Psalms 48:1

KJV

¶ A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness.

KJV (with Strong's)

A Song {H7892} and Psalm {H4210} for the sons {H1121} of Korah {H7141}. Great {H1419} is the LORD {H3068}, and greatly {H3966} to be praised {H1984}{H8794)} in the city {H5892} of our God {H430}, in the mountain {H2022} of his holiness {H6944}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A song. A psalm of the descendants of Korach: Great is ADONAI and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, his holy mountain,

Berean Standard Bible

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain.

American Standard Version

Great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised, In the city of our God, in his holy mountain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 48:1 serves as a grand overture to a hymn of praise, attributing it to the Sons of Korah. It immediately declares the unparalleled majesty and supreme worthiness of Yahweh, emphasizing that He is to be fervently praised. This worship is specifically situated within Jerusalem, reverently described as "the city of our God" and "the mountain of his holiness," thereby highlighting God's unique ownership, sacred presence, and covenant relationship with His chosen dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 48 belongs to the esteemed collection of "Songs of Zion," a distinct group of psalms (e.g., [Psalm 46](/psalms/46 "Psalm 46 - God is our Refuge and Strength"), [Psalm 76](/psalms/76 "Psalm 76 - God's Majesty and Judgment")) that extol Jerusalem (Zion) as God's chosen city, the epicenter of His divine presence, and the manifestation of His protective power. Its superscription attributes it to the "Sons of Korah," a Levitical guild renowned for their pivotal role in temple music and gatekeeping, as detailed in passages like [1 Chronicles 6:31-33](/1_chronicles/6-31-33 "1 Chronicles 6:31-33 - Temple Musicians") and [2 Chronicles 20:19](/2_chronicles/20-19 "2 Chronicles 20:19 - Korahite Praise"). Their psalms frequently articulate a profound yearning for God's presence and a deep reverence for His sanctuary, evident in [Psalm 42](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - Thirsting for God") and [Psalm 84](/psalms/84 "Psalm 84 - Longing for God's Courts"). This particular psalm likely served a liturgical function, perhaps sung during pilgrimages or festivals celebrating Jerusalem's divine protection and glory. The opening verse acts as a majestic prelude, setting the tone for the subsequent verses that vividly depict Jerusalem's impregnability and God's mighty interventions on its behalf.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem, often identified with Zion, held unparalleled religious and political significance in ancient Israel. It was the capital city, strategically chosen by King David as the permanent resting place for the Ark of the Covenant, and subsequently, Solomon erected the magnificent Temple there on Mount Moriah, which became synonymous with Mount Zion (cf. [2 Samuel 5:6-9](/2_samuel/5-6-9 "2 Samuel 5:6-9 - David Captures Jerusalem") and [1 Kings 8:1-6](/1_kings/8-1-6 "1 Kings 8:1-6 - Dedication of the Temple")). The Temple was universally regarded as the earthly dwelling place of Yahweh, symbolizing His covenant presence among His people. The phrase "mountain of his holiness" specifically refers to Mount Zion, the sacred hill where the Temple stood, consecrated by God's unique presence. The Sons of Korah, as integral temple functionaries, were deeply immersed in the worship life centered in Jerusalem, making their attribution to this psalm exceptionally fitting, as they would have regularly experienced and facilitated the fervent praise of God within this hallowed space. The prevailing cultural belief was that God's active presence in Jerusalem guaranteed its security and ultimate triumph against all adversaries.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout Psalm 48 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it establishes the **divine majesty and worthiness of praise**, unequivocally declaring God's inherent greatness and the corresponding imperative for fervent worship from all creation. This theme is powerfully echoed in numerous psalms, such as [Psalm 96:4](/psalms/96-4 "Psalm 96:4 - The Lord is Great and Greatly to be Praised"). Secondly, it underscores **God's unique presence in His holy city**, portraying Jerusalem not merely as a geographical location but as "the city of our God," a place uniquely owned, consecrated, and protected by Yahweh. This profound concept of God dwelling among His people is central to Israel's theology, from the tabernacle (cf. [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling in the Tabernacle")) to the Temple. Finally, the phrase "mountain of his holiness" emphasizes the **sanctity and set-apart nature** of God's dwelling place, highlighting that His presence imbues the physical space with holiness and demands profound reverence from all who approach it. This holiness is intrinsic to God's character and extends to all that He claims as His own.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This adjective (H1419) signifies vastness, magnitude, importance, and power. When applied to the LORD, it conveys His infinite nature, unrivaled sovereignty, and supreme authority over all creation. It implies an immeasurable quality that transcends human comprehension and demands awe, often denoting something of immense significance or prominence.
* **Praised (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** The primitive root (H1984) from which "Hallelujah" derives, this verb denotes enthusiastic, boisterous, and fervent praise. It suggests a joyful, even exultant, response to God's greatness, implying that His majesty should evoke an equally passionate and unreserved outpouring of worship, not merely quiet contemplation. It can also carry connotations of shining or boasting in a positive sense.
* **Holiness (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** This noun (H6944) refers to the quality of being set apart, consecrated, or sacred. When applied to God, it speaks of His absolute moral purity, transcendence, and separateness from all that is common or profane. When applied to His "mountain," it signifies that the place is made holy by His unique presence and divine purpose, demanding reverence and signifying its sacred status.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah.":** This superscription serves as an authoritative heading, identifying the psalm's dual genre as both a "song" (implying vocal melody) and a "psalm" (suggesting instrumental accompaniment), indicating its comprehensive musical and poetic nature. It also attributes its composition or dedication to the "Sons of Korah," a distinguished Levitical family known for their integral role in temple worship and musical ministry, thereby signaling the psalm's liturgical intent and its deep spiritual roots within the temple tradition.
* **"Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised":** This powerful declarative statement immediately establishes the central theological assertion of the psalm: the supreme majesty of Yahweh (H3068, "the LORD") and His inherent, boundless worthiness of abundant and fervent praise. The emphatic repetition of the concept of "great" (Hebrew, _gâdôwl_ and _mᵉʼôd_) underscores the superlative nature of God's being, demanding an equally superlative and enthusiastic response of worship from His creation.
* **"in the city of our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness.":** This concluding phrase specifies the unique context and sacred location for this profound praise. "The city of our God" explicitly refers to Jerusalem (H5892, "city"), highlighting God's direct ownership and covenantal relationship with this chosen metropolis. "The mountain of his holiness" refers to Mount Zion (H2022, "mountain"), where the Temple stood, underscoring the profound sacredness (H6944, "holiness") of God's divinely chosen dwelling place on earth. This indicates that God's greatness is particularly manifest, celebrated, and experienced in the place He has consecrated for His presence among His people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 48:1 masterfully employs several key literary devices to convey its profound message of divine majesty and sacred space. The opening declaration, "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised," utilizes **Repetition** (of the concept of "great") and **Emphasis** to underscore the supreme nature of God's majesty and the corresponding intensity of the praise He deserves. This creates a strong, declarative opening that immediately captures attention and sets the tone for the entire psalm. The verse also features **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, in the phrases "the city of our God" and "the mountain of his holiness." While distinct in their literal denotations, these phrases refer to the same sacred location—Jerusalem/Mount Zion—reinforcing its singular significance as God's chosen dwelling place. This poetic technique deepens the understanding of Jerusalem's unique status as consecrated by divine presence. Furthermore, the psalm employs **Metonymy** by using "city of our God" and "mountain of his holiness" to represent not just the physical topography but also the spiritual reality of God's covenant presence with His people. The physical space becomes a powerful symbol of the divine-human relationship and God's protective care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 48:1 lays a foundational theological truth: God's inherent, incomparable greatness demands universal and fervent praise. This declaration is not merely an emotional outburst but a profound theological statement about God's character—His omnipotence, sovereignty, and absolute holiness. The specific mention of Jerusalem as "the city of our God" and "the mountain of his holiness" intricately connects God's transcendent greatness to His particular covenant presence with Israel. It establishes Jerusalem as the earthly locus of divine activity and revelation, a place where God's glory is uniquely manifested and celebrated. This verse thus powerfully bridges the gap between God's cosmic majesty and His immanent dwelling among His people, setting the stage for a psalm that will extol both His universal power and His specific, protective care for His chosen city.

* [Psalm 96:4](/psalms/96-4 "Psalm 96:4 - The Lord is Great and Greatly to be Praised")
* [Psalm 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalm 145:3 - God's Unsearchable Greatness")
* [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2-3 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - Zion as the Center of God's Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 48:1 calls believers to a profound recognition of God's supreme greatness and an enthusiastic, unreserved response of praise. While the physical Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands as the singular dwelling place of God, the enduring principle of His omnipresence and His desire to dwell among His people remains eternally true. For the New Testament believer, the Church is frequently described as the spiritual "city of God" or the "new Jerusalem" (cf. [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem") and [Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem Descends")). Therefore, this verse profoundly encourages us to cultivate a corporate and individual life of worship where God is indeed "greatly to be praised." It challenges us to move beyond perfunctory or half-hearted worship to a passionate, heartfelt acknowledgment of God's unparalleled majesty, recognizing that His presence, wherever it is genuinely found, brings holiness and demands reverence. Our lives, both individually and corporately, should be a vibrant testament to His greatness, reflecting His holiness in our actions, attitudes, and every expression of worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I acknowledge God's "greatness" in my daily life and corporate worship?**
* **How does my personal and communal praise for God reflect the "greatly to be praised" fervor described in this verse?**
* **What does it mean for my local church or Christian community to embody the essence of a "city of our God" where His holiness is recognized and celebrated?**

### FAQ

**Why is Jerusalem called "the city of our God" and "the mountain of his holiness"?**

Answer: Jerusalem is called "the city of our God" because it was specifically chosen by Yahweh as the capital of His chosen people, Israel, and the designated place where His presence would dwell. King David established it as the political and religious center, and his son Solomon later built the magnificent Temple there (cf. [2 Samuel 5:6-9](/2_samuel/5-6-9 "2 Samuel 5:6-9 - David Captures Jerusalem") and [1 Kings 8:1-6](/1_kings/8-1-6 "1 Kings 8:1-6 - Dedication of the Temple")). The phrase "mountain of his holiness" refers directly to Mount Zion (or Mount Moriah, where the Temple stood), which was considered holy because God's unique presence, particularly manifested in the Temple, consecrated it. It was set apart by God for His divine purposes and became the symbolic center of His covenant relationship with Israel, a place where His glory was uniquely revealed and experienced (cf. [Psalm 2:6](/psalms/2-6 "Psalm 2:6 - God's King on Zion")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 48:1 powerfully extols God's greatness in the context of His dwelling in earthly Jerusalem, its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, who is the true and ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. The physical Temple and the holy mountain were but shadows, pointing forward to the reality of God incarnate (cf. [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," explicitly referring to His own body (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")). He is the true "mountain of his holiness" in whom God's presence resides perfectly and permanently. Furthermore, through Christ, believers are incorporated into a new, spiritual temple, the Church, where God dwells by His Holy Spirit (cf. [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built into God's Dwelling") and [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You are God's Temple")). The "greatness" of the LORD, so fervently praised in Psalm 48:1, is most fully revealed in the person and redemptive work of Jesus—His sinless life, sacrificial death, glorious resurrection, and triumphant ascension—which truly takes away the sin of the world and establishes a new, eternal city, the heavenly Jerusalem, where God's glory shines without end, requiring no sun or moon (cf. [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - No Need for Sun in New Jerusalem")). Thus, the praise for God's greatness and His dwelling place finds its ultimate and everlasting expression in Christ and His redeemed people.

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

Micah 4:1

¶ But in the last days it shall come to pass, [that] the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

Zechariah 8:3

Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

Isaiah 2:2

And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

Isaiah 2:3

And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Psalms 96:4

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

Psalms 46:4

[There is] a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High.

Psalms 145:3

Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness [is] unsearchable.