Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.

PSALMS 89:9KJV
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Psalms 89:9 (KJV)

What does Psalms 89:9 mean?

Psalms 89:9 says that God has power over the chaotic sea, calming its wild waves whenever they rise up. The verse highlights God’s control over forces that seem uncontrollable to people, showing His authority over nature.

The verse is part of a psalm written by Ethan the Ezrahite, who is speaking to God. Ethan is reflecting on God’s strength and faithfulness, using the image of the sea—a symbol of chaos and danger in ancient times—to show that nothing is beyond God’s command. This line fits into a larger section where the psalmist praises God’s unmatched power and reliability.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 89:9

  • "rulest" (תָּשֵׁל, tashēl): This word means to govern or have authority over. The psalmist is not just saying God can calm the sea, but that He is in charge of it at all times.
  • "raging" (גֵּאוּת, ge'ut): This word refers to pride or swelling, often used for something rising up powerfully. Here, it paints the sea as something proud and tumultuous, emphasizing how fierce it can be.
  • "stillest" (תְּשַׁבְּחֵם, teshabbekhem): This word means to calm or quiet. The psalmist is saying God can bring peace to even the most violent situations, not just stop them but truly quiet them.

Why Psalms 89:9 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that the sea, often seen as a symbol of chaos or evil in ancient cultures, is outside of God’s control; it is fully subject to Him.
  • By describing God’s authority over the sea, the psalmist is building a case for trusting God’s power in all areas of life, not just over nature but over any threatening force.
  • This verse connects to the broader theme of Psalms 89, which is about God’s faithfulness and strength, especially in keeping His promises to David and His people.

Where else these words appear

“raging” Hebrew H1348 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 17:10 They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
  • Isaiah 9:18 For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.
  • Isaiah 26:10 Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.

“stillest” Hebrew H7623 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 16:35 And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.
  • Psalms 106:47 Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.
  • Psalms 147:12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.

“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.

“rulest” Hebrew H4910 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 1:18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
  • Job 25:2 Dominion and fear are with him, he maketh peace in his high places.
  • Isaiah 3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.