Bible Dictionary
WATERFALL
A waterfall is a falling or cascading body of water. In Psalm 42, the term describes the overwhelming sound and force of the waters.
Definition
A waterfall is falling or cascading water. The word can also render a term translated waterspouts or cataracts in other English versions.
Biblical Usage
Psalm 42 uses the image of waterfalls to describe the noise and overwhelming force of deep waters, waves, and billows.
Historical Background
The underlying Hebrew term has uncertain etymology and also appears in a passage translated watercourse or gutter.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>wo'-ter-fol (tsinnor; only in the American Standard Revised Version (Ps 42:7)):</p><p>"Deep calleth unto deep at the</p><p>noise of thy waterfalls;</p><p>All thy waves and thy billows</p><p>are gone over me."</p><p>The King James Version and the English Revised Version have "waterspouts," the English Revised Version margin "cataracts." The etymology of the word is uncertain. It occurs also in 2Sa 5:8, translated "watercourse," the King James Version "gutter." Compare (tsanteroth), "spouts" (Zec 4:12).</p>