The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

PSALMS 29:5KJV
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Psalms 29:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 29:5 mean?

Psalms 29:5 describes the powerful voice of the LORD as so strong that it breaks the mighty cedars, specifically mentioning the famous cedars of Lebanon. The verse uses this vivid image to show how God's presence and command can shatter even the strongest and most impressive things in nature.

In this psalm, David is speaking about the greatness of God's power, using the natural world to illustrate it. The cedars of Lebanon were known for their size and strength, making them a symbol of stability and majesty. By saying the LORD's voice breaks these trees, the verse emphasizes that nothing in creation is beyond God's reach or authority.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 29:5

  • voice (קוֹל, qol): This word means "voice" or "sound," and here it refers to God's powerful utterance, not just a quiet speaking but a force that can cause dramatic change in the world.
  • breaketh (שָׁבַר, shavar): This verb means "to break" or "to shatter." The repetition in the verse underlines the totality and certainty of God's power to destroy even the strongest objects.
  • cedars (אֶרֶז, erez): The cedar tree was a symbol of strength and endurance in the ancient world, especially those from Lebanon, which were famous for their quality and size.
  • Lebanon (לְבָנוֹן, Levanon): Mentioning Lebanon highlights the grandeur of these trees, making the image of them being broken even more striking.

Why Psalms 29:5 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that God's power is only spiritual or abstract; it shows that God's influence can be seen in the physical world, affecting even the most solid and majestic parts of creation.
  • The focus on the cedars of Lebanon connects this verse to other biblical passages where these trees represent pride, strength, or human achievement, showing that all these are subject to God's will.
  • In the context of Psalm 29, this verse is part of a larger description of a storm, using the imagery of thunder and wind to portray God's voice, helping the reader feel the awe and majesty that the psalmist wants to convey.

Where else these words appear

“Lebanon” Hebrew H3844 · used in 64 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:7 Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants,
  • Isaiah 33:9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.

“cedars” Hebrew H730 · used in 69 verses

  • Leviticus 14:4 Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:
  • 1 Kings 7:2 He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.
  • Psalms 148:9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

“breaketh” Hebrew H7665 · used in 145 verses

  • Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
  • Psalms 37:15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
  • Jeremiah 30:8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: