Psalms 138:4

KJV

All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the kings {H4428} of the earth {H776} shall praise {H3034} thee, O LORD {H3068}, when they hear {H8085} the words {H561} of thy mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the kings of the earth will thank you, ADONAI, when they hear the words you have spoken.

Berean Standard Bible

All the kings of the earth will give You thanks, O LORD, when they hear the words of Your mouth.

American Standard Version

All the kings of the earth shall give thee thanks, O Jehovah, For they have heard the words of thy mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 138:4 presents a majestic prophetic vision, expanding from the psalmist's personal thanksgiving to a grand, eschatological declaration of universal worship. It foresees a future time when even the most powerful earthly rulers, having heard and heeded the authoritative words of the Lord, will turn from their own dominion to acknowledge and offer praise to the God of Israel, signifying His ultimate and undisputed sovereignty over all nations and authorities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 138 is a psalm of David, opening with a profound expression of personal gratitude and commitment to praise God for His steadfast love and faithfulness (Psalm 138:1-3). David recounts how God answered his prayer, strengthened his soul, and demonstrated His great power. From this personal experience of divine deliverance and the fulfillment of God's promises, David's perspective dramatically expands beyond himself and his nation. Verse 4 marks a pivotal shift from individual thanksgiving to a global, prophetic outlook, anticipating a future where God's glory is so undeniable that it compels recognition and praise from all the world's leaders, echoing themes of universal dominion found elsewhere in the Psalter, such as [Psalm 2:10-12](/psalms/2-10 "Psalm 2:10-12 - Kings are Commanded to Serve the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, a king who experienced both the triumphs of God's favor and the challenges of leading a nation, this psalm reflects an understanding of kingship both within Israel and among surrounding nations. In the ancient Near East, kings were often seen as divine representatives or even deities themselves, wielding absolute power. David, however, understood that even the mightiest earthly monarchs were subordinate to the supreme King, the Lord God of Israel. The vision of foreign kings praising Yahweh would have been a radical concept, challenging the prevailing polytheism and nationalistic deities, and pointing towards a future where Israel's God would be universally acknowledged, as promised in various prophetic texts like [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow to God").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Universal Sovereignty of God**, asserting that no earthly power, no matter how great, can ultimately withstand or remain ignorant of God's ultimate dominion. This points to a global acknowledgment of His reign, a concept fully realized in the [Messianic kingdom described in Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes God's"). Secondly, the phrase "when they hear the words of thy mouth" underscores the **Transformative Power of God's Word**. It implies that it is through divine revelation—God's decrees, promises, and truth—that the kings of the earth will be moved to praise. God's spoken word is not just information; it is inherently authoritative, living, and active, capable of changing hearts and minds on a global scale, as seen in [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God"). Finally, the verse offers a profound **Prophetic Hope** for future peace and unity under God's rule, anticipating a day when idolatry and rebellion will cease, and all nations will bow before the true God, a hope echoed in [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord Will Be King Over All the Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kings (Hebrew, _melek'_):** H4428, from מָלַךְ; a king; king, royal. This term refers to earthly rulers, potentates, and monarchs. The plural "kings" (מְלָכִים, _m'lakhim_) emphasizes the universal scope of the prophecy, encompassing all human authority structures across the globe, not just those immediately known to David.
* **praise (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** H3034, a primitive root; used only as denominative from יָד; literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the hands); cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). The act of "praising" here is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment but a physical and heartfelt act of worship, often involving the lifting or extending of hands in adoration and confession. It signifies a complete surrender and honor.
* **hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** H8085, a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.); [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. This word implies much more than simply perceiving sound. In Hebrew thought, "hearing" (שָׁמַע, _shama'_) often carries the connotation of understanding, heeding, and obeying. For the kings to "hear" the words of God's mouth means they will not only receive divine revelation but will also respond to it with submission and obedience, leading to praise.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068, from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. This is the sacred covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant faithfulness. It is to this specific, personal God of Israel, not a generic deity, that the kings of the earth will offer their praise.
* **mouth (Hebrew, _peh'_):** H6310, from פָּאָה; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to; accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. "Thy mouth" (פִּיךָ, _picha_) emphasizes the direct, personal, and authoritative origin of the divine words. These are not human opinions or interpretations, but the very utterances of God Himself, carrying ultimate weight and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the kings of the earth":** This phrase establishes the universal scope of the prophecy. It is not just a select few or the rulers of Israel's immediate neighbors, but literally "all" the monarchs and potentates across the entire globe. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all human authority and His intention for universal recognition.
* **"shall praise thee, O LORD":** This is the core action and recipient of the prophecy. The kings, despite their earthly power and often idolatrous practices, will ultimately render praise to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This praise signifies not only acknowledgment of His existence but also adoration, thanksgiving, and submission to His supreme authority. The future tense "shall praise" indicates a certain and inevitable fulfillment.
* **"when they hear the words of thy mouth":** This clause reveals the catalyst for this universal praise. It is not by military conquest or political maneuvering that the kings will come to praise God, but through the transformative power of His divine revelation. "Hearing" implies not just auditory reception, but understanding, heeding, and responding in obedience to the authoritative decrees, promises, and truths that proceed directly from God's own mouth. This emphasizes the efficacy and persuasive power of God's spoken word.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 138:4 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as David looks beyond his immediate circumstances to declare a future event of global significance—the universal praise of God by all kings. This prophetic declaration is imbued with **Hyperbole** (or **Universalism**), using "all the kings of the earth" to emphasize the comprehensive and undeniable scope of God's future recognition, extending His dominion far beyond Israel's borders to every corner of the world. This serves to magnify God's ultimate sovereignty. The verse also exhibits strong **Theocentricity**, placing God ("thee, O LORD") at the absolute center of the action and purpose. The kings' praise is directed solely to Him, and the catalyst for their praise is His own "words of thy mouth," underscoring that all glory and initiative originate from God. Finally, the phrase "words of thy mouth" is a **Metonymy**, where "mouth" stands for the divine utterance or revelation itself, emphasizing the direct, personal, and authoritative nature of God's communication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 138:4 offers a profound theological statement on God's ultimate sovereignty and the irresistible power of His word. It declares that despite the apparent autonomy and power of earthly rulers, they are ultimately subservient to the Lord. This verse points to a future eschatological reality where God's glory will be so manifest that it compels universal acknowledgment, transforming hearts and minds through the sheer force of divine truth. It reassures believers that God's plan for universal worship will prevail, even in a world seemingly dominated by secular or opposing powers, providing a foundation for hope and persistent evangelism.

* [Psalm 22:27](/psalms/22-27 "Psalm 22:27 - All the Ends of the Earth Shall Remember and Turn to the Lord")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - God's Servant as a Light to the Nations")
* [Revelation 15:4](/revelation/15-4 "Revelation 15:4 - All Nations Will Worship God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 138:4 provides immense encouragement and a clear call to action for believers today. In a world often characterized by political turmoil, competing ideologies, and leaders who may seem indifferent or even hostile to God's truth, this verse reminds us that God's ultimate plan for universal recognition and worship will indeed prevail. It instills confidence that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and that His word possesses transformative power. This prophetic vision calls us not to despair over present realities but to actively participate in God's redemptive work. We are encouraged to trust in God's unwavering control over history and nations, to boldly proclaim the Gospel, knowing that it is through "hearing the words of thy mouth" that hearts are changed, and to faithfully pray for all those in authority, that they might encounter and respond to the truth of God, leading to righteousness and peace in their realms. Our lives, lived in humble obedience to God's word, become a powerful testimony to His glory, influencing others to seek and praise Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of "all the kings of the earth" praising God impact your perspective on current global events and political leadership?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to "hear the words of thy mouth," and how does that hearing lead to praise in your life?**
* **In what ways can you, as an individual believer, contribute to the fulfillment of this prophetic vision in your sphere of influence?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to pray for leaders, even those with whom you disagree?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse imply that all earthly kings will become believers in the present age?**

Answer: Not necessarily in the present age, but it points to an ultimate, eschatological fulfillment. The phrase "when they hear the words of thy mouth" suggests a future time when God's revelation will be so clear and compelling that it will elicit praise from all rulers. This could refer to a gradual turning of nations throughout history, or more powerfully, to the culmination of history in the [Messianic kingdom](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes God's") when Christ's reign is fully established and universally acknowledged. It speaks to God's ultimate triumph over all earthly opposition.

**What are "the words of thy mouth" referring to in this context?**

Answer: "The words of thy mouth" refers to God's divine revelation, His authoritative decrees, promises, and truths. This encompasses His spoken word, His revealed will in Scripture, and ultimately, the living Word, Jesus Christ. It implies that through divine truth, communicated in various ways, the kings of the earth will come to understand God's character, power, and righteous reign, leading them to worship Him. It highlights the inherent power and efficacy of God's self-disclosure, as seen in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 138:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. While David's prophecy envisions earthly kings praising the Lord, the New Testament reveals that this universal homage is ultimately rendered to the Son, who fully embodies "the words of thy mouth." Jesus Christ is the living Word of God (as proclaimed in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), and it is through His life, death, resurrection, and ascension that God's ultimate authority and redemptive plan are perfectly revealed. The prophecy of all kings praising the Lord culminates in the eschatological vision of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (as declared in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). The "hearing" of God's words that leads to praise is now primarily the hearing of the Gospel of Christ, which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Thus, the universal reign and worship foreshadowed in Psalm 138:4 are fully realized in the triumphant return and eternal reign of Christ, when indeed, the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes God's")).

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 102:15

So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.

Psalms 72:11

Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

Psalms 22:22

¶ I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

Psalms 22:27

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

Isaiah 60:16

Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 49:23

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

Psalms 102:22

When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.