Psalms 48:10

KJV

According to thy name, O God, so [is] thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.

KJV (with Strong's)

According to thy name {H8034}, O God {H430}, so is thy praise {H8416} unto the ends {H7099} of the earth {H776}: thy right hand {H3225} is full {H4390}{H8804)} of righteousness {H6664}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God, your praise, like your name, extends to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness.

Berean Standard Bible

Your name, O God, like Your praise, reaches to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness.

American Standard Version

As is thy name, O God, So is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: Thy right hand is full of righteousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 48:10 is a profound declaration of God's universal renown and perfect justice, asserting that His praise ought to extend globally because His character, encapsulated by His "name," is infinitely worthy, and His actions, symbolized by His "right hand," are always perfectly righteous. This verse serves as a climactic affirmation, flowing from the psalm's celebration of God's magnificent protection over Jerusalem and His inherent greatness, grounding the call for global worship in His demonstrable power and unwavering moral integrity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 48 is a "Song of Zion," a hymn celebrating Jerusalem as the dwelling place of God and the center of His protective power. The preceding verses, such as those describing the kings who "saw it, and so they marveled; they were terrified; they fled in haste" ([Psalm 48:4-7](/psalms/48-4-7 "Psalm 48:4-7 - Kings Assemble Against Zion")), vividly depict an attempted assault on the city by a coalition of kings who, upon witnessing God's presence and power, are struck with terror and flee in disarray. This miraculous deliverance underscores God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His chosen city. Verse 10, therefore, functions as a theological conclusion and a natural response to this divine intervention, proclaiming that such a magnificent display of God's power and faithfulness demands universal acknowledgment and praise. It transitions from the specific historical event to a timeless truth about God's character and the scope of His deserved worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem, or Zion, was not merely a geographical location but a theological concept, representing God's earthly dwelling and the focal point of His covenant with Israel. The imagery of kings gathering against Zion reflects historical realities of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where powerful empires often sought to conquer strategic cities. In this context, God's defense of Jerusalem was a profound demonstration of His unique power, distinguishing Him from the impotent gods of surrounding nations. The concept of God's "name" (Hebrew: *shêm*) in ancient Israelite thought was far more than a mere label; it encompassed His entire revealed character, reputation, authority, and attributes. To praise God according to His name meant to worship Him in a manner commensurate with the fullness of His being. Similarly, the "right hand" (Hebrew: *yâmîyn*) was a universal ancient Near Eastern symbol of strength, authority, and decisive action, particularly in battle or judgment, often associated with the stronger and more dexterous limb. Thus, God's "right hand full of righteousness" conveyed His active power exercised with perfect moral integrity and justice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 48 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it amplifies the theme of **God's Universal Sovereignty and Worthiness of Praise**. While God's protective acts are centered on Zion, the psalmist declares that His praise should extend "unto the ends of the earth," indicating that His dominion and glory are not confined to Israel but are global in scope. This anticipates the New Testament call for all nations to worship God, as seen in the vision of a "great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne" ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Profound Significance of God's Name**. The phrase "According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise" underscores that true worship must be rooted in an accurate understanding and reverence for who God is in His essence—His attributes, character, and revealed nature. This resonates with the importance of God's name throughout Scripture, from His self-revelation to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM" ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM")) to the New Testament emphasis on the name of Jesus as the only name by which salvation can be found ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Lastly, it emphasizes **Divine Righteousness and Justice**. The assertion that God's "right hand is full of righteousness" affirms that all His actions, whether in judgment or deliverance, are consistently aligned with His perfect moral standard and unwavering justice. This provides a foundational assurance of God's just governance over the cosmos, a theme frequently explored in the Psalms, such as the declaration that "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne" ([Psalm 97:2](/psalms/97-2 "Psalm 97:2 - Righteousness and Justice are the Foundation of His Throne")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** As an appellation, this term signifies God's distinctive identity, serving as a mark or memorial of His individuality. Beyond a mere label, it implies His honor, authority, and the entirety of His revealed character. When the psalmist states "According to thy name," it means that God's praise should be commensurate with the full scope of His revealed being—His infinite greatness, holiness, power, faithfulness, and love—reflecting His renown and report throughout creation.
* **Right Hand (Hebrew, _yâmîyn'_):** This refers to the right hand or side, specifically noted as the stronger and more dexterous limb. In ancient cultures, this made it a potent symbol of power, authority, and decisive action. When attributed to God, it signifies His active, sovereign might in the world, His capacity to execute His will, whether in judgment against His adversaries or in delivering His people. It represents the effective and powerful arm of God at work.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** This term denotes what is right, encompassing natural, moral, and legal rectitude. It also abstractly refers to equity and, figuratively, prosperity that results from just actions. When applied to God, it signifies His impeccable moral standard, His unwavering consistency in acting according to that standard, and His absolute justice. God's "right hand full of righteousness" means that His active power is always exercised with perfect justice, integrity, and moral rectitude, never arbitrarily or unfairly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"According to thy name, O God,"**: This clause establishes the standard and measure for God's praise. It means that the nature, extent, and quality of worship given to God should be in direct proportion to the fullness of His revealed character and attributes. Our praise should reflect the infinite majesty and holiness of His being, acknowledging His unique identity and authority.
* **"so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth:"**: This is the consequence of God's infinite name and His demonstrable power. Because God's character is universally glorious and His acts are universally impactful (as seen in the preceding verses' defense of Zion), His praise is not to be confined to a single nation or people but is rightfully due from all corners of the globe. It anticipates a universal recognition of His worth and a global outpouring of adoration.
* **"thy right hand is full of righteousness."**: This clause provides the foundational reason for the universal praise. God's active power and authority (His "right hand") are consistently and completely (being "full") exercised in perfect justice, moral integrity, and equity ("righteousness"). This assures the worshiper that God's governance, His judgments, and His deliverances are always fair, true, and morally impeccable, making Him worthy of absolute trust and praise.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 48:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Metonymy** is evident in the use of "name" to represent God's entire revealed character, attributes, and authority; praising "according to thy name" means praising Him according to who He truly is in His essence. The phrase "unto the ends of the earth" is a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the boundless and universal scope of God's deserved praise, not necessarily a literal measurement, but rather an expression of its ultimate reach. **Anthropomorphism** is present in the imagery of God's "right hand," attributing a human body part to God to symbolize His active power and authority, making His actions more comprehensible and relatable to human understanding. Finally, the verse exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the first two clauses ("According to thy name... so is thy praise...") establish a cause-and-effect relationship, and the third clause ("thy right hand is full of righteousness") provides the underlying justification or attribute that makes the first two true, building upon the initial thought.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 48:10 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's praise is not an arbitrary demand but a natural and necessary response to His inherent character and His righteous actions. The declaration that His "name" defines the scope of His "praise" speaks to the biblical understanding that true worship flows from a deep knowledge of God's attributes—His holiness, power, faithfulness, and love. The affirmation of His "right hand full of righteousness" grounds this praise in His unwavering moral integrity, assuring believers that His sovereignty is always exercised with perfect justice. This verse serves as a bridge between God's specific acts of deliverance (as seen in the defense of Zion) and the universal call for all creation to acknowledge and worship Him, foreshadowing the global reach of His redemptive plan and the ultimate gathering of all nations before His throne.

* [Psalm 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare His Glory Among the Nations")
* [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Clearly Seen")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 48:10 offers both profound encouragement and a compelling call to worship. It reminds us that our praise should not be limited by our personal experiences or understanding, but should expand to reflect the infinite vastness of God's character. To praise God "according to His name" means to worship Him for who He is in His entirety—His holiness, justice, mercy, faithfulness, and power. This prompts us to deepen our knowledge of God through His Word, so that our adoration can become more informed and therefore more authentic and expansive. Furthermore, the assurance that God's "right hand is full of righteousness" provides immense comfort and a solid foundation for trust, especially in a world often marked by injustice and chaos. We can rest in the certainty that God's governance is always just, His judgments are always true, and His actions are always aligned with His perfect moral standard. This truth should inspire us to live righteously ourselves, reflecting His character, and to actively participate in the global proclamation of His glorious name and righteous acts to the "ends of the earth."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "name" (His character and attributes) deepen your personal worship and praise?**
* **In what ways does the truth that God's "right hand is full of righteousness" bring you comfort or challenge in your daily life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to contribute to God's praise extending "unto the ends of the earth" in your sphere of influence?**
* **How might a deeper appreciation for God's justice impact your perspective on suffering or injustice in the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that the praise and worship offered to God should be commensurate with His revealed character, attributes, and reputation. In biblical thought, God's "name" (Hebrew: *shêm*) signifies the fullness of His being—His holiness, power, faithfulness, love, and justice. Therefore, "according to thy name" implies that our praise should not be superficial or limited, but should reflect the infinite greatness and majesty of who God truly is. It's a call for worship that is deeply informed by and proportional to His divine nature, acknowledging His worthiness in every aspect.

**Why is the "right hand" mentioned in connection with God's righteousness?**

Answer: The "right hand" (Hebrew: *yâmîyn*) is a common biblical metaphor for strength, authority, and decisive action, often associated with the stronger, more dexterous limb. When the psalmist says God's "right hand is full of righteousness," it emphasizes that God's active power and sovereignty are always exercised with perfect justice, moral integrity, and faithfulness to His covenant. It's not just that God *is* righteous, but that His righteousness is fully expressed and demonstrated in all His powerful deeds, whether in judgment or in salvation. This provides assurance that His rule over the world is entirely just and true, as seen in passages like "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne" ([Psalm 97:2](/psalms/97-2 "Psalm 97:2 - Righteousness and Justice are the Foundation of His Throne")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 48:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment and full revelation of God's "name," for in Him "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All the Fullness of God in Christ")). Jesus perfectly reflects the Father's character, enabling praise to be truly "according to thy name." Indeed, the praise of God has extended "unto the ends of the earth" precisely through the person and work of Christ, whose gospel transcends all cultural and geographical boundaries, calling people from every tribe and nation to worship the one true God, as envisioned in the heavenly multitude from "every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages" ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Furthermore, the declaration that God's "right hand is full of righteousness" is powerfully manifested in Christ. It was by the righteous "right hand" of God that Jesus was exalted to the highest place, where He now reigns in perfect justice and authority, having received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Exalted to the Right Hand of God")). His sacrifice on the cross perfectly satisfied divine justice, demonstrating God's righteousness in both condemning sin and justifying the ungodly who believe in Him, thereby proving God to be both "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God Presented Christ as a Propitiation")). Thus, in Christ, God's name is fully revealed, His praise is universally proclaimed, and His righteousness is perfectly displayed and accomplished.

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 1:11

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name [shall be] great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense [shall be] offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name [shall be] great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

Psalms 113:3

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name [is] to be praised.

Deuteronomy 28:58

If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;

Joshua 7:9

For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear [of it], and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name?

Psalms 138:2

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

Psalms 138:4

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

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.