Psalms 138:1

KJV

¶ [A Psalm] of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

A Psalm of David {H1732}. I will praise {H3034} thee with my whole heart {H3820}: before the gods {H430} will I sing praise {H2167} unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

By David: I give you thanks with all my heart. Not to idols, but to you I sing praise.

Berean Standard Bible

I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises.

American Standard Version

I will give thee thanks with my whole heart: Before the gods will I sing praises unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 138:1 serves as a profound opening to a psalm of thanksgiving, attributed to King David, immediately establishing his unwavering commitment to offering sincere, undivided praise to the Lord. This verse articulates David's resolute intention to honor God not only with the totality of his being but also publicly, even in the presence of formidable earthly powers or spiritual entities. It encapsulates the psalmist's recognition of God's supreme authority and his determination to worship Him with his whole heart, setting the stage for a declaration of divine faithfulness and a prayer for continued strength and deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 138 initiates a distinct collection of eight psalms (Psalms 138-145) explicitly ascribed to David, marking a shift in tone within the Psalter. This psalm is categorized as a psalm of individual thanksgiving, likely composed after a significant deliverance or answered prayer, contrasting sharply with the lament and sorrow of exile expressed in the preceding Psalm 137. It transitions the reader into a series of psalms that consistently celebrate God's kingship, His steadfast love, and David's profound trust in His divine providence. The verses immediately following Psalm 138:1 elaborate on the specific reasons for David's praise, including God's responsiveness to his supplications and His enduring love and truth, thereby reinforcing the deeply personal yet publicly declared nature of his worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As a composition by King David, this psalm inherently reflects the life of a monarch frequently embroiled in geopolitical struggles and confronting various adversaries, both human and spiritual. In the ancient Near Eastern milieu, it was common for kings to extol their national deities, often asserting their perceived superiority over the gods of rival nations. David's bold declaration to praise Yahweh "before the gods" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_) carries multifaceted significance within this context. It can be interpreted as a direct challenge to the pagan idols and deities worshipped by surrounding cultures, unequivocally asserting the absolute supremacy of the one true God, Yahweh. Alternatively, it could signify a courageous proclamation before powerful earthly rulers or judges, acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty over all human authority and political might. Less commonly, it might refer to angelic beings, suggesting praise offered in the divine assembly. Regardless of the precise interpretation, the phrase powerfully underscores a historical and cultural context where the exclusive worship of Yahweh stood in stark, defiant contrast to prevailing polytheistic or humanistic worldviews.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse introduces several potent and enduring themes that resonate throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. David's commitment to praise God "with my whole heart" signifies **Wholehearted Devotion**, emphasizing that genuine worship transcends mere ritual; it is an all-encompassing engagement of one's entire being—intellect, emotion, and will. This echoes the foundational command to [love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Greatest Commandment"). By choosing to sing praise "before the gods," David boldly asserts **God's Supremacy**, proclaiming that Yahweh is incomparably superior to all other perceived powers, whether spiritual or earthly. This highlights God's unparalleled sovereignty and omnipotence, a theme frequently celebrated in the Psalms, as seen in [Psalm 96:5, which declares that "all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens"](/psalms/96-5 "Psalm 96:5 - The Lord's Greatness and Idols"). Finally, David's public declaration of praise exemplifies **Bold Witness**, demonstrating that authentic faith is not concealed but courageously proclaimed, even in the face of opposition or alternative beliefs, serving as a powerful testimony to God's unparalleled greatness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** H3034. A primitive root, literally meaning "to use (i.e. hold out) the hand." Physically, it can mean to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away. More significantly in this context, it means to revere or worship (with extended hands), indicating an active, outward expression of thanksgiving and adoration, often accompanied by physical gestures of uplifted hands, signifying an open and unreserved acknowledgment of God's goodness and power.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** H3820. This word refers to the physical heart but is used very widely and figuratively in Hebrew thought for the inner self: the seat of feelings, the will, and even the intellect. It also denotes the center of anything. When David declares he will praise God with his "whole heart," it means with complete sincerity, undivided attention, and the full engagement of his mind, emotions, and will, leaving no part of his inner being uncommitted to this act of worship.
* **Gods (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** H430. This is a plural noun that can refer to "gods in the ordinary sense" (pagan deities), but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God. It can also occasionally be applied by way of deference to magistrates or judges, and sometimes as a superlative (meaning "exceedingly great" or "mighty"). In the context of Psalm 138:1, the KJV translation "the gods" emphasizes the contrast between Yahweh and any other perceived power, whether spiritual (demons, idols) or earthly (human rulers, judges), underscoring God's unique and supreme position above all.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ [A Psalm] of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart":** This opening clause immediately establishes the authorship of the psalm and the psalmist's profound personal commitment to worship. The phrase "I will praise thee" (using _yâdâh_) signifies a deliberate, volitional act of thanksgiving and adoration. The crucial addition "with my whole heart" (Hebrew: _b'khol levavi_) underscores that this praise is not merely an outward ritual or a perfunctory obligation, but rather it springs from the deepest, most sincere and undivided part of David's being. It reflects a complete devotion that engages his intellect, emotions, and will, signifying a genuine and unreserved commitment to God.
* **"before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.":** This second clause specifies the context and nature of David's public worship. The phrase "before the gods" (Hebrew: _liphnê 'ĕlôhîym_) is highly significant and rich in interpretive possibilities. As previously discussed, "gods" (_ʼĕlôhîym_) can refer to pagan deities, powerful human rulers, or even angelic beings. In any interpretation, David's declaration is an act of bold witness, asserting the absolute supremacy of Yahweh over all other perceived powers or authorities. The verb "sing praise" (_zâmar_) implies a musical, celebratory, and public act, reinforcing the idea that David's worship is both personal and demonstrative, a fearless proclamation of God's sovereignty in the face of any competing authority or ideology.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 138:1 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of devotion and divine supremacy. The phrase "with my **whole heart**" is a clear example of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the totality and intensity of David's devotion. While literally impossible to praise with every single part of the physical heart, it powerfully communicates an unreserved, undivided commitment of one's entire being—mind, emotion, and will. The declaration to praise God "**before the gods**" creates a stark **Contrast**, highlighting the absolute supremacy of Yahweh over all other perceived deities, idols, or human powers. This contrast elevates the true God to His rightful, unique position, diminishing the status of any rival or false god. The verse also functions as a **Declaration** or **Affirmation**, a bold and personal statement of intent to worship, setting the tone for the entire psalm as a testament to God's faithfulness and David's unwavering trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 138:1 lays a foundational stone for understanding biblical worship, emphasizing that true praise is not merely a ritualistic act but an overflow of a heart wholly devoted to God. It underscores the profound theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty and uniqueness, challenging any notion of competing powers or deities. David's public declaration of praise, "before the gods," serves as a powerful testament to monotheism in a polytheistic world, asserting that Yahweh alone is worthy of such unreserved adoration. This verse reminds believers that our worship is both intensely personal—engaging our entire being—and profoundly public, serving as a witness to God's greatness in a world that often exalts lesser things. It invites us to consider the objects of our own praise and to reorient our affections and allegiances solely towards the One who is truly supreme, recognizing that genuine worship is a complete surrender of self to the One who reigns above all.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 96:5](/psalms/96-5 "Psalm 96:5 - The Lord is Great Above All Gods")
* [Psalm 145:1-3](/psalms/145-1-3 "Psalm 145:1-3 - A Psalm of Praise to God's Greatness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 138:1 calls believers today to cultivate a similar spirit of wholehearted worship and courageous witness. In a world saturated with distractions, competing ideologies, and various "gods" of materialism, personal ambition, or self-worship, this verse encourages us to direct our undivided praise and allegiance to the one true God. It challenges us to examine the sincerity and totality of our devotion: Is our praise merely a Sunday morning ritual, or does it flow from a heart fully engaged and surrendered to God, impacting every area of our lives? Furthermore, David's example of praising God "before the gods" compels us to be bold in our faith, unashamedly acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness in our public lives, regardless of the prevailing cultural currents or the presence of those who reject Him. True worship, as exemplified here, is a fearless declaration of God's supreme power and unwavering faithfulness, motivating us to live lives that consistently proclaim His worth, both personally and publicly, becoming living testimonies to His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to praise God "with my whole heart" in my daily life, beyond formal worship settings?**
* **In what "public" or "challenging" contexts am I called to boldly declare God's praise today, even when it might be counter-cultural?**
* **What "gods" (idols, distractions, worldly values, or even self-reliance) might be subtly competing for my wholehearted devotion, and how can I reorient my praise solely to the Lord?**
* **How does David's example encourage me to be more intentional, unreserved, and courageous in my worship and witness for God?**

### FAQ

**What does "before the gods" mean in Psalm 138:1?**

Answer: The phrase "before the gods" (Hebrew: _liphnê 'ĕlôhîym_) is subject to various interpretations, all of which ultimately highlight God's absolute supremacy. It can refer to David praising God:
* **Before pagan idols or deities:** This emphasizes the absolute superiority of Yahweh over all false gods worshipped by surrounding nations, asserting His unique power and authority (e.g., [Psalm 96:5](/psalms/96-5 "Psalm 96:5 - The Lord's Greatness and Idols")).
* **Before powerful earthly rulers or judges:** Given David's position as king, he often encountered foreign dignitaries or opposing monarchs. His praise before them would be an act of bold witness, acknowledging God's ultimate authority over all human power and political might (e.g., [Psalm 82:1](/psalms/82-1 "Psalm 82:1 - God Stands in the Divine Assembly")).
* **Before angelic beings:** Some interpretations suggest _ʼĕlôhîym_ can refer to angelic beings, implying David's praise is offered in the heavenly courts, acknowledging the divine assembly (e.g., [Psalm 8:5](/psalms/8-5 "Psalm 8:5 - Man Crowned with Glory and Honor, a Little Lower Than the Angels")).
In any case, it signifies a public, fearless, and defiant declaration of God's unrivaled sovereignty and worthiness of praise.

**How does "with my whole heart" relate to other biblical commands?**

Answer: The phrase "with my whole heart" (Hebrew: _b'khol levavi_) signifies complete, undivided, and sincere devotion. It resonates deeply with the greatest commandment given in the Torah: to [love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Shema"). This concept is foundational to true worship and obedience throughout Scripture, emphasizing that our relationship with God must involve the totality of our inner being—our intellect, emotions, and will—not merely outward actions or ritualistic performance. This principle is reaffirmed throughout the Old Testament and by Jesus Himself in the New Testament, as seen in [Matthew 22:37](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37 - The Greatest Commandment"), highlighting that genuine love and praise for God demand our complete and undivided allegiance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 138:1, with its declaration of wholehearted praise before all other powers, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect worshiper, who always did the will of His Father [with His whole being](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do the Will of God"), perfectly embodying the "whole heart" devotion David aspired to. More significantly, Christ is the One before whom all "gods," earthly authorities, and spiritual powers ultimately bow. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Lordship") declares that God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name above every name, "so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." David's praise "before the gods" foreshadows the universal dominion of Christ, who disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them by triumphing over them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). In Christ, the bold witness of God's supremacy is fully realized, and through Him, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer our own wholehearted praise, knowing that our worship is acceptable to God because of His perfect sacrifice and reigning authority ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering Sacrifices of Praise Through Jesus")). He is the true and living God, before whom all other perceived "gods" are exposed as powerless idols, and to whom all creation will one day give praise.

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 111:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with [my] whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and [in] the congregation.

Psalms 95:3

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

1 Corinthians 14:15

¶ What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

John 10:34

Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

John 10:36

Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

Psalms 96:4

For the LORD [is] great, and greatly to be praised: he [is] to be feared above all gods.

Psalms 119:46

I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.