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.