So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm.

PSALMS 83:15KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 83:15 (KJV)

What does Psalms 83:15 mean?

Psalms 83:15 is a prayer asking God to pursue and terrify the enemies of Israel with powerful forces, like a raging storm or whirlwind. The verse uses vivid weather imagery to describe a plea for God to overwhelm and frighten those who oppose His people.

The psalmist, speaking on behalf of Israel, is calling out to God during a time of threat from surrounding nations. The request is for God to act decisively, using His might (pictured as a tempest and storm) to scatter and intimidate those plotting against Israel. This verse fits into a larger psalm where the writer asks for God’s intervention against hostile forces.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 83:15

  • persecute (רָדַף, radaph): This word often means "to pursue" or "chase down." Here, it suggests an active pursuit by God, not just passive resistance.
  • tempest (סוּפָה, suphah): This word refers to a violent windstorm or whirlwind. The image is of something sudden and uncontrollable, emphasizing the power of God's intervention.
  • afraid (בָּהַל, bahal): This word means "to terrify" or "to cause panic." The request is not just for defeat, but for the enemies to be struck with fear.
  • storm (סְעָרָה, searah): This word describes a fierce storm or hurricane. The use of both "tempest" and "storm" piles up the sense of overwhelming, unstoppable force.

Why Psalms 83:15 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the psalmist is not asking for a mild response, but for God to act with overwhelming force, using nature itself as a metaphor for His power.
  • The use of both "tempest" and "storm" highlights the intensity and urgency of the prayer, showing the seriousness of the threat faced by Israel.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of the psalm, where the writer repeatedly asks God to defend His people and demonstrate His sovereignty over those who oppose Him.

Where else these words appear

“storm” Hebrew H5492 · used in 16 verses

  • Numbers 21:14 Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon,
  • Proverbs 10:25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
  • Isaiah 66:15 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.

“tempest” 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.

“afraid” Hebrew H926 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 45:3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
  • Job 4:5 But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.
  • Psalms 104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

“persecute” Hebrew H7291 · used in 135 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Judges 8:4 And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.
  • Psalms 38:20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.