Psalms 97
The psalmist proclaims that the LORD reigns in fire and lightning, melting mountains like wax and putting all idol-worshipers to shame. Zion rejoices at His judgments, and those who love the LORD are called to hate evil, for light and gladness are sown for the righteous.
| v | King James Version | Modern English |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. | The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. |
| 2 | Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. | Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. |
| 3 | A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. | Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side. |
| 4 | His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled. | His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. |
| 5 | The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. | The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. |
| 6 | The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. | The heavens proclaim His righteousness. All peoples see His glory. |
| 7 | Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods. | All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols — worship Him, all You gods! |
| 8 | Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD. | Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of Your judgments, LORD. |
| 9 | For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods. | For You, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods. |
| 10 | Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. | Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. |
| 11 | Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. | Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. |
| 12 | Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. | Rejoice in the LORD, You who are righteous, and praise His holy name. |