Old Testament

Psalms 66:3

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Say to God, 'How terrible are your works! Through the greatness of your power, your enemies shall submit themselves to you.'

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

What Psalms 66:3 means

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse expresses awe and reverence for God's mighty works. It acknowledges that God's actions are so powerful and impressive that even His enemies will ultimately recognize His authority and submit to Him. The phrase 'how terrible are your works' highlights the fearsome nature of God's deeds, which can inspire both respect and fear. The psalmist is encouraging believers to proclaim God's greatness, emphasizing that His power is unmatched. This submission of enemies signifies that no one can stand against God’s will, reinforcing the idea that His sovereignty prevails over all creation. The verse serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control and the respect He commands through His mighty acts, inviting worship and acknowledgment of His power.

How to apply Psalms 66:3 to your life

In our daily lives, we can reflect on God's greatness and power, recognizing that He is in control of all situations. This awareness can help us face challenges with confidence, knowing that God’s authority prevails. We should also share our experiences of His works with others, encouraging them to acknowledge His power.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Rachel smiling as she holds her newborn son Joseph inside a lamp-lit tent

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Joseph, Jacob's son

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Psalms 66:3

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Psalms 66:3

At a Glance — the Book of Psalms

Author
David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
Written
Around 1000-500 BC
Genre
Poetry and worship
Original Audience
Worshipers of Israel

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Psalms 66:3 mean?

Psalms 66:3 expresses admiration for God's powerful works, indicating that His might is so great that even His enemies will ultimately recognize His authority and submit to Him.

What is the meaning of 'terrible are your works' in Psalms 66:3?

The phrase 'terrible are your works' highlights the awe-inspiring and fearsome nature of God's actions, suggesting that they command respect and recognition of His power.

How can I apply Psalms 66:3 in my life?

You can apply this verse by recognizing God's control over your circumstances, which can give you confidence in facing challenges, and by sharing your experiences of His power with others.

What themes are present in Psalms 66:3?

Key themes in Psalms 66:3 include God's power, the submission of enemies, the call to worship, the awe of God's works, and His sovereignty over all creation.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.