Psalms 113:4

The LORD [is] high above all nations, [and] his glory above the heavens.

The LORD {H3068} is high {H7311} above all nations {H1471}, and his glory {H3519} above the heavens {H8064}.

ADONAI is high above all nations, his glory above the heavens.

The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens.

Jehovah is high above all nations, And his glory above the heavens.

Psalms 113:4 (KJV): "The LORD [is] high above all nations, [and] his glory above the heavens."

Context

Psalm 113 is the first of the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), traditionally recited by Jewish people during major festivals, particularly Passover. This psalm begins with a fervent call to praise the name of the LORD, highlighting His supreme character and condescension. Verse 4 specifically establishes the vastness of God's dominion and majesty, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that praise His willingness to humble Himself to care for the lowly. It contrasts God's exalted position with His compassionate nature, a central theme of the Hallel psalms.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Supremacy: The verse unequivocally declares God's absolute authority and power over all earthly realms. No human government, king, or power can compare to or stand against the LORD. His rule extends over all earthly nations and their affairs.
  • Transcendent Glory: God's majesty is not merely greater than human institutions, but it surpasses even the highest created order—the heavens themselves. This emphasizes His infinite, uncreated glory, which is beyond human comprehension or measurement. This echoes the sentiment that the heavens declare His glory.
  • Call to Worship: The declaration of God's unparalleled greatness serves as a foundational reason for the universal call to praise Him, which is the overarching theme of Psalm 113. Recognizing His supreme position naturally leads to adoration and reverence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is Yahweh (יהוה), God's covenant name, emphasizing His personal, faithful, and eternal nature. The phrase "high above" comes from the Hebrew root rum (רום), meaning "to be high," "exalted," or "lifted up," powerfully conveying God's elevated status. "Glory" is kavod (כבוד), which implies weight, honor, splendor, and majesty. When applied to God, it speaks of His inherent, weighty presence and magnificent character that is inherently worthy of all praise.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 113:4 provides profound comfort and a clear perspective. In a world often filled with political turmoil, national conflicts, and humanistic ideologies, this verse reminds us that God remains sovereignly "high above all nations." His ultimate control and eternal glory should inspire unwavering trust and worship, regardless of earthly circumstances. It calls us to fix our gaze on His transcendent majesty, fostering humility and deepening our awe for the One whose glory knows no bounds, even filling the whole earth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 8:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent [is] thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

  • Psalms 99:2

    The LORD [is] great in Zion; and he [is] high above all the people.

  • Psalms 97:9

    For thou, LORD, [art] high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.

  • Psalms 148:13

    Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above the earth and heaven.

  • Isaiah 40:17

    All nations before him [are] as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.

  • Psalms 57:10

    For thy mercy [is] great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.

  • Psalms 57:11

    Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back