Psalms 97:4
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
His lightning enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
American King James Version (AKJV)
His lightning enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
American Standard Version (ASV)
His lightnings lightened the world: The earth saw, and trembled.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
His bright flames give light to the world; the earth saw it with fear.
Webster's Revision
His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
World English Bible
His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees, and trembles.
English Revised Version (ERV)
His lightnings lightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
Clarke's Psalms 97:4 Bible Commentary
His lightnings enlightened the world - Though this be no more than a majestic description of the coming of the Lord, to confound his enemies and succor his followers, yet some spiritualize the passage, and say, the lightnings signify the apostles, who enlightened the world by their heavenly doctrine.
The earth saw, and trembled - The earth is represented as a sentient being. It saw the terrible majesty of God; and trembled through terror, fearing it should be destroyed on account of the wickedness of its inhabitants.
Barnes's Psalms 97:4 Bible Commentary
His lightnings enlightened the world ... - See the notes at Psalm 77:18. Compare Psalm 104:32; Habakkuk 3:6-10.