Psalms 68:35 Meaning: Awesome Holiness, Giver of Strength
You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives strength and power to his people. Praise be to God!
O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: The God of Israel, he giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
Fearful, O God, out of Thy sanctuaries, The God of Israel Himself, Giving strength and might to the people. Blessed is God!
Terrible art thou, OGod, out of thy sanctuaries, — the God of Israel! He it is that giveth strength and might unto the people. Blessed be God!
Meaning in one sentence
Understand the meaning of Psalm 68:35: how God's awe-inspiring holiness from his sanctuary connects to the strength and power he gives to his people.
Context
Psalm 68 is a victory hymn, likely composed after David's military triumphs or the return of the ark to Jerusalem. The psalm calls the nations to praise God for his power and care for Israel. In the final verse, the focus narrows to two truths: God is awe-inspiring in his holiness, and he gives strength to his people. The surrounding verses summon the kingdoms of the earth to sing to God, to ascribe strength to him, and to recognize that his excellency is over Israel. Then verse 35 gathers the whole song into a final declaration and a burst of praise.
Key Words
Two key words shape this verse. The word translated 'awesome' (and 'terrible' in older versions) is the Hebrew nora, meaning 'to be feared, revered, held in awe.' It is the same word used in Psalm 47:2. This is not the fear that makes you run away. It is the reverence that makes you bow in worship. The second word is 'sanctuaries' (or 'holy places'). The plural points to the whole of God's dwelling, the earthly sanctuary where his presence rested, and the heavenly sanctuary from which he rules. Together they say: from the place where God's holiness is most real, he comes to his people not to crush them but to give them strength. The verb 'gives' describes what God keeps doing. He does not hand out power once and leave. He gives, and gives again.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read this verse as the hinge between God's majesty and his mercy. Matthew Henry (Presbyterian) sees here the proper response to God's sovereign dominion: ascribe strength to him, then receive it. John Gill (Baptist) links the 'terribleness' to Christ's judgments on his enemies, while also noting that the same God gives strength to his people. Adam Clarke (Methodist) emphasizes that God is 'the inexhaustible Fountain' from whom all good flows. The Cambridge Bible (Anglican) notes the grammatical shift that makes the nations themselves acknowledge God's awe and his gift to Israel. All these voices agree: God's holiness is not a wall that keeps us out; it is the source of the strength he gives.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading takes 'terrible' to mean only frightening, as if God wants to scare his people into obedience. In fact, the word describes the awe that fills us when we meet something truly holy. The same God who is 'terrible' out of his sanctuary is the God who gives strength and power to his people. The fear he inspires leads not to hiding but to trusting.
Living This Out
This week, when you feel small or weak, try beginning your prayer with these words: 'God, you are awesome in your holiness.' Let that truth settle. You are not approaching someone far off and indifferent. Then, bring your need to him. Ask him for the strength you need, for patience with a difficult person, for courage to speak the truth, for endurance through a weary day. The same God who fills heaven with his glory is giving you strength right now. After you ask, pause and say, 'Praise be to God.'
Main takeaway: The God whose holiness fills us with awe is the very God who gives his people strength and power.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God is so great and powerful! But he loves us and gives us strength to be brave. We can say: 'Thank you, God, for being strong and for helping me.'
For ages 9, 12
Sometimes we think that because God is so holy and powerful, he is far away. But this verse says the opposite: from his sanctuary, God gives strength to his people. He wants us to be strong in him. So when you feel weak, remember that the God who made the universe is ready to help you. That is why we praise him.
Questions People Ask
What does 'terrible' mean in Psalm 68:35?
In older English translations, 'terrible' translates the Hebrew word nora, which means 'to be feared' or 'awe-inspiring.' It does not mean God is scary or angry. It means he is holy and majestic, filling us with reverence. The same word is used in Psalm 47:2: 'For Yahweh Most High is awesome.'
Why does the verse say 'sanctuaries' (plural)?
The Hebrew word is plural, which can refer to the various parts of the temple or to the whole sanctuary as a place of majesty. Some also see it as pointing to both the earthly sanctuary and God's heavenly dwelling. It emphasizes the fullness of God's holy presence.
Is the strength God gives physical or spiritual?
The verse uses a broad word for strength and power. Throughout the psalm, God's strength is seen in victories over enemies and in sustaining his people. Christians have understood it to include both physical courage and spiritual endurance. It is the strength needed to live faithfully in every area of life.
How does verse 35 fit into the rest of Psalm 68?
The psalm celebrates God's victory and his presence among his people. Earlier verses call on the nations to ascribe strength to God (v.34). Verse 35 concludes by declaring that this awesome God is the source of strength for his people. It is both a summary and a call to praise.
What does it mean that God is 'awesome' in the Bible?
When the Bible calls God awesome, it means he inspires reverent fear and wonder. It is the reaction to seeing his power, holiness, and glory. But it is not a fear that drives us away; it draws us into worship and trust. In this verse, that same awesome God gives strength to his people.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study