Psalm 29 10

Psalm 29:10 kjv

The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.

Psalm 29:10 nkjv

The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood, And the LORD sits as King forever.

Psalm 29:10 niv

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.

Psalm 29:10 esv

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.

Psalm 29:10 nlt

The LORD rules over the floodwaters.
The LORD reigns as king forever.

Psalm 29 verses

Psalm 29 10 Meaning

Psalm 29:10 declares the eternal sovereignty and unchanging dominion of the LORD. It asserts that God's rule is not new, but was evident even at the most tumultuous and world-altering event—the Great Flood—demonstrating His supreme authority over chaos and judgment. His kingship is presented not as a temporary state, but as an everlasting reality, transcending all historical periods and events.

Psalm 29 10 Context

Psalm 29 is a majestic hymn (a psalm of praise) often described as "The Voice of God." It vividly depicts Yahweh's power through the imagery of a tremendous thunderstorm. Starting in verse 3, the psalm describes the successive impacts of the "voice of the LORD" (ק֣וֹל יְהוָה֮, qôl Yahweh), from breaking cedars to shaking deserts and stripping forests. This builds a powerful picture of divine might and cosmic authority. Verse 10 grounds this immediate, observable display of power (the storm) in the historical, absolute reality of God's eternal dominion. It shifts from the temporal storm to God's enduring sovereignty over all creation and historical judgment, specifically referencing the Great Flood. This provides stability and an enduring truth to the otherwise awe-inspiring, yet transient, storm imagery. Historically, the psalm may reflect polemics against Canaanite storm gods like Baal, asserting Yahweh's sole and supreme power over nature and judgment, unlike chaotic or limited pagan deities.

Psalm 29 10 Word analysis

• The LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is God's covenant name, signifying His self-existence, eternal presence, and His active role in human history and the world. It emphasizes His personal and relational nature, the sovereign one who acts with purpose and power.
• sat enthroned (יָשַׁב, yāshaḇ): This verb means "to sit," but in the context of a divine figure and a throne, it clearly indicates reigning, being established, taking up a sovereign position, and exercising authority. It conveys permanence and established power, not merely a transient act. The first instance here (yāshaḇ) is often interpreted as past tense, referring to the historical event of the Flood.
• at the Flood (לַמַּבּוּל, lamabbūl): The definite article "the" points to the specific Great Flood of Noah's time (Gen 6-9), not just any large body of water or flood. This word, mabbūl, is almost exclusively used for Noah's Flood in the Bible. It signifies God's ultimate control over even the most catastrophic natural disasters and acts of judgment. It highlights that even amidst chaos and destruction, God remained firmly on His throne, exercising His authority.
• the LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): Repeated for emphasis, underscoring the identity of the eternal sovereign.
• is enthroned as King (וַיֵּשֶׁב מֶלֶךְ, wayyēshaḇ meleḵ): The verb form here, though often translated "is enthroned," uses the same root as the previous "sat enthroned" but often carries a perfect sense implying continuous or perpetual action. Combined with "King" (meleḵ), it underscores that God's reign is not limited to past events or particular moments, but is an eternal and present reality. It's a statement of ongoing, perpetual sovereignty.
• forever (לְעוֹלָם, le‘ôlām): This adverb signifies eternity, without end. It confirms that God's kingship is everlasting, transcending all time and history. His rule is not temporal or subject to change; it is constant and perpetual.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood": This phrase establishes God's historical sovereignty. Even during the cosmic upheaval and global judgment of the Flood, God was not caught off guard or powerless. He was purposefully on His throne, directing events, demonstrating that even what seems chaotic is under His sovereign command. This served as a polemic against pagan beliefs where storm gods or deities were often depicted as chaotic or in conflict, or whose power was temporary. Yahweh alone maintained full control during such a cataclysm.
  • "the LORD is enthroned as King forever": This phrase extrapolates from the historical past (the Flood) to the eternal future, affirming the unchanging and everlasting nature of God's kingship. The specific event of the Flood becomes an historical testament and a proof-point for His eternal rule. His past display of power ensures confidence in His continuing and unending dominion. It reinforces the stability and trustworthiness of God's reign for all time.

Psalm 29 10 Bonus section

Psalm 29 is structured like an epic hymn of praise, focusing almost entirely on the actions of God. The mention of "the Flood" (mabbūl) connects this "voice of the LORD" directly to His power demonstrated in primordial history. Some interpretations of the Hebrew yāshaḇ for "sat enthroned" (first instance) and "is enthroned" (second instance) see the first as an initial act of installation (perhaps even pre-creation), and the second as the enduring nature of that rule. However, in the context of the definite "the Flood," the past event remains prominent. The verse emphasizes that God’s kingship is not merely ceremonial; it is active and involves His direct involvement in human affairs and judgment throughout history. This provides immense comfort to believers, knowing that despite worldly tumult, the God of creation, the God of the Flood, remains in eternal control.

Psalm 29 10 Commentary

Psalm 29:10 serves as the theological linchpin for the entire psalm. After detailing the terrifying displays of God's "voice" through the storm, this verse roots His present, awesome power in an undeniable historical fact—His ultimate control during the Great Flood—and projects it into eternal truth. It reveals that the power demonstrated in nature (the storm) is not arbitrary, but proceeds from a God who has always been, and will always be, sovereign over creation and judgment. The mabbūl, the catastrophic deluge, wasn't a time of divine struggle or chaos for God; He sat enthroned, utterly in control. This truth profoundly impacts our understanding of divine sovereignty. It means that no chaos, no disaster, no historical upheaval, whether past or future, can dislodge God from His throne or diminish His authority. He remains the eternal King, consistently reigning.