֵא), 'afraid'—to fear, revere, or be in awe; captures both terror and worship in response to the divine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 77:16
What does Psalms 77:16 mean?
The waters recognized God's presence and were filled with fear.
What is the context of Psalms 77:16?
Creation itself responds with fear and awe to God's presence and power.