Psalms 135:5

KJV

¶ For I know that the LORD [is] great, and [that] our Lord [is] above all gods.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I know {H3045} that the LORD {H3068} is great {H1419}, and that our Lord {H113} is above all gods {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I know that ADONAI is great, that our Lord is above all gods.

Berean Standard Bible

For I know that the LORD is great; our Lord is above all gods.

American Standard Version

For I know that Jehovah is great, And that our Lord is above all gods.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 135:5 stands as a profound theological declaration, asserting the unparalleled nature of Yahweh, Israel's covenant God. It proclaims His absolute sovereignty and unique supremacy, positioning Him far above any other supposed deities or powers. This verse encapsulates a core truth that undergirds the psalm's subsequent celebration of God's mighty acts in history, providing the foundational reason for Israel's worship, trust, and unwavering allegiance to the one true God. It is not merely an intellectual statement but a personal conviction born from a deep, experiential understanding of Yahweh's inherent greatness and His incomparable power demonstrated throughout creation and redemptive history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 135 is a vibrant liturgical hymn of praise, likely intended for corporate worship in the temple, perhaps during a festival. It opens with an emphatic call for the servants of the LORD to praise His name (verses 1-3), setting a tone of adoration. Our focal verse, [Psalm 135:5](/psalms/135-5 "Psalm 135:5 - The LORD is great"), serves as the theological bedrock for this praise, articulating *why* God is worthy of such exaltation. It transitions from a general call to worship to a specific exposition of God's character and deeds, laying the groundwork for the psalm's historical recounting of Yahweh's powerful acts, such as the plagues in Egypt and the conquest of Canaan (verses 8-12). Crucially, the psalm then draws a stark contrast between the living, active, and supreme God and the lifeless, impotent idols of the nations (verses 15-18), reinforcing the theme of God's unique power and unparalleled nature first established in verse 5. The psalm concludes with a renewed, fervent call for all Israel to bless the LORD (verses 19-21), bringing the worshipful response full circle to God's revealed character and mighty deeds.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm emerges from a historical and cultural milieu saturated with polytheism. Ancient Near Eastern societies, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Canaan, worshipped vast pantheons of gods and goddesses, each associated with specific natural phenomena, cities, or aspects of life. The declaration "our Lord is above all gods" in [Psalm 135:5](/psalms/135-5 "Psalm 135:5 - The LORD is above all gods") is a radical, polemical statement directly challenging these prevalent polytheistic worldviews. It asserts Yahweh's exclusive claim to ultimate power, authority, and existence, distinguishing Israel's monotheistic faith as profoundly unique. This was not a mere philosophical distinction but a fundamental truth that shaped Israel's national identity, their covenant relationship with God, and their mission to be a light to the nations. The historical events referenced later in the psalm, such as the Exodus from Egypt and the conquest of the Promised Land, served as powerful, tangible demonstrations of Yahweh's supremacy over the gods of Egypt (e.g., Ra, Osiris) and Canaan (e.g., Baal, Dagon), providing irrefutable evidence for the truth declared in this verse.
* **Key Themes:** [Psalm 135:5](/psalms/135-5 "Psalm 135:5 - The LORD is great and above all gods") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 135 and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Supremacy**, emphasizing that Yahweh is not merely one deity among many, but the supreme ruler over all creation, all nations, and all spiritual forces. This directly confronts and refutes idolatry, a pervasive temptation and sin throughout Israel's history, as seen in the stern warnings found in [Deuteronomy 4:15-19](/deuteronomy/4-15-19 "Deuteronomy 4:15-19 - Warnings against idolatry"). Another crucial theme is **Divine Uniqueness and Incomparability**, highlighting that God's greatness is inherent, absolute, and sets Him apart from everything else in existence. This concept is powerfully echoed in prophetic declarations like [Isaiah 40:18](/isaiah/40-18 "Isaiah 40:18 - To whom then will you liken God?") and [Isaiah 46:9](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9 - I am God, and there is no other"). Finally, the personal declaration "For I know" introduces the theme of **Personal Knowledge and Conviction**, suggesting that the truth about God's greatness is not just an abstract doctrine but a deeply held, experiential understanding that compels worship and trust. This personal knowledge of God's character and deeds is a recurring motif, as expressed in [Jeremiah 9:24](/jeremiah/9-24 "Jeremiah 9:24 - Knowing the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This verb (H3045) signifies a profound, experiential, and often relational knowledge, far beyond mere intellectual assent. It implies understanding gained through observation, personal experience, and recognition. In this context, the Psalmist’s "knowing" of God’s greatness is born out of a deep engagement with God’s revealed character and His mighty acts in history, leading to a confident and assured declaration of truth. It is a knowledge that transforms and compels worship.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This adjective (H1419) describes something vast, mighty, significant, or powerful in any sense. When applied to the LORD, it denotes His inherent majesty, infinite power, immense authority, and incomparable nature. It speaks to His transcendence and His attributes that set Him apart as the supreme being, far exceeding any created thing or supposed deity. It encompasses His boundless might, wisdom, and glory.
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** This term (H113) refers to a sovereign, controller, master, or owner, emphasizing authority and dominion. While it can refer to human masters, here, in parallel with "the LORD" (YHWH, H3068) and in stark contrast to "all gods" (H430), it underscores God's absolute mastery and rightful rule over all things, including all other spiritual powers or entities. It highlights His position as the rightful sovereign and possessor of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I know that the LORD is great":** This opening clause establishes the Psalmist's personal conviction and the foundational truth upon which the entire declaration rests. The use of "the LORD" (YHWH, God's covenant name, H3068) emphasizes His personal, relational, and self-existent nature, the one who truly is. The declaration that He "is great" (H1419) speaks to His inherent, incomparable majesty, power, and boundless attributes that distinguish Him from all creation. This is not a derived greatness but an intrinsic, eternal quality of His being, the source of all power and authority.
* **"and that our Lord is above all gods":** This second clause builds upon the first, specifying the nature of God's greatness as one of absolute supremacy. "Our Lord" (ʼâdôwn, H113) highlights His dominion and authority, particularly over His people, emphasizing a personal relationship of submission and trust. The phrase "above all gods" (ʼĕlôhîym, H430, referring here to pagan deities or idols) directly confronts the polytheistic worldview of the ancient world. It asserts that Yahweh is not merely the greatest among many deities but stands in a category entirely by Himself, rendering all other "gods" as utterly subordinate, powerless, or non-existent in comparison to His infinite power and authority. This is a powerful statement of exclusive monotheism.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 135:5 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Affirmation**, a direct and confident statement of truth ("For I know that the LORD is great"), which establishes the Psalmist's unwavering conviction. This is immediately followed by a powerful **Contrast** between the true God and "all gods," highlighting Yahweh's singular supremacy against the backdrop of pagan deities. The phrase "above all gods" functions as a clear **Supremacy Language** or a **Monotheistic Polemic**, directly challenging and dismissing the validity and power of other divine claims. The personal pronoun "I know" introduces a strong element of **Personal Testimony** and conviction, making the theological declaration deeply resonant and relatable rather than a mere abstract statement. This combination of personal conviction and theological assertion creates a compelling and authoritative declaration of God's unique and unrivaled nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 135:5 encapsulates a foundational truth of biblical theology: the absolute sovereignty and incomparable nature of God. This verse is a powerful declaration of monotheism in a polytheistic world, asserting that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is not merely one deity among many, but the ultimate and only true God. His greatness is not relative but inherent, establishing Him as the supreme authority over all creation, all nations, and all spiritual powers. This truth underpins the entire biblical narrative, from creation to redemption, affirming that God alone is worthy of worship, trust, and obedience, and that no other power or entity can genuinely challenge His ultimate dominion. It is the very essence of who God is, demanding exclusive devotion and dispelling all notions of rival deities.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: The Lord is One")
* [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - I am the LORD, and there is no other")
* [Jeremiah 10:10](/jeremiah/10-10 "Jeremiah 10:10 - The LORD is the true God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Psalmist's confident declaration, "For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods," invites us into a similar posture of profound conviction and worship. In a world still filled with "gods"—whether they be the allure of materialism, the pursuit of power, the idolization of self, the worship of comfort, or even intellectual pursuits that subtly supplant divine authority—this verse calls us to critically re-evaluate our allegiances and the objects of our ultimate trust. Knowing God's incomparable greatness and His absolute supremacy over all things should cultivate an unshakable confidence in His power to act on our behalf, His infinite wisdom to guide us through life's complexities, and His unwavering faithfulness to sustain us in every season. This truth liberates us from the anxieties of a seemingly chaotic and unpredictable world, reminding us that no problem is too big, no enemy too strong, and no circumstance beyond the sovereign reach of our God. This profound understanding fuels genuine worship, motivates courageous witness in a world that needs to know the true God, and provides deep comfort and peace in every trial, knowing that the One who holds all things in His hands is our personal and supreme Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or idols, whether subtle desires or overt pursuits, might be competing for supremacy in my own life or within my cultural context today?**
* **How does a deeper, experiential understanding of God's inherent greatness and absolute supremacy impact my trust in Him during times of uncertainty, fear, or overwhelming challenges?**
* **In what practical, tangible ways can I live out the conviction that "our Lord is above all gods" in my daily decisions, my priorities, and my interactions with others?**

### FAQ
**What does "above all gods" mean in a monotheistic context?**

Answer: In a monotheistic context, such as that of ancient Israel and Christianity, "above all gods" does not imply that other gods genuinely exist as divine beings alongside Yahweh. Instead, it functions as a powerful polemic against the pagan deities worshipped by surrounding nations, asserting that they are either non-existent, mere idols of wood and stone, or utterly powerless and subordinate in comparison to the one true God. The phrase emphasizes Yahweh's absolute and unrivaled supremacy, declaring that He alone possesses true divine power, authority, and sovereignty. It underscores the unique nature of Israel's God, contrasting Him sharply with the impotent idols described later in [Psalm 135:15-18](/psalms/135-15-18 "Psalm 135:15-18 - The futility of idols") and throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The foolishness of idolatry") and [Jeremiah 10:1-16](/jeremiah/10-1-16 "Jeremiah 10:1-16 - Idols are worthless").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 135:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "greatness" of the LORD and His being "above all gods" is fully revealed and embodied in Jesus, who is the "image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). Through Christ, the invisible God's power and supremacy are made manifest, as He demonstrated absolute authority over creation itself ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus calms the storm")), over sickness and disease ([Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus heals many")), over demonic forces ([Luke 4:36](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - Jesus casts out demons")), and even over death itself ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus raises Lazarus")). The "gods" of this fallen world—sin, death, and the powers of darkness—were definitively conquered and disarmed by Christ on the cross and through His glorious resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over spiritual powers")). Therefore, when we declare that "our Lord is above all gods," we are ultimately affirming the cosmic lordship of Jesus Christ, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). He is the true and living God, the one to whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every knee will bow to Jesus")), demonstrating His absolute supremacy over all things, visible and invisible, now and forevermore.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 97:9

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

Psalms 95:3

For the LORD [is] a great God, and a great King above all gods.

Psalms 48:1

¶ A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness.

Psalms 86:8

¶ Among the gods [there is] none like unto thee, O Lord; neither [are there any works] like unto thy works.

Psalms 86:10

For thou [art] great, and doest wondrous things: thou [art] God alone.

Daniel 6:26

I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he [is] the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion [shall be even] unto the end.

Daniel 6:27

He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.