Psalms 66:4

KJV

All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing [to] thy name. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the earth {H776} shall worship {H7812}{H8691)} thee, and shall sing {H2167}{H8762)} unto thee; they shall sing {H2167}{H8762)} to thy name {H8034}. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the earth bows down to you, sings praises to you, sings praises to your name."(Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

All the earth bows down to You; they sing praise to You; they sing praise to Your name.” Selah

American Standard Version

All the earth shall worship thee, And shall sing unto thee; They shall sing to thy name. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 66:4 stands as a profound prophetic declaration within a communal psalm of thanksgiving, envisioning a future reality where the entire world, transcending the boundaries of Israel, will acknowledge God's supreme authority and character. It anticipates a divinely ordained time when all nations will humbly bow in worship and joyfully sing praises to the revealed essence and attributes of the Almighty, culminating in a universal chorus of adoration for His mighty deeds and sovereign rule. This verse serves as a climactic statement, inviting deep reflection on God's global dominion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 66 is a powerful communal song of thanksgiving, likely composed after a significant national deliverance, celebrating God's mighty acts. The psalm opens with a universal call to praise God for His "awesome deeds" and "terrible works" (vv. 1-3). Verse 4, "All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing [to] thy name. Selah," serves as a climactic declaration within this initial universal invitation. It transitions from a general call for all to behold God's power to a specific prophetic vision of global worship, setting the stage for the subsequent historical recounting of God's specific deliverance of Israel (vv. 5-12). This historical narrative then provides the concrete evidence for the universal praise declared in verse 4, framing Israel's experience as a testament to a power that demands universal recognition. The psalm concludes with a personal vow of thanksgiving (vv. 13-20), demonstrating how the individual's praise flows from the communal recognition of God's universal sovereignty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical occasion for Psalm 66 is not explicitly stated, it generally reflects a period of profound national restoration or deliverance, perhaps post-Exilic, where the people recall God's faithfulness in past deliverances. The concept of "all the earth" worshipping Yahweh would have been a revolutionary and expansive theological idea for a people whose worship was primarily centered in Jerusalem and within the covenant community of Israel. It reflects a growing understanding of Yahweh's universal sovereignty, extending beyond the geographical and ethnic borders of Israel. Culturally, worship in ancient Israel involved both the physical posture of prostration (bowing down) as an act of humble submission and reverence, and vibrant vocal praise, often accompanied by musical instruments. The term "Selah" (H5542) is a technical musical or liturgical instruction, frequently found in the Psalms. It typically indicates a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or a heightened emphasis on the preceding words, inviting deeper meditation on the profound truth just uttered. In this context, it signals a moment to absorb the weight of the universal worship declaration.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores God's **Universal Sovereignty**, asserting His rightful dominion over all creation, not merely a select people or nation. This theme is powerfully echoed in passages like [Psalm 47:7](/psalms/47-7 "Psalm 47:7 - God is King of all the earth") and finds prophetic echoes in [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord will be King over all the earth"), which declares the Lord will be "King over all the earth." Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Global Worship**, anticipating a future time when all nations will acknowledge and adore the one true God. This eschatological vision is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, such as [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - All nations flow to the Lord's house") and finds its ultimate culmination in the book of [Revelation](/revelation/15 "Revelation 15 - The Song of Moses and the Lamb"), where all nations come to worship God. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Ascription of Praise** through active singing and adoration. To "sing unto thee" and "sing [to] thy name" signifies a joyful, vocal, and heartfelt expression of praise. The "name" of God (Hebrew: _shem_) represents His revealed character, His attributes, His authority, and His very essence, making singing to His name an act of acknowledging and celebrating who God is in His fullness, as seen in God's self-proclamation in [Exodus 34:5-7](/exodus/34-5-7 "Exodus 34:5-7 - The Lord proclaims His name") and the psalmist's adoration in [Psalm 8:1](/psalms/8-1 "Psalm 8:1 - How excellent is Your name").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Worship (Hebrew, _shachah'_):** This verb (H7812) literally means "to depress," "to prostrate oneself," or "to do obeisance." It denotes a physical posture of humble submission, reverence, and adoration before a superior. In a theological context, it signifies acknowledging God's ultimate authority and majesty by humbling oneself before Him, expressing deep respect and devotion. This is not merely an external act but an inward posture of the heart.
* **Sing (Hebrew, _zamar'_):** The Hebrew verb (H2167) means "to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument," hence "to play upon it," "to make music, accompanied by the voice," or "to celebrate in song and music." It conveys an active, audible, and expressive form of praise, indicating a heartfelt, joyful, and often public response to God's character and deeds.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shem'_):** In biblical thought, the "name" (H8034) of God is far more than a mere label; it encapsulates His revealed character, His attributes, His authority, His reputation, and His very essence. To "sing to thy name" means to praise God based on who He has revealed Himself to be—His holiness, power, faithfulness, love, and justice—and to acknowledge His unique identity as the sovereign Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the earth shall worship thee":** This opening clause presents a sweeping, universal vision. "All the earth" (H776) signifies every nation, tribe, and people group, extending beyond the covenant nation of Israel to encompass the entirety of global humanity. The future tense "shall worship" (H7812) is a prophetic declaration, indicating a certain, divinely ordained future where global humanity will bow in reverence and submission to God. This is not merely a hope or a plea, but a divine decree and an assured reality.
* **"and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing [to] thy name":** This phrase elaborates on the nature of the universal worship, specifying it as vocal and musical praise. The repetition of "shall sing" (H2167) emphasizes the certainty, widespread nature, and joyful enthusiasm of this adoration. Singing "unto thee" and "to thy name" highlights that the object of this praise is God Himself, specifically His revealed character and attributes (H8034). It implies a joyful, public, and heartfelt acknowledgment of His identity, His worthiness, and His glorious deeds.
* **"Selah":** This enigmatic word (H5542), appearing frequently in the Psalms, serves as a liturgical or musical instruction. In this context, it functions as a pause for reflection, inviting the worshiper to meditate deeply on the profound truth just stated: the ultimate, universal worship of the Almighty. It marks a moment for the truth to sink in and resonate within the heart, emphasizing the weight and significance of the preceding declaration.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 66:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The phrase "**All the earth**" is a clear example of **Hyperbole** or **Universalism**, emphasizing the comprehensive and global scope of the anticipated worship, extending beyond Israel to encompass all humanity. This sweeping declaration paints a picture of ultimate divine triumph. The **Repetition** of "shall sing unto thee; they shall sing [to] thy name" serves to underscore and intensify the act of praise, highlighting both its active, vocal nature and its specific object—God's very essence and revealed character. This repetition creates a rhythmic emphasis that reinforces the certainty and widespread nature of this future adoration. The verse itself functions as a **Prophecy** or **Anticipation**, looking forward to a divinely ordained future reality where God's sovereignty will be universally acknowledged and celebrated. Finally, "Selah" acts as a **Liturgical Marker**, a unique feature of the Psalms that prompts a meditative pause, inviting the reader to contemplate the profound theological implications of the preceding declaration and to allow its truth to settle deeply within the spirit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 66:4 stands as a powerful testament to God's ultimate sovereignty and His expansive redemptive plan for all of creation. It articulates a profound theological truth: that the Creator of all things is destined to receive universal adoration. This verse moves beyond the particularistic covenant with Israel to embrace a global vision, foreshadowing a time when the knowledge of God's glory will cover the earth. It reminds us that God's purposes are cosmic in scope, aiming for a future where every tongue will confess His greatness and every knee will bow in homage. This universal worship is not merely a human initiative but a divine certainty, rooted in God's inherent worthiness and His irresistible power to bring all things into submission to His will. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's reign, where His redemptive work culminates in the unified praise of a redeemed humanity from every corner of the globe, acknowledging Him as the one true God.

* [Psalm 22:27](/psalms/22-27 "Psalm 22:27 - All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord")
* [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear")
* [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Every creature in heaven and on earth worships the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 66:4 offers a profound vision that challenges and encourages believers today. It calls us to lift our gaze beyond our immediate circumstances and local communities to embrace God's global redemptive purpose. The certainty of "all the earth" eventually worshipping God should ignite within us a passionate commitment to missions and evangelism, compelling us to participate actively in sharing the good news of Christ so that more may come to know and worship Him now. Furthermore, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. In a world often marked by chaos, division, and rebellion against God, the prophetic assurance that His glory will ultimately be universally acknowledged provides immense hope and comfort. It encourages us to cultivate a lifestyle of present worship, not just as a duty, but as a joyful participation in the grand, unfolding drama of God's sovereign plan, aligning our hearts with the future chorus of global praise. Our daily acts of worship, obedience, and witness become a foretaste and an active contribution to this glorious eschatological reality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of "all the earth" worshipping God shape my perspective on global missions and evangelism, and how can I actively participate?**
* **What does it mean for me personally to "sing to God's name" in my daily life, beyond formal worship settings, by living out His character?**
* **How does the certainty of God's ultimate universal recognition strengthen my faith and provide comfort in times of doubt, difficulty, or perceived spiritual decline?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Selah" in this verse?**

Answer: "Selah" is a Hebrew term found frequently in the Psalms, believed to be a musical or liturgical instruction. While its precise meaning is debated, it generally indicates a pause for reflection, contemplation, or a musical interlude. In Psalms 66:4, it serves to emphasize the profound truth just stated – the universal worship of God – inviting the reader or worshiper to pause and meditate deeply on the weight and significance of this prophetic declaration regarding God's ultimate sovereignty and the future global acknowledgment of His glory. It acts as a divine exclamation mark, urging the audience to consider the magnitude of what has just been declared.

**Does "all the earth" literally mean every single person?**

Answer: While "all the earth" (כָּל־הָאָרֶץ, _kol-ha'arets_) signifies a truly universal scope, encompassing all nations, peoples, and tribes, it is an expression of comprehensive global acknowledgment rather than a guarantee of individual salvation for every single person. It emphasizes that God's dominion and the worship due to Him will extend to every corner of the globe, involving representatives from all humanity. This is depicted in visions like [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A great multitude from every nation worships God"), where a multitude from "every nation, tribe, people and language" stands before the throne and the Lamb. It speaks to the breaking down of ethnic and national barriers, and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan, ensuring that no part of the earth is untouched by His glory and the worship due to Him.

**How does this Old Testament prophecy relate to the New Testament?**

Answer: This Old Testament prophecy finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that it is through Christ that God's plan for universal worship is realized. Passages like [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every knee will bow to Jesus") explicitly state that "every knee should bow, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This demonstrates that the universal worship anticipated in Psalms 66:4 is ultimately directed towards God through His Son, Jesus, who is the one by whom all things were created and through whom all things will be reconciled to God. He is the means by which all humanity, Jew and Gentile, can come to worship the Father.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The glorious vision of Psalms 66:4, where "all the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing [to] thy name," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalm anticipates a universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, the New Testament reveals that this global worship is mediated through and directed towards the risen Lord. It is through Christ that God's "name"—His very character and essence—is fully revealed to humanity, for He is the "radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the radiance of God's glory")). His atoning sacrifice on the cross broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity" ([Ephesians 2:14-15](/ephesians/2-14-15 "Ephesians 2:14-15 - Christ has broken down the dividing wall")), thereby making it possible for people from "all the earth" to draw near to God in worship. The prophetic words of Isaiah, "To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear" ([Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear")), are directly applied to Christ in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every knee will bow to Jesus"), declaring that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Thus, the universal worship envisioned in the Psalm is not merely a general acknowledgment of a distant deity, but a specific, Christ-centered adoration of the Father through the Son, empowered by the Holy Spirit, culminating in the triumphant scene of [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A great multitude from every nation worships God") where a multitude from every nation stands before the throne and the Lamb, crying out salvation and 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 22:27

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

Psalms 96:1

¶ O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.

Psalms 96:2

Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.

Psalms 117:1

¶ O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

Revelation 15:4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Daniel 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

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.