Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. New Living Translation He sends the snow like white wool; he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes. English Standard Version He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes. Berean Standard Bible He spreads the snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes; King James Bible He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. New King James Version He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes; New American Standard Bible He showers snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. NASB 1995 He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. NASB 1977 He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. Legacy Standard Bible The One who gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes, Amplified Bible He gives [to the earth] snow like [a blanket of] wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. Christian Standard Bible He spreads snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes; Holman Christian Standard Bible He spreads snow like wool; He scatters frost like ashes; American Standard Version He giveth snow like wool; He scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes. Contemporary English Version He covers the ground with snow like a blanket of wool, and he scatters frost like ashes on the ground. English Revised Version He giveth snow like wool; he scattereth the hoar frost like ashes. GOD'S WORD® Translation He is the one who sends snow like wool and scatters frost like ashes. Good News Translation He spreads snow like a blanket and scatters frost like dust. International Standard Version He supplies snow like wool, scattering frost like ashes. NET Bible He sends the snow that is white like wool; he spreads the frost that is white like ashes. New Heart English Bible He gives snow like wool, and scatters frost like ashes. Webster's Bible Translation He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe spreads the snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes; World English Bible He gives snow like wool, and scatters frost like ashes. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWho is giving snow like wool, "" He scatters hoarfrost as ashes. Young's Literal Translation Who is giving snow like wool, Hoar-frost as ashes He scattereth. Smith's Literal Translation Giving snow as wool: he will scatter the hoarfrost as ashes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWho giveth snow like wool: scattereth mists like ashes. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Thus he makes the snow like wool, and spreads the frost like ash; New Revised Standard Version He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe gives snow like wool; he scatters the hoarfrost like ashes. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He gives snow like wool and he scatters frost like ashes. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He giveth snow like wool; He scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes. Brenton Septuagint Translation He gives snow like wool: he scatters the mist like ashes. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context It is Good to Sing Praises…15He sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly. 16He spreads the snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes; 17He casts forth His hail like pebbles. Who can withstand His icy blast?… Cross References Job 37:6 For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the gentle rain, ‘Pour out a mighty downpour.’ Isaiah 55:10 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, Job 38:22-23 Have you entered the storehouses of snow or observed the storehouses of hail, / which I hold in reserve for times of trouble, for the day of war and battle? Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. Job 5:10 He gives rain to the earth and sends water upon the fields. Matthew 5:45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Isaiah 55:11 so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. Job 36:31 For by these He judges the nations and provides food in abundance. James 5:7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. Isaiah 40:7-8 The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Genesis 8:22 As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall never cease.” Acts 14:17 Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.” Jeremiah 14:22 Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies alone send showers? Is this not by You, O LORD our God? So we put our hope in You, for You have done all these things. Hebrews 1:10-12 And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. / They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. / You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed; but You remain the same, and Your years will never end.” Hosea 6:3 So let us know—let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth. Treasury of Scripture He gives snow like wool: he scatters the hoarfrost like ashes. giveth Psalm 148:8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word: Job 37:6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength. Isaiah 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: scattereth Job 37:9,10 Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north… Job 38:29 Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it? Jump to Previous Ashes Dust Frost Gives Hoar Hoarfrost Hoar-Frost Ice-Drops Scattereth Scatters Sends Snow Spreads WoolJump to Next Ashes Dust Frost Gives Hoar Hoarfrost Hoar-Frost Ice-Drops Scattereth Scatters Sends Snow Spreads WoolPsalm 147 1. The prophet exhorts to praise God for his care of the church4. His power and wisdom 6. His mercy 7. His providence 12. To praise him for his blessings upon the kingdom 15. For his power over the elements 19. And for his ordinances in the church He spreads the snow like wool; This phrase draws a vivid comparison between snow and wool, emphasizing the purity, softness, and covering nature of snow. In biblical times, wool was a valuable commodity, often used for clothing and warmth, symbolizing provision and protection. The imagery of snow as wool suggests God's provision and care for the earth, covering it with a blanket of purity. This can be seen as a reflection of God's righteousness and purity, as seen in Isaiah 1:18, where sins are made "white as snow." The spreading of snow also indicates God's sovereignty over nature, as He controls the weather and seasons, a theme echoed in Job 37:6-10, where God commands the snow and frost. He scatters the frost like ashes; Persons / Places / Events 1. God (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as the sovereign Creator who controls the elements of nature, demonstrating His power and care over creation. 2. Snow and Frost These natural elements are used metaphorically to illustrate God's ability to cover the earth and transform the landscape, symbolizing purity and transformation. 3. The Earth While not directly mentioned, the earth is the recipient of God's actions, highlighting the relationship between the Creator and His creation. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over CreationRecognize that God is in control of all aspects of nature, from the smallest snowflake to the vast expanse of the universe. Symbolism of Purity and Transformation Reflect on how snow symbolizes purity and how God desires to cleanse and transform our lives, just as He transforms the landscape with snow. God's Provision and Care Consider how God's provision through nature reflects His care for us, providing what is necessary for life and growth. The Beauty of God's Creation Appreciate the beauty and intricacy of God's creation, which points to His creativity and attention to detail. Praise and Worship Through Nature Use the natural world as a means to praise and worship God, recognizing His handiwork in the changing seasons and weather patterns. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 147:16?2. How does Psalm 147:16 illustrate God's provision in your daily life? 3. What does "snow like wool" reveal about God's creative power? 4. How can Psalm 147:16 deepen your appreciation for God's creation? 5. Connect Psalm 147:16 with other scriptures about God's control over nature. 6. How can you apply the imagery of "frost like ashes" in your faith journey? 7. How does Psalm 147:16 illustrate God's control over nature? 8. What is the significance of snow and frost in Psalm 147:16? 9. How does Psalm 147:16 reflect God's provision and care? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 147? 11. What is hoarfrost in the Bible? 12. Why does Job 37:9–10 attribute ice and cold to the breath of God, when meteorology shows a clear natural process behind freezing temperatures? 13. What is hoarfrost in the Bible? 14. What does the Bible say about abortion healing? What Does Psalm 147:16 Mean He spreads the snow like wool• Picture a shepherd gently laying a cloak over his sheep—God does the same across the landscape. The verb “spreads” shows deliberate, caring action; the snow is no accident of nature but a planned covering from His hand (Job 37:6). • Wool is soft, insulating, and protective. Snow, too, blankets the earth, conserving moisture for spring and shielding seeds beneath. In Job 38:22 the Lord asks, “Have you entered the storehouses of snow…?”—reminding us that He alone controls these treasures. • Snow’s color speaks of purity. Isaiah 1:18 promises, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Just as fresh snow hides every blemish on the ground, Christ’s righteousness covers every repentant sinner (Psalm 51:7). • By comparing snow to wool, the psalmist draws our hearts to God’s tender care for both creation and His people. What looks cold and forbidding is actually provision and protection when seen through His purposes. He scatters the frost like ashes • “Scatters” shifts the imagery from a calm blanket to a sudden sprinkling. Frost appears overnight, thin and brittle, covering everything in fine crystals—much as ashes drift after a fire. God commands this, too (Job 37:10). • Ashes in Scripture often mark judgment or mourning (Genesis 18:27; Exodus 9:8-9). The comparison hints that frost, though beautiful, can also signify hardship: crops are halted, ground is hardened. Yet even this is under God’s loving sovereignty (Psalm 147:17-18). • Frost, like ashes, is lightweight and short-lived. A sunrise can erase it in minutes, illustrating how swiftly the Lord can change circumstances (Malachi 4:1-2). • By pairing frost with ashes, the psalmist reminds readers that the God who sends gentle snow also wields forces that humble. Both point to His absolute mastery over climate, history, and human hearts. summary Psalm 147:16 uses two vivid pictures—snow as wool and frost as ashes—to celebrate God’s active, purposeful rule over creation. Snow shows His gentle provision and capacity to cleanse; frost displays His power to humble and remind. Together they call us to trust the One who clothes the earth, orders every season, and lovingly governs every detail of our lives. (16) Like wool.--Both in whiteness and fleecy texture. "The snow falls in large flakes, equal in size to a walnut, and has more resemblance to locks of wool than it has in our country" (Niven, Biblical Antiq., p. 21)."A spice quam densum tacitarum vellus aquarum Defluat. MART., Ep. iv. 3. Verse 16. - He giveth snow like wool. The loveliness of new-fallen snow has evidently been felt by the psalmist, to whom it has seemed like a spotless robe of whitest wool spread upon the earth. Snow, though rare in Palestine, does occasionally fall, and is said to "cover the streets of Jerusalem two winters out of three. It generally comes in small quantities; but there are sometimes very snowy winters." In 1879, for instance, snow lay in Jerusalem to a depth of seventeen inches (Geikic, 'The Holy Land and the Bible,' vol. 2. p. 58). He scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes. The metaphor is less appropriate, and was selected, probably, on account of the near resemblance of the two words, kephor and kaepher.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew He spreadsהַנֹּתֵ֣ן (han·nō·ṯên) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set the snow שֶׁ֣לֶג (še·leḡ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7950: Snow like wool; כַּצָּ֑מֶר (kaṣ·ṣā·mer) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6785: Wool He scatters יְפַזֵּֽר׃ (yə·p̄az·zêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6340: To scatter the frost כְּ֝פ֗וֹר (kə·p̄ō·wr) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3713: A cover, a tankard, white frost like ashes; כָּאֵ֥פֶר (kā·’ê·p̄er) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 665: Ashes Links Psalm 147:16 NIVPsalm 147:16 NLT Psalm 147:16 ESV Psalm 147:16 NASB Psalm 147:16 KJV Psalm 147:16 BibleApps.com Psalm 147:16 Biblia Paralela Psalm 147:16 Chinese Bible Psalm 147:16 French Bible Psalm 147:16 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 147:16 He gives snow like wool and scatters (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
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