Psalms 98:7 Meaning: Let the Sea Roar Its Praise
Let the sea roar with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein.
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein;
Roar doth the sea and its fulness, The world and the inhabitants in it.
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein;
Meaning in one sentence
Psalm 98:7 calls the sea and all it contains to roar in praise of God's righteous reign.
Context
Psalm 98 is a call to sing a new song because God has acted in salvation and righteousness for all to see. The opening verses announce that the Lord has made known His salvation to the ends of the earth. Then the psalm turns to invite every kind of praise: voices, harps, trumpets, horns. By verse 7 the invitation has grown to include creation itself. The sea and everything that fills it, the world and everyone who lives there, are called to join. This is not a quiet prayer but a thunderous roar, as if the whole cosmos is waking up to the joy of God's coming reign.
Key Words
The Hebrew word behind 'roar' is yir'am, from a root that means to thunder. This is a full-throated sound, not a gentle murmur, the voice of a storm or a waterfall. The sea is told to release that power in praise. Its 'fullness' (melo) means every creature, every hidden depth, everything that fills the ocean. Nothing is left silent. The second half moves from sea to land: 'the world' (tevel) is the inhabited earth, and 'those who dwell' (yoshevei) carries the sense of settled homes and villages. The invitation stretches from the untamable deep to the quietest town. Every place and every person has a part in this song.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have seen this as a picture of universal joy in God's reign. Matthew Henry (18th century Reformed) read it as part of the setting up of Christ's kingdom, a matter of joy for all people. Adam Clarke (Methodist) suggested the sea might represent maritime nations receiving the gospel. Calvin saw the psalm pointing to the spread of God's name through the Savior. The common thread is that when God comes to judge with righteousness, the whole creation responds, not just people, but the sea and all it holds. The verse invites us to imagine a world where every part of creation finds its voice in praise.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers hear 'roar' and think of a storm or judgment, as if the sea is raging against God. In fact, the Hebrew word for roar here is the same as to thunder, but the psalm places it in a chorus of joy. The sea is not threatening; it is lifting its voice with the rest of creation to celebrate God's coming reign. This is the shout of a world set free, not a warning of destruction.
Living This Out
This verse invites you to hear the world around you differently. When you hear rain on the roof or the hum of traffic, do not dismiss it as just noise. It is part of the roar the psalmist calls for. And you are not outside this picture; you are one of 'those who dwell therein.' This week, try listening. Let the sounds of your ordinary day remind you that everything belongs to God. Then add your own voice, not necessarily with instruments, but with a heart that acknowledges God's goodness and trusts in His righteous reign.
Main takeaway: All creation, from the roaring sea to every person on earth, is invited to join the joyful praise of God's coming reign.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
The Bible says the sea should roar like a loud lion because God is so good. When you hear the waves or the wind, remember even the ocean is happy about God. You can roar too, shout out something you love about God!
For ages 9, 12
This verse is like a picture of everything celebrating God. The sea, the fish, the people in every town, all are invited to make a joyful noise. It reminds us that God's kingdom is big enough for every creature. Next time you hear a loud sound, think: maybe that's creation praising God. And you get to be part of it.
Questions People Ask
Why does the sea roar in Psalm 98:7?
The Hebrew word for roar means to thunder. It is a loud, joyful shout. The sea and all its creatures are called to join the celebration of God's righteous rule. This is not a threat but a call to praise.
Is Psalm 98:7 about judgment or joy?
Both are present. The psalm says God comes to judge the earth with righteousness (verse 9). For God's people, that judgment is good news. Creation responds with joy. So the sea roars not in fear but in eager celebration of God's justice.
How does Psalm 98:7 relate to Psalm 96:11?
Psalm 98:7 is nearly identical to Psalm 96:11. Both psalms call for creation to rejoice in God's kingship. Psalm 98 expands the call with new instruments and the image of rivers clapping hands. It is part of a tradition of psalms that invite the whole world to praise.
What does 'fullness' of the sea mean?
The Hebrew word melo means the entire contents. It includes every creature in the sea, every wave, everything that fills it. Nothing in the ocean is left out of the call to praise God.
Who are 'those who dwell therein'?
They are all the people living on the earth. The phrase comes from Psalm 24:1, which says the earth and all who dwell in it belong to God. Here, they are invited to join the praise, not just as inhabitants but as active voices.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study