Psalms 148:11

KJV

Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

KJV (with Strong's)

Kings {H4428} of the earth {H776}, and all people {H3816}; princes {H8269}, and all judges {H8199} of the earth {H776}:

Complete Jewish Bible

kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers on earth,

Berean Standard Bible

kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth,

American Standard Version

Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 148:11 stands as a pivotal verse within a grand cosmic symphony of praise, extending the universal call to adoration from the celestial and natural realms to the pinnacle of earthly creation: humanity. Specifically, it summons those in positions of power and influence—kings, princes, and judges—alongside "all people," to join in glorifying the Lord. This declaration underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all human authority and His comprehensive claim on the worship of every individual, emphasizing that no earthly dominion or social standing exempts one from the divine mandate to praise the Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 148 is a magnificent doxology, forming part of the final Hallel collection (Psalms 146-150) that culminates in an emphatic, all-encompassing call for praise. The psalm is meticulously structured in two distinct yet complementary movements. The initial section, [verses 1-6](/psalms/148-1-6 "Psalm 148:1-6 - Heavenly Praise"), issues a summons to the heavens and their inhabitants—including angels, the sun, moon, and stars—to praise God for their creation and enduring steadfastness. The subsequent movement, spanning [verses 7-12](/psalms/148-7-12 "Psalm 148:7-12 - Earthly Praise"), shifts its focus to the terrestrial realm, beginning with natural phenomena (sea monsters, fire, hail, snow, vapor, stormy wind) and geographical features (mountains, hills, fruit trees, cedars), then progressing to the animal kingdom (beasts, cattle, creeping things, flying fowl). Verse 11 marks the climactic address to humanity, deliberately targeting the full spectrum of human society, from the highest rulers to the common person. This systematic and comprehensive progression underscores the vastness of God's dominion and the universal obligation of all creation to acknowledge and worship Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings and rulers frequently held immense, often absolute, power, sometimes claiming divine lineage or acting as divine representatives. Their decrees were law, and their authority was largely unquestioned. In stark contrast, Israelite theology, as reflected in this psalm, consistently presented Yahweh as the true and ultimate King of Israel, to whom all earthly authorities were subservient. Psalm 148:11 directly challenges prevailing regional ideologies by explicitly subjecting even the most powerful earthly figures—"kings," "princes," and "judges"—to the divine mandate of praise. "Judges" (שֹׁפְטֵי, _shoftei_) in ancient Israel held significant legal, administrative, and often local governmental authority, further broadening the scope of human power being summoned. The inclusion of "all people" (לְאֻמִּים, _le'ummim_), meaning "nations" or "peoples," extends the call beyond the confines of Israelite society to encompass all of humanity, reflecting a profound universal theological outlook that God's sovereignty is not limited to one nation but extends over all the earth and its inhabitants.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 148 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it champions the theme of **Universal Praise**, asserting that every facet of creation—from the celestial to the terrestrial, and from the most exalted human authority to the humblest individual—is obligated to offer adoration to God. This radical inclusivity highlights God's comprehensive dominion and the interconnectedness of all creation in worship. Secondly, it powerfully underscores **God's Sovereignty Over Rulers**, directly challenging any humanistic notion of absolute power. By commanding kings, princes, and judges to praise Him, the psalm unequivocally positions God as the ultimate authority, from whom all earthly power derives and to whom all power is ultimately accountable. This theme resonates deeply with other biblical texts, such as [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"), which declares that "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes," and [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"), which affirms God's role in setting up and removing kings. Finally, the explicit inclusion of "judges" emphasizes the **Accountability of Authority**, particularly for those entrusted with the administration of justice and governance. Their rule and decisions should ultimately reflect God's righteousness and lead to His praise, serving as a potent reminder of their divine appointment and ultimate responsibility before the Almighty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kings (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This term (H4428) refers to a sovereign ruler or monarch, derived from a root meaning "to rule." In this context, _melek_ signifies the highest political authority, representing the pinnacle of earthly power and dominion. The psalm's call for kings to praise God directly challenges any self-assumed divinity or ultimate autonomy, asserting God's supreme kingship over all earthly thrones and highlighting that their authority is delegated, not inherent.
* **People (Hebrew, _lᵉʼôm'_):** This word (H3816) denotes a community, nation, or people, stemming from an unused root meaning "to gather." Its inclusion alongside specific categories of rulers ("kings," "princes," "judges") broadens the scope of the praise mandate to include all humanity, regardless of their social standing, national identity, or geographic location. It underscores that God's claim on worship is universal, encompassing every individual within every nation.
* **Judges (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** This term (H8199) is a primitive root meaning "to judge," "pronounce sentence (for or against)," "vindicate," "punish," or "govern." Judges held significant and influential roles in ancient society, responsible for administering justice, settling disputes, and often exercising local governance. Their inclusion highlights that even those who wield legal and administrative power, which directly impacts the lives of others, are not exempt from the universal call to acknowledge and praise God, implying that their judgments should reflect divine righteousness and be rendered in submission to the ultimate Judge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Kings of the earth":** This phrase specifically targets the highest political rulers across the globe, emphasizing that no earthly power, however vast or absolute, stands outside the jurisdiction of God's universal call to praise. It asserts that their authority is derived, not inherent, and therefore they are ultimately accountable to the supreme King of the universe.
* **"and all people":** This broadens the scope beyond specific categories of rulers to encompass all of humanity—every nation, every ethnicity, and every individual. It ensures that the call to praise is truly comprehensive, including the common person, the governed, and all ethnic groups, thereby emphasizing the universal nature of God's dominion and the inherent human obligation to worship Him.
* **"princes":** Referring to high-ranking officials, nobles, or those of royal lineage, "princes" represent another significant stratum of earthly authority and influence. Their inclusion reinforces the idea that all levels of governance and societal leadership, not just the very top, are subject to God's command to praise.
* **"and all judges of the earth":** This final category of human authority highlights those responsible for justice and governance. It underscores that even those who interpret and apply laws, and who hold the power to determine fate, are under the ultimate authority of God. Their role is to administer justice in a way that reflects divine righteousness, leading them to praise the source of all true justice and truth.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 148:11 masterfully employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of universal praise and God's comprehensive sovereignty. The most prominent is **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a complete whole. By listing "kings" and "judges," the psalm encompasses the entirety of human authority, from the executive and legislative to the judicial, implying that all forms of governance and leadership are included in this divine summons. This comprehensive scope is further amplified by the inclusive phrase "all people," which ensures the inclusion of every individual, from the most powerful to the least influential. Additionally, the verse utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "kings of the earth" is echoed and reinforced by "princes, and all judges of the earth," creating a rhythmic emphasis that all forms of human leadership are being addressed. The repeated phrase "of the earth" functions as a subtle **refrain**, grounding the call to praise in the earthly realm and highlighting its inhabitants' inescapable responsibility to glorify the Creator. This comprehensive listing also creates a powerful sense of **Inclusivity**, leaving no segment of humanity exempt from the universal call to worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 148:11 profoundly articulates the foundational biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, specifically highlighting His dominion over human authority and governance. It stands as a powerful challenge to any humanistic notion that power is inherent, autonomous, or self-derived, firmly rooting all governance and leadership in the divine will. The profound theological implication is that true authority flows solely from God, and therefore, those who wield it are ultimately accountable to Him, not merely to their subjects, their own ambitions, or human systems. This universal call to praise, extending even to the highest earthly rulers, serves as a potent reminder that all human endeavors, including political and judicial systems, find their ultimate purpose and meaning in acknowledging and glorifying the Creator. It establishes a divine standard for righteous governance, where leaders are called to humble themselves before God, recognize their delegated authority, and lead their people in worship and obedience to the ultimate King.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Daniel 2:20-21](/daniel/2-20-21 "Daniel 2:20-21 - God's Wisdom and Power Over Kings")
* [Romans 13:1-2](/romans/13-1-2 "Romans 13:1-2 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 148:11 serves as a timeless and profound reminder that no one, regardless of their position, power, or influence, is exempt from the universal call to acknowledge and praise God. For those entrusted with leadership roles—whether in government, business, education, the church, or within their families—this verse is a profound summons to humility, integrity, and accountability. It compels them to recognize that their authority is not their own but is delegated by God, and therefore, it must be exercised in a manner that honors Him, promotes justice, and serves the well-being of those under their care. It challenges leaders to critically examine how their decisions, policies, and actions reflect God's character and contribute to His praise among the people they serve. For every individual, this verse is a vibrant invitation to join the grand cosmic chorus of praise, understanding that our worship is not merely a private act but a participation in a universal symphony orchestrated by the Creator of all things. It encourages us to live lives that consistently reflect God's glory, knowing that even the mightiest earthly figures are called to bow before His majesty and acknowledge His supreme reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the call for "kings, princes, and judges" to praise God challenge modern perceptions of authority and power, particularly in secular societies?**
* **In what practical ways can individuals, regardless of their social standing or profession, actively participate in the universal praise of God in their daily lives and spheres of influence?**
* **What does it mean for leaders today to exercise their authority in a way that truly acknowledges God's sovereignty and leads to His praise, rather than their own?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate authority over all earthly rulers and systems impact your prayers, your civic engagement, and your perspectives on current events and political landscapes?**

### FAQ
**Why does Psalm 148 specifically mention kings, princes, and judges alongside natural elements and animals?**

Answer: The psalm's deliberate inclusion of "kings, princes, and judges" is crucial for completing its comprehensive vision of universal praise. After summoning the heavens and the natural world, the psalm turns its attention to humanity, specifically those in positions of power and influence. This emphasis underscores that no part of creation, not even the most powerful human authorities, is exempt from the divine mandate to praise God. It highlights God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly dominion, standing in stark contrast to ancient Near Eastern views where rulers often claimed divine status or absolute authority. By calling these figures to praise, the psalm asserts that their authority is derived from God and that they, too, are accountable to Him. It ensures that the chorus of praise is truly all-encompassing, from the highest celestial being to the most influential human leader, down to the humblest creature, demonstrating God's total claim over His creation.

**What is the significance of "all people" being included in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "all people" (לְאֻמִּים, _le'ummim_) is profoundly significant because it broadens the scope of the praise beyond specific categories of rulers to encompass all of humanity—every nation, every ethnicity, and every individual. While "kings, princes, and judges" represent the pinnacle of human societal structure and governance, "all people" ensures that the call to praise is truly universal and inclusive. It means that God's dominion extends over every social class, every cultural group, and every person on earth, without exception. This highlights the global nature of God's reign and the universal obligation of all humanity to acknowledge and worship their Creator, setting the theological stage for the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan for all nations, as beautifully envisioned in passages like [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation").

**How does this verse relate to the concept of accountability for those in power?**

Answer: The explicit inclusion of "judges" within this verse powerfully highlights the concept of accountability for those in power. Judges, by their very role, are responsible for administering justice, upholding laws, and making decisions that profoundly affect people's lives and destinies. By commanding them to praise God, the psalm implies that their judgments and governance should not be arbitrary or self-serving, but rather reflect God's righteousness and justice. It serves as a potent reminder that all human authority is ultimately delegated by God, and therefore, those who wield it are accountable to Him for how they exercise that power. This theological foundation encourages righteous leadership, discourages tyranny and corruption, and emphasizes that even the most powerful human figures must ultimately bow before the divine standard of justice and truth. This principle is deeply embedded in many biblical teachings about righteous governance, such as those found in [Deuteronomy 16:18-20](/deuteronomy/16-18-20 "Deuteronomy 16:18-20 - Appointing Judges and Justice") and [Psalm 82:1-4](/psalms/82-1-4 "Psalm 82:1-4 - God Judges the Gods").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 148:11, with its universal call for all earthly authority to praise the Lord, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist summons kings, princes, and judges to acknowledge the Creator, it is in Christ that God's supreme kingship is fully revealed, definitively established, and universally recognized. Jesus is the true [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The very ones called to praise in this psalm—kings, princes, and judges—will one day, along with "all people" from every tribe and nation, bow before Him. As [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus") powerfully declares, God has highly exalted Jesus 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." Thus, the universal praise envisioned in Psalm 148 culminates not just in acknowledging the Creator, but in the worship of the resurrected Christ, who is both the Creator and the Redeemer, the ultimate King, and the righteous Judge, to whom all creation will ultimately render homage and eternal 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 102:15

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

Proverbs 8:15

By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

Proverbs 8:16

By me princes rule, and nobles, [even] all the judges of the earth.

Psalms 68:31

Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.

Psalms 68:32

¶ Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:

Psalms 2:10

¶ Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

Psalms 2:12

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him.