The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse repeats "the voice of the LORD is upon the waters" and "the LORD, over many waters" not just for emphasis, but to highlight that God's majestic power isn't confined to a single sound or event. It emphasizes His sovereign presence and dominion not just over the storms, but over the very vast, collected bodies of water within the storm clouds themselves.
The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This Psalm is a powerful declaration of God's majesty, calling all of heaven to acknowledge His might. It begins by setting the scene of a glorious heavenly assembly, urging divine beings to give glory to God. Then, the focus shifts dramatically to a cosmic storm, using vivid imagery of thunder and its devastating effects to showcase God's sovereign power over creation.
Ever felt small when a storm rolls in? This verse reveals that the thunder you hear isn't just random noise, but a deliberate announcement from the heavens.
The Psalmist uses vivid language to describe God's power, likening His voice to thunder. But this isn't just any thunder; it's specifically identified as being 'upon the waters'.
Where are these 'waters'?
Scholars suggest this doesn't necessarily mean the literal seas. Instead, it points to the vast 'waters' held within the storm clouds themselves. Think of them as the divine reservoir, teeming with power.
God's Authority Above All
By placing God's voice 'upon the waters'—high in the clouds, far above earthly realms—the psalm emphasizes His supreme authority. He is not only in control of the storm but sovereign over the very elements that fuel it.
Thunder can be terrifying, but this verse links it directly to 'the God of glory.' What does this connection reveal about God's character?
This verse doesn't just say God thunders; it states 'the God of glory thundereth.' This is a profound statement connecting His awesome might with His inherent radiance and majesty.
Glory and Power United
'Glory' in Scripture often refers to God's visible radiance, His presence, His honor, and His worth. When the God of glory thunders, it means His powerful displays in nature are a manifestation of who He is—glorious, majestic, and full of splendor.
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More Than Just Noise
So, the thunder isn't merely a display of raw, destructive power. It's a booming announcement of the God who is glorious in Himself and whose works reflect that glory. It’s an audible echo of His magnificent presence in the world.
Understand the original words
qol · Hebrew Noun
An audible expression, utterance, or command; when applied to God, it represents His active word that exercises authority over creation and accomplishes His purpose.
hadar · Hebrew Noun
The quality of being imposing, royal, or kingly; it denotes the grandeur and sovereign splendor that demands awe and respect from all creation.
This passage describes God sending thunder and hail in a powerful display of His might, directly linking God's voice with thunder, much like Psalm 29.
Job 37:2Job speaks of the sound of God's voice, comparing it to a majestic thunderclap, reinforcing the idea of God's powerful voice being heard over the waters.
Psalm 18:13This verse explicitly states that the Lord thundered from heaven and the Most High uttered His voice, showing a clear parallel to the 'voice of the LORD' in Psalm 29.
Revelation 10:3In this prophetic vision, a mighty angel cries out, and his voice is like a lion roaring, which is then followed by the sound of thunder, echoing the theme of God's powerful voice associated with thunder.
Jeremiah 10:13The prophet describes God causing thunder to rumble and bringing rain from the ends of the earth, connecting God's voice and the waters in a powerful, creative act.
cambridgePsalms 29:3: "The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters."
3 . The voice of the Lord ] So thunder is called in Exodus 9:23 ff.; Psalm 18:13 ; &c. Cp. Revelation 10:3 f. upon the waters ] Hardly the sea, as though the storm were represented as coming in from the Mediterranean; but rather the waters collected in the dense masses of storm-cloud upon which Jehovah rides ( Psalm 18:9 ff.; Psalm 104:3 ; Jeremiah 10:13 ). the God of glory ] Cp.…
gillPsalms 29:3: "The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters."
The voice of the Lord is upon the waters,.... What follows concerning thunder, the voice of the Lord, gives so many reasons why he should have glory given him and be worshipped; the Heathens (y) paid their devotion to thunder and lightning: but this should be done to the author of them; which may be literally understood of thunder, and is the voice of the Lord; see Psalm 18:13 ; a…
The verse repeats "the voice of the LORD is upon the waters" and "the LORD, over many waters" not just for emphasis, but to highlight that God's majestic power isn't confined to a single sound or event. It emphasizes His sovereign presence and dominion not just over the storms, but over the very vast, collected bodies of water within the storm clouds themselves.
This Psalm is a powerful declaration of God's majesty, calling all of heaven to acknowledge His might. It begins by setting the scene of a glorious heavenly assembly, urging divine beings to give glory to God. Then, the focus shifts dramatically to a cosmic storm, using vivid imagery of thunder and its devastating effects to showcase God's sovereign power over creation.
This Psalm is a powerful declaration of God's majesty, calling all of heaven to acknowledge His might. It begins by setting the scene of a glorious heavenly assembly, urging divine beings to give glory to God. Then, the focus shifts dramatically to a cosmic storm, using vivid imagery of thunder and its devastating effects to showcase God's sovereign power over creation.
"The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty." — The verse repeats "the voice of the LORD is upon the waters" and "the LORD, over many waters" not just for emphasis, but to highlight that God's majestic power isn't confined to a single sound or eve…
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Last reviewed October 2026