He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

PSALMS 107:29KJV
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Psalms 107:29 (KJV)

What does Psalms 107:29 mean?

Psalms 107:29 describes how God brings peace by calming a violent storm, making the waves of the sea quiet and still. The verse highlights God’s power to bring order and safety in the midst of chaos.

In this psalm, the writer is recounting situations where people were in trouble and cried out to God for help. Here, the focus is on sailors caught in a dangerous storm at sea. The verse shows God’s direct intervention, turning a life-threatening situation into calm, which leads those rescued to recognize and thank God’s care.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 107:29

  • “Storm” (סְעָרָה, se‘arah) refers to a violent wind or tempest. This word paints a picture of real danger and chaos, not just a mild disturbance.
  • “Calm” (דְּמָמָה, demamah) means a deep quiet or stillness. The word suggests a complete and peaceful silence, emphasizing the dramatic change from turmoil to tranquility.
  • “Waves” (גַּל, gal) points to the rolling, powerful movement of the sea. The mention of waves being “still” (שָׁקַט, shaqat) underscores the total transformation—what was once wild and uncontrollable is now peaceful.

Why Psalms 107:29 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the calm after a storm is just luck or natural change; it credits God directly with the power to control even the forces of nature.
  • The verse is part of a larger pattern in Psalm 107, where people in desperate situations call out to God and receive help, highlighting a theme of rescue and gratitude.
  • By focusing on the sea, a symbol of chaos and danger in ancient times, the verse emphasizes God’s ability to bring peace where humans have no control.

Where else these words appear

“calm” Hebrew H1827 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Kings 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
  • Job 4:16 It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,

“still” Hebrew H2814 · used in 16 verses

  • Judges 18:9 And they said, Arise, that we may go up against them: for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land.
  • Nehemiah 8:11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.
  • Isaiah 57:11 And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?

“storm” Hebrew H5591 · used in 22 verses

  • 2 Kings 2:1 And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
  • Psalms 148:8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
  • Ezekiel 1:4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.

“waves” Hebrew H1530 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 31:46 And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.
  • Job 38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
  • Isaiah 51:15 But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.