Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

PSALMS 98:7KJV
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Psalms 98:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 98:7 mean?

Psalms 98:7 calls on the sea and everything in it, along with the whole world and all its inhabitants, to join in a joyful noise. The verse pictures all of creation responding together in celebration, as if the natural world itself is invited to praise.

The psalmist is addressing not just people but the entire earth, using poetic language to include the sea, its creatures, and everyone living in the world. This verse is part of a larger song celebrating God's power and salvation, showing that the joy is so great it overflows beyond humanity to all creation.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 98:7

  • יָם (yam, "sea"): This word refers to the great body of water, often representing the vastness and power of nature. Including the sea highlights that even the most untamable parts of creation are called to join in praise.
  • יריע (yari'a, "roar"): This verb means to make a loud noise, often used for the sound of a crowd or, here, the crashing of the sea. It suggests exuberance and energy, not just a quiet acknowledgment.
  • מְלוֹא (melo, "fulness"): This word points to everything that fills the sea—the creatures, the activity, the life within. The verse is not just about the water itself but everything it contains.
  • תֵּבֵל (tevel, "world"): This term often means the inhabited world, emphasizing the people and living things on earth, not just the land itself.
  • יָשַׁב (yashav, "dwell"): This verb means to live or reside, focusing on those who make their home in the world. The verse includes all who dwell on earth, not just a select group.

Why Psalms 98:7 matters

  • Psalms 98:7 clears up any idea that worship is only for people; it shows that the psalmist sees all creation as part of the celebration.
  • The verse emphasizes the theme of universal praise, connecting nature and humanity in a shared response to God's greatness.
  • By inviting the sea and the world to "roar" and rejoice, the psalm sets up a vivid, joyful scene that continues through the rest of the psalm, highlighting the scope and energy of the praise being described.

Where else these words appear

“roar” Hebrew H7481 · used in 13 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.
  • Psalms 18:13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.

“fulness” Hebrew H4393 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 48:19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.
  • 1 Samuel 28:20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.
  • Isaiah 31:4 For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

“world” Hebrew H8398 · used in 36 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
  • Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
  • Isaiah 14:17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?