Psalms 98:8 Meaning and Explanation
“Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Floods and hills are personified as clapping and rejoicing together in celebration.
The Context of Psalms 98:8
Even inanimate nature—floods and hills—expresses joy in unified celebration.
What Does Psalms 98:8 Mean?
Floods "clap their hands" continues the personification of nature from verse 7. Water and mountains are given human gestures of applause and joy. "Let the hills be joyful together" unites all landscape features in unified celebration. The imagery is dramatic and poetic: the very earth itself responds with joy to God's acts.
The parallel language ("clap" matching musical joy, "be joyful" matching celebration) shows all natural features together participating in cosmic praise. This poetic vision portrays creation not as indifferent matter but as responsive to God's majesty and salvation. The joy is collective and unanimous.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 98:8
What does Psalms 98:8 mean?
Floods and hills are personified as clapping and rejoicing together in celebration.
What is the context of Psalms 98:8?
Even inanimate nature—floods and hills—expresses joy in unified celebration.