Psalms 47:2

KJV

For the LORD most high [is] terrible; [he is] a great King over all the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the LORD {H3068} most high {H5945} is terrible {H3372}{H8737)}; he is a great {H1419} King {H4428} over all the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For ADONAI 'Elyon is awesome, a great king over all the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!

American Standard Version

For Jehovah Most High is terrible; He is a great King over all the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 47:2 proclaims the majestic sovereignty of God, declaring His supreme authority and awe-inspiring nature over all creation. This foundational verse serves as an emphatic call to worship, setting the tone for the entire psalm which jubilantly celebrates the LORD's universal kingship and His triumphant reign over all the earth, inviting all peoples to acknowledge His unparalleled power and glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 47 is widely recognized as an enthronement psalm, characterized by its jubilant and declarative tone celebrating God's kingship. It stands within a collection of psalms (Psalms 47, 93, 96-99) that focus on the LORD's reign, often commencing with an invitation to worship or a declaration of His sovereignty. Immediately preceding Psalm 47, [Psalm 46](/psalms/46 "Psalm 46 - God Our Refuge") speaks of God as a refuge and strength in times of trouble, culminating in the declaration that He is exalted among the nations. Following Psalm 47, [Psalm 48](/psalms/48 "Psalm 48 - God's City, Zion") continues the theme of God's greatness, focusing on Mount Zion as the city of the great King. Thus, Psalm 47:2 acts as a foundational declaration within this celebratory and worshipful sequence, inviting universal acclamation for the divine ruler.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically and culturally, Psalm 47 likely functioned as a liturgical piece within Israelite worship, possibly sung during an annual festival celebrating the LORD's kingship, such as the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). It may also have been employed to commemorate significant national victories where God's hand was clearly evident, or perhaps even the procession of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, symbolizing God's presence and reign among His people. The concept of a 'king' was central to ancient Near Eastern societies, but Israel's understanding of kingship was unique: their ultimate King was Yahweh Himself, transcending any earthly monarch. The psalm's call for 'all peoples' to clap their hands and shout reflects a universalistic vision, anticipating a time when all nations would acknowledge Israel's God as the supreme sovereign, a stark contrast to the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several key themes woven throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's Supreme Sovereignty**, presenting the LORD as 'most high' (עֶלְיוֹן, *ʿElyon*), a title emphasizing His transcendence and absolute authority over all creation, as seen in [Genesis 14:19](/genesis/14-19 "Genesis 14:19 - Melchizedek Blesses Abram"). Secondly, the declaration that the LORD is 'terrible' highlights His **Awe-Inspiring Majesty**, conveying not fright but a profound sense of reverential awe and holy fear in the face of His immense power and glory. This echoes the reverence commanded by God's presence throughout [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Appearance at Sinai"). Finally, the assertion that He is 'a great King over all the earth' establishes the theme of **Universal Kingship**, proclaiming God's dominion extends far beyond Israel's borders to encompass every nation and every corner of the globe. This universal reign is a recurring motif, anticipating the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom on earth, a vision powerfully articulated in prophetic books like [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of the Son of Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Most High (Hebrew, _ʿElyon'_):** This divine title signifies God's supreme exaltation, transcendence, and preeminence above all other gods, powers, or authorities. It denotes His absolute sovereignty and His position as the highest, beyond comparison or challenge. Used throughout the Old Testament, it emphasizes God's unique and unparalleled status as the ruler of the universe, the possessor of heaven and earth.
* **Terrible (Hebrew, _nora'_):** In this context, 'terrible' does not convey fright or dread in a negative sense, but rather a profound sense of awe, majesty, and reverence. It describes something so grand, majestic, and powerful enough to evoke a deep, worshipful fear and astonishment. It speaks to God's overwhelming glory and might, which evokes a response of profound respect and wonder from His creation.
* **Great King over all the earth (Hebrew, _melekh gadol ʿal-kol-haʾarets'_):** This phrase unequivocally declares God's universal dominion. He is not merely a tribal deity or a national god, but the sovereign ruler whose authority extends over every nation, every people, and every geographical boundary. This emphasizes His absolute control and ultimate power over the entire created order, asserting His rightful claim to universal allegiance and worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the LORD most high [is] terrible":** This opening clause provides the foundational reason for the psalm's call to worship. 'The LORD' (Yahweh) is identified by the majestic title 'most high' (ʿElyon), immediately establishing His supreme, transcendent nature. The term 'terrible' (nora') then describes His inherent quality, not as one who inspires fear in a negative sense, but as one whose power, holiness, and glory are so immense that they evoke profound awe, reverence, and holy dread. This clause asserts God's unparalleled majesty and His rightful claim to the deepest respect and worship.
* **"[he is] a great King over all the earth":** This second clause expands on the nature of the 'terrible' LORD, defining His role and scope of authority. He is not merely a powerful being, but a 'great King,' signifying His active rule and governance. Crucially, His kingship is not limited to Israel or any specific region; it extends 'over all the earth.' This declaration emphasizes God's universal sovereignty, asserting His dominion over every nation, every people, and every corner of the globe. It underscores His absolute control and ultimate power, making Him worthy of universal acclamation and submission.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 47:2 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey God's supreme majesty and universal dominion. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where God is presented as a "great King." This metaphor is not merely descriptive but asserts His active, sovereign rule over all creation, drawing on the familiar human concept of kingship but elevating it to a divine, universal scale. The use of the **Epithet** "Most High" (ʿElyon) functions to immediately establish God's transcendent and unparalleled status, setting Him apart from all earthly powers. Furthermore, the term "terrible" (nora'), while an **Epithet** itself, also contributes to the psalm's tone of **Awe and Reverence**, aiming to evoke a profound sense of wonder and holy fear in the worshiper. The declaration of God's rule "over all the earth" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute and boundless nature of His dominion, leaving no doubt about the extent of His authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the biblical doctrine of God's absolute sovereignty and His nature as the rightful object of universal worship. It establishes that God is not merely powerful, but supremely powerful, transcending all other beings and forces. The concept of "terrible" (awe-inspiring) God is central to fostering genuine reverence and humility before Him, a 'fear of the LORD' that is the beginning of wisdom, not a cowering dread but a profound respect for His holiness and might. This theological truth underpins the call for all nations to worship Him, recognizing His unique status as the 'King over all the earth.' It challenges any notion of polytheism or limited deity, asserting Yahweh's singular and comprehensive rule over all creation and humanity.

* [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God of gods and Lord of lords")
* [Psalm 93:1](/psalms/93-1 "Psalm 93:1 - The LORD Reigns")
* [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of Hosts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the modern believer, Psalms 47:2 serves as a profound anchor in a world often characterized by instability, competing ideologies, and perceived chaos. Recognizing the LORD as 'most high' and 'a great King over all the earth' calls us to a posture of deep humility and unwavering trust. It reminds us that no earthly power, political upheaval, or personal challenge is beyond His sovereign control. This understanding cultivates a worship that is not merely emotional but rooted in the majestic truth of who God is—a God whose power is absolute, whose reign is universal, and whose nature demands our awe. It encourages us to live with a holy reverence, knowing that our lives are held within the hands of the ultimate King. This truth should inspire confident prayer, joyful praise, and a courageous witness, as we proclaim the reign of the God who is truly terrible (awe-inspiring) and supreme over all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God as "most high" and "King over all the earth" impact your daily anxieties and concerns?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverential awe ("terrible") for God in your personal worship and spiritual life?**
* **How does the universal kingship of God inform your perspective on global events and the future of humanity?**

### FAQ
**What does the King James Version's use of the word 'terrible' mean in Psalms 47:2?**

Answer: In the context of Psalms 47:2, the word 'terrible' (Hebrew: _nora'_) does not carry its modern connotation of something frightening or bad. Instead, it signifies something awe-inspiring, majestic, and deserving of profound reverence and holy fear. It describes God's overwhelming power, glory, and holiness that evokes a deep sense of wonder and respect. This usage is consistent with other biblical passages where God's presence or actions are described as 'awesome' or 'dreadful,' such as His appearance at Mount Sinai in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Appearance at Sinai") or His mighty deeds in [Psalm 68:35](/psalms/68-35 "Psalm 68:35 - God is Awesome from His Sanctuary"). It's a call to recognize God's immense greatness and respond with worshipful awe, rather than cowering fright.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 47:2, with its declaration of the LORD as 'most high' and 'a great King over all the earth,' finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament proclaims Yahweh's universal sovereignty, the New Testament reveals that this divine kingship is fully embodied in Christ. Jesus, as the [Son of God](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), is the very [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"), through whom [all things were created](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Christ"). His resurrection and ascension demonstrate His supreme authority, for [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission"). He is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose reign is not merely spiritual but will one day be visibly manifested when [every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"). Thus, the 'terrible' (awe-inspiring) sovereignty declared in Psalm 47:2 is fully realized in the majestic and redemptive reign of Christ, who is indeed the great King over all the earth, bringing all things under His gracious and righteous rule.

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

Malachi 1:14

But cursed [be] the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I [am] a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name [is] dreadful among the heathen.

Psalms 95:3

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

Psalms 47:7

For God [is] the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

Psalms 99:3

Let them praise thy great and terrible name; [for] it [is] holy.

Psalms 68:35

O God, [thou art] terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel [is] he that giveth strength and power unto [his] people. Blessed [be] God.

Deuteronomy 7:21

Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God [is] among you, a mighty God and terrible.

Psalms 65:5

[By] terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; [who art] the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off [upon] the sea: