Psalms 29:1

KJV

¶ A Psalm of David. Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

KJV (with Strong's)

A Psalm {H4210} of David {H1732}. Give {H3051} unto the LORD {H3068}, O ye mighty {H1121}{H410}, give {H3051} unto the LORD {H3068} glory {H3519} and strength {H5797}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A psalm of David: Give ADONAI his due, you who are godly; give ADONAI his due of glory and strength;

Berean Standard Bible

Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

American Standard Version

Ascribe unto Jehovah, O ye sons of the mighty, Ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 29:1 serves as a majestic and imperative summons, attributed to King David, calling all powerful beings—whether heavenly or earthly—to ascribe ultimate glory and strength to Yahweh, the one true God. This opening verse immediately establishes the psalm's central theme of divine sovereignty, setting the stage for a vivid and awe-inspiring depiction of God's overwhelming power as manifested through the voice of a mighty thunderstorm, underscoring His supreme authority over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 29 opens with a direct and urgent call to worship, immediately setting a tone of reverence and awe before the subsequent description of God's power. This initial summons in verse 1 functions as an invitation, or perhaps a command, to the "mighty" to enter the divine court and acknowledge Yahweh's supremacy. The verses that follow (e.g., [Psalm 29:3](/psalms/29-3 "Psalm 29:3 - The Voice of the Lord Over the Waters")) then vividly portray the "voice of the LORD" (qôl Yahweh) thundering over the waters, breaking cedars, shaking deserts, and causing creation to tremble. Verse 1 thus serves as the foundational declaration that prepares the reader for the overwhelming display of divine power that unfolds, culminating in the affirmation of God's eternal reign and His blessing upon His people in [Psalm 29:10-11](/psalms/29-10 "Psalm 29:10-11 - The Lord Reigns and Blesses His People").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East (ANE), storms were frequently associated with various pagan deities, such as Baal, the Canaanite storm god, who was often depicted as a powerful warrior god whose voice thundered from the heavens. Psalm 29 directly confronts this worldview by unequivocally attributing the power and majesty of the thunderstorm to Yahweh alone, the God of Israel. By calling "ye mighty" to give glory and strength to the Lord, the psalm asserts Yahweh's unique and unparalleled sovereignty over all other perceived powers, whether divine or human. David's authorship places this psalm within the context of Israel's monarchy, where the king, as God's anointed, leads the nation in worship and acknowledges God's ultimate authority over all earthly rulers and kingdoms, echoing themes found in other royal psalms like [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Reign of the Lord's Anointed").

* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several profound theological and narrative themes that permeate the entire psalm and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, emphasizing that Yahweh alone is the source and possessor of all glory and strength, to whom even the most formidable entities must submit. This resonates with the declaration in [1 Chronicles 29:11](/1_chronicles/29-11 "1 Chronicles 29:11 - David's Prayer of Praise to God's Greatness") that "Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty." Secondly, it serves as an urgent **Call to Worship**, a direct imperative to render due honor and adoration to God. The repetition of "Give unto the LORD" underscores the absolute necessity and priority of this act. Finally, the verse highlights **God's Majesty over All Creation and its Inhabitants**, implicitly contrasting any human or even angelic power with the infinite, transcendent might of the Creator, who commands the very forces of nature and to whom all beings must bow, as seen in [Psalm 96:7-8](/psalms/96-7 "Psalm 96:7-8 - Ascribe to the Lord Glory and Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mighty (Hebrew, _b'nei elim'_):** This phrase literally translates to "sons of God" or "sons of the mighty ones." Its interpretation is debated among scholars, primarily falling into two categories:
* **Angelic Beings:** Many commentators understand "the mighty" as a reference to the heavenly host, the angelic beings who surround God's throne. This interpretation aligns with passages like [Job 38:7](/job/38-7 "Job 38:7 - The Sons of God Shout for Joy at Creation"), where "the sons of God" are depicted as shouting for joy at creation. If this is the case, the psalm begins by summoning even the most powerful spiritual beings to acknowledge God's supremacy.
* **Earthly Rulers/Potentates:** Alternatively, it could refer to powerful human leaders, kings, and nations, urging them to recognize God's ultimate authority above their own worldly dominion. This view emphasizes the universal scope of God's sovereignty over all earthly powers.
Regardless of the precise interpretation, the intent is clear: those with significant power or influence, whether celestial or terrestrial, are specifically called to acknowledge Yahweh's absolute supremacy.

* **Glory (Hebrew, _kavod'_):** This word carries the sense of weight, honor, splendor, reputation, and manifest presence. When applied to God, it speaks of His inherent, weighty majesty and the visible manifestation of His divine attributes. To "give" glory to the LORD is not to impart something He lacks, but to acknowledge, confess, and ascribe to Him the honor and splendor that are intrinsically His due. It is an act of worship that properly aligns the worshiper with the reality of God's transcendent nature.

* **Strength (Hebrew, _oz'_):** This term denotes power, might, vigor, and often implies military or governing strength. In the context of Yahweh, it refers to His omnipotence—His absolute ability to act, create, sustain, and rule. To "give" strength to the LORD means to acknowledge His supreme power and might, recognizing that all other forms of strength are derivative and subordinate to His. It is an admission that He is the ultimate source of all power, and His might is incomparable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give unto the LORD":** This is an imperative command, repeated for emphasis, underscoring the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the call. The verb "give" (Hebrew: _havu_) is not about bestowing something God needs, but about *ascribing* or *attributing* to Him what is inherently His. It is a call to recognize and declare His rightful place as supreme.
* **"O ye mighty":** This direct address specifies the recipients of the command. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," this refers to either angelic beings or powerful human rulers, or perhaps both, encompassing all who possess significant power or influence. The scope is universal, calling all who hold any form of authority to humble themselves before the ultimate authority.
* **"give unto the LORD glory and strength":** This phrase specifies *what* is to be ascribed to Yahweh. "Glory" (kavod) speaks to His inherent majesty, honor, and visible splendor, while "strength" (oz) refers to His omnipotence and supreme power. The repetition of "give unto the LORD" reinforces the singular focus of this attribution: all honor and might belong exclusively to Him, not to any other deity or earthly potentate.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 29:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, seen in the repeated command "Give unto the LORD," which creates a sense of urgency and directness, leaving no ambiguity about the expected response. This is further amplified by **Repetition** ("Give unto the LORD... give unto the LORD"), which serves to emphasize the central action and its recipient, reinforcing the psalm's foundational call to worship. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("give unto the LORD glory and strength") reiterates and expands upon the first implied command to give Him due recognition. The direct address "O ye mighty" is an example of **Apostrophe**, where the speaker directly addresses an absent or abstract entity (or a group not physically present for a direct verbal command), drawing them into the immediate sphere of the psalm's message. Finally, while not a strict merism, the pairing of "glory and strength" functions as a comprehensive summary of God's attributes, encompassing the full spectrum of His majestic and powerful nature, implying that all facets of His being are worthy of adoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 29:1 establishes a fundamental theological truth: God's inherent glory and strength are not dependent on human or angelic recognition, yet He is supremely worthy of their ascription. This verse highlights the proper posture of all creation before its Creator—one of humble adoration and acknowledgment of His absolute sovereignty. It underscores that true worship involves recognizing God for who He is in His transcendent majesty and power, rather than attempting to define or limit Him. This call to "give" glory and strength is an invitation to participate in the cosmic reality of God's reign, aligning oneself with the divine order where all power and honor flow from and return to Him. It challenges any humanistic or idolatrous tendencies that would attribute ultimate power or glory to created things or human endeavors.

* [Revelation 4:11](/revelation/4-11 "Revelation 4:11 - Worthy Are You, Our Lord and God")
* [1 Chronicles 16:28-29](/1_chronicles/16-28 "1 Chronicles 16:28-29 - Ascribe to the Lord Glory and Strength")
* [Isaiah 40:26](/isaiah/40-26 "Isaiah 40:26 - Lift Up Your Eyes and See")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 29:1 serves as a profound reminder that our primary purpose as created beings is to acknowledge and honor the Creator. In a world often consumed by the pursuit of personal power, earthly recognition, and fleeting accomplishments, this verse reorients our perspective, calling us to redirect our focus to the one true source of all authority and might. It challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and allegiance: Is it in human institutions, financial security, personal influence, or the sovereign God? To "give unto the LORD glory and strength" means to live a life that consistently testifies to His supremacy, not just in moments of formal worship, but in every decision, every interaction, and every challenge. It implies a humble submission to His will, a confident trust in His power to overcome any obstacle, and a commitment to use any "might" or influence we possess for His purposes, rather than our own. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of awe and reverence, recognizing that our very existence is a gift from the One who is infinitely glorious and strong.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to fully "give unto the LORD glory and strength," perhaps clinging to your own power or seeking human recognition?**
* **How does acknowledging God's supreme strength in Psalm 29:1 impact your approach to personal fears, anxieties, or seemingly insurmountable challenges?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to more intentionally "give glory" to God in your daily routines, conversations, and decisions?**
* **If "the mighty" are called to worship, how does this challenge your perspective on leadership, authority, and influence in society today?**

### FAQ

**Who exactly are "the mighty" (b'nei elim) in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "b'nei elim" (literally "sons of God" or "sons of the mighty ones") is subject to two primary interpretations, both of which are significant. Many biblical scholars believe it refers to **angelic beings** or the heavenly host, suggesting a cosmic call to worship where even the most powerful spiritual entities are summoned to acknowledge Yahweh's supremacy. This view is supported by other Old Testament passages, such as [Job 1:6](/job/1-6 "Job 1:6 - The Sons of God Come to Present Themselves Before the Lord") and [Job 38:7](/job/38-7 "Job 38:7 - The Sons of God Shout for Joy at Creation"), where "sons of God" clearly denotes divine or angelic beings. Alternatively, some interpret "the mighty" as referring to **powerful human rulers, potentates, or nations** on earth. In this sense, the psalm would be calling all earthly authorities to submit to God's ultimate reign, a theme prevalent in other psalms (e.g., [Psalm 2:10-11](/psalms/2-10 "Psalm 2:10-11 - Be Wise, O Kings")). Given the universal scope of God's sovereignty, it's possible the phrase is intentionally broad, encompassing all powerful beings, both heavenly and earthly, underscoring that no power, no matter how great, stands above the Lord.

**Why does God *need* us to "give" Him glory and strength? Doesn't He already possess these qualities inherently?**

Answer: This is a crucial theological point. God does not *need* anything from His creation, as He is self-sufficient and eternally glorious and strong in Himself. The act of "giving" glory and strength to the Lord is not about imparting something to Him that He lacks, but rather about **ascribing** or **attributing** to Him what is rightfully and eternally His. It is an act of recognition, acknowledgment, and worship. When we "give" Him glory and strength, we are aligning ourselves with the truth of His nature, confessing His supreme worth, and declaring His absolute power. This act of worship is for *our* benefit, not His. It reorients our perspective, humbles our hearts, and places us in a proper relationship with our Creator. It reminds us that all power and honor originate from Him, and therefore, all praise and adoration are due to Him alone. This concept is beautifully echoed in [Romans 11:36](/romans/11-36 "Romans 11:36 - From Him and Through Him and To Him Are All Things"), which states, "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 29:1's imperative call to "give unto the LORD glory and strength" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the eternal Son, Jesus is the very embodiment of God's glory and strength, being "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). He is the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - All Things Created Through Christ")). The "mighty" of Psalm 29:1, whether angelic hosts or earthly rulers, are ultimately called to bow before Him, for "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection, Christ demonstrated God's unparalleled strength over sin, death, and the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). He is the Lamb who was slain, yet is worthy to receive "power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy Is the Lamb")). Thus, in Christ, humanity is empowered by the Spirit to truly give God the glory and strength He is due, not merely as a command, but as a joyful response to His redemptive work, participating in the eternal worship of the One who reigns supreme.

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.