Psalms 8:9

KJV

O LORD our Lord, how excellent [is] thy name in all the earth!

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068} our Lord {H113}, how excellent {H117} is thy name {H8034} in all the earth {H776}!

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI! Our Lord! How glorious is your name throughout the earth!

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

American Standard Version

O Jehovah, our Lord, How excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 8:9 serves as a magnificent and fitting conclusion to Psalm 8, powerfully echoing its opening declaration. It is a profound exclamation of awe and worship, summarizing the psalm's central theme: the unsurpassed excellence of God's name—His revealed character, authority, and glory—displayed universally throughout all creation and in His astonishing relationship with humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 8 is a majestic hymn of creation and humanity's place within it, attributed to David. It opens with the very same exclamation found in verse 9: "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!" The intervening verses (2-8) then elaborate on the reasons for this profound praise. The psalmist marvels at God's immense power and wisdom displayed in the vastness of the heavens and the stars, yet shifts to an even deeper wonder: that such a glorious God would condescend to pay attention to frail humanity, crowning them with glory and honor and granting them dominion over His creation, as detailed in [Psalm 8:5-8](/psalms/8-5-8 "Psalm 8:5-8 - Humanity's Exalted Place"). Verse 9 thus functions as a powerful **inclusio** or bookend to [Psalm 8:1](/psalms/8-1 "Psalm 8:1 - The Opening Exclamation"), bringing the reader full circle to the initial declaration of praise, reinforcing the central message after exploring its profound implications.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed in an ancient Near Eastern context, likely by King David, this psalm reflects a worldview where the cosmos was seen as a direct testament to the power and wisdom of its Creator. The concept of a "name" (Hebrew: *shem*) was far more profound than a mere label; it encapsulated a person's entire character, reputation, authority, and very essence. To speak of God's "excellent name" was to speak of His magnificent, revealed being. The awe inspired by the night sky was universal, but the psalmist's response elevates it to theological worship, contrasting God's immense majesty with His surprising care for humanity, a theme deeply rooted in the creation narratives of [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Garden of Eden and Humanity's Role"). This cultural understanding of a name as representing the full identity and authority of an individual is crucial for grasping the psalm's theological weight.

* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse encapsulates several major theological themes woven throughout Psalm 8 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Supreme Majesty and Excellence**, proclaiming His unsurpassed greatness, character, power, and glory, which inspire profound worship and reverence. Secondly, the phrase "in all the earth" emphasizes **Universal Revelation**, underscoring that God's excellent name—His revealed attributes and authority—is not confined to one nation or people but is universally evident through His creation and providential rule, echoing the declaration in [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory") that "The heavens declare the glory of God." Thirdly, it stresses **The Significance of God's Name**, which in Hebrew thought represents the totality of His being, His revealed attributes, and His very presence, affirming that His entire essence is magnificent and glorious. Finally, the verse is a direct act of **Worship and Adoration**, inviting all who encounter it to acknowledge God's sovereign rule and splendor, a response that is fitting for the God who reveals Himself so powerfully.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This represents the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), God's personal, covenant name, often translated as "Yahweh." As the "self-Existent or Eternal," it emphasizes God's unchanging nature, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His unique identity as the one true God. In this context, it highlights His intimate relationship with His people as their faithful God.
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** This title, derived from a root meaning "to rule," signifies "sovereign," "master," or "owner." It underscores God's supreme authority, dominion, and ownership over all creation. The dual address "O LORD our Lord" thus beautifully expresses God as both the intimately personal, covenant-keeping God (YHWH) and the universally supreme, sovereign Ruler (_ʼâdôwn_).
* **excellent (Hebrew, _ʼaddîyr'_):** This powerful word, meaning "wide or (generally) large," figuratively denotes "powerful." It conveys ideas of majestic, magnificent, glorious, noble, mighty, and principal. It describes a splendor that is not merely beautiful but also awe-inspiring and overwhelming in its power and grandeur, perfectly encapsulating the divine majesty of God's revealed character and actions.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** More than a mere label, "name" in Hebrew thought is an "appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality." It implies honor, authority, and character, representing the totality of one's being, reputation, and essence. When applied to God, "His name" refers to His revealed character, attributes, and His very presence, which is declared to be magnificent and glorious throughout the entire earth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD our Lord":** This opening exclamation is a direct, fervent address to God, expressing profound reverence and adoration. The juxtaposition of "LORD" (YHWH, God's covenant name) and "our Lord" (Adonai, signifying master/sovereign) powerfully conveys that the personal God of Israel, who enters into covenant relationship with His people, is simultaneously the supreme, universal Ruler and Master of all creation. This dual address highlights both intimacy and majesty.
* **"how excellent [is] thy name":** This is an overwhelming exclamation of awe and wonder, a declaration of God's inherent, unsurpassed greatness. "Excellent" (Hebrew: _ʼaddîyr_) conveys majesty, splendor, magnificent power, and inherent nobility. "Thy name" refers to God's entire revealed character, His attributes, His reputation, and His very being. It is not merely a label but the sum total of who God is, which is deemed magnificent beyond compare, inspiring profound worship.
* **"in all the earth!":** This phrase extends the declaration of God's excellence to a universal scope. It signifies that God's magnificent character and authority are not confined to a particular place or people but are visibly evident and acknowledged throughout the entire world. This is primarily through the testimony of His creation, which universally declares His glory, and through His providential rule over all things, leaving no corner of the globe untouched by His sovereign hand.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 8:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine majesty. The most prominent is **Inclusio** (or bookending), where the psalm begins and ends with the exact same declaration, "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!" This literary frame powerfully encapsulates the entire psalm's message, reinforcing the central theme of God's universal glory and bringing the reader back to the initial exclamation of praise after exploring its profound implications. The use of "O" and "how" signifies an **Exclamation**, conveying profound awe, wonder, and fervent praise rather than a simple statement, inviting the reader to share in the psalmist's sense of overwhelming adoration. While not a direct merism, the phrase "in all the earth" functions as a powerful expression of **Universal Scope**, signifying that God's excellence is not limited but extends boundlessly, encompassing all of creation from the highest heavens (mentioned earlier in the psalm) to every corner of the world, demonstrating His omnipresence and omnipotence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 8:9 beautifully encapsulates the theological truth that God's glory is not merely an abstract concept but is tangibly revealed in the ordered beauty of creation and, astonishingly, in His condescending care for humanity. This universal revelation of God's "excellent name" serves as a foundational truth, inviting all people to acknowledge His sovereignty and respond in worship. The psalm's emphasis on God's majesty in creation anticipates the broader biblical theme of general revelation, where God's invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature are clearly seen through what has been made, leaving humanity without excuse for not acknowledging Him. Ultimately, this revelation points to the need for a more specific, redemptive revelation, which finds its ultimate expression in the person of Jesus Christ, the one through whom God's name is most fully glorified.

* [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1-4 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Qualities Clearly Seen")
* [Isaiah 40:26](/isaiah/40-26 "Isaiah 40:26 - Lift Up Your Eyes and Look")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 8:9 is a powerful call to a posture of deep and continuous worship, rooted in the recognition of God's unparalleled greatness. It encourages us to cultivate a profound sense of awe, not just in grand cosmic displays, but in the intricate details of life, where His "excellent name" is equally evident. Understanding God's supreme authority and glory should profoundly shape our actions and attitudes, inspiring us to live lives that honor His name in every sphere. Furthermore, the truth that the God whose name is excellent in all the earth is the same God who cares for us provides immense comfort and assurance. His universal sovereignty means we can trust in His power and faithfulness in every circumstance, knowing that His kingdom rules over all. Like the psalmist, we are called to declare the excellence of God's name, inviting others to join in worship and recognize His unmatched glory, thereby participating in the universal chorus of praise that this verse inspires. This declaration should move us from mere observation to active adoration, transforming our perspective on ourselves, our world, and our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does contemplating God's "excellent name" as revealed in creation deepen your worship and sense of awe?**
* **In what specific ways do you personally see God's majesty and excellence displayed in your daily life, beyond grand natural phenomena?**
* **How does the universal scope of God's excellence ("in all the earth") impact your perspective on global missions, evangelism, or your responsibility to share His glory with others?**
* **Given that God's name is "excellent" and He is "our Lord," how should this truth shape your trust in His sovereignty and your obedience to His will in challenging circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more intentionally acknowledge and declare the excellence of God's name in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "name" in biblical thought, especially concerning God?**

Answer: In biblical thought, a "name" is far more than a mere label or identifier; it represents the sum total of a person's character, reputation, authority, and very essence. To speak of God's "name" is to refer to His revealed nature, His attributes, His power, and His presence. When the psalmist declares God's name is "excellent," it means that God's entire being, His revealed character, and His every attribute are magnificent, glorious, and worthy of supreme adoration. It is by His name that God reveals Himself (e.g., [Exodus 3:13-15](/exodus/3-13-15 "Exodus 3:13-15 - God Reveals His Name to Moses")) and through His name that He acts. To hallow God's name, as taught in [Matthew 6:9](/matthew/6-9 "Matthew 6:9 - Hallowed Be Your Name"), means to treat His character and being with utmost reverence and honor, recognizing His intrinsic worth and authority.

**Why does Psalm 8 repeat the phrase "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!" at both the beginning and the end?**

Answer: The repetition of this phrase in [Psalm 8:1](/psalms/8-1 "Psalm 8:1 - The Opening Exclamation") and [Psalm 8:9](/psalms/8-9 "Psalm 8:9 - The Concluding Praise") is a deliberate literary device known as an **inclusio** or bookending. Its primary purpose is to frame the entire psalm, emphasizing and reinforcing the central theme. By beginning and ending with the same powerful declaration, the psalmist draws the reader back to the core message of God's universal glory and excellence. It creates a sense of completeness and highlights that everything in between—the contemplation of the heavens, God's condescension to humanity, and humanity's dominion—serves to elaborate on *why* God's name is so excellent in all the earth, making the opening declaration both the premise and the conclusion.

**How does the dual address "O LORD our Lord" reflect God's nature?**

Answer: The dual address "O LORD our Lord" (KJV) is a profound theological statement that beautifully encapsulates God's multifaceted nature. "LORD" (all caps) translates the Hebrew _YHWH_ (Yahweh), God's personal, covenant name, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal faithfulness, and intimate relationship with His people. This is the God who makes and keeps promises. "Lord" (lowercase) translates the Hebrew _Adonai_, a title meaning "master," "sovereign," or "ruler," highlighting His supreme authority and dominion over all creation. This combination expresses that God is both intimately personal and universally sovereign. He is the faithful God who enters into covenant with His people, yet He is also the absolute Ruler of the cosmos, whose authority extends "in all the earth." This dual nature inspires both deep reverence and unwavering trust, as His personal care is backed by His ultimate power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 8, particularly its profound reflections on humanity's dignity and dominion, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While humanity was originally crowned with glory and given dominion over creation (as described in [Psalm 8:5-8](/psalms/8-5-8 "Psalm 8:5-8 - Humanity's Exalted Place")), sin marred this intended purpose. Jesus, however, is the perfect "Son of Man," the true Human who perfectly embodies the dominion and glory originally intended for humanity, and indeed, surpasses it. The author of Hebrews explicitly applies Psalm 8 to Christ, stating that while humanity has not yet seen all things subjected to them, "we do see Jesus, who was made for a little while lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death" ([Hebrews 2:6-9](/hebrews/2-6-9 "Hebrews 2:6-9 - Jesus, Crowned with Glory and Honor")). Furthermore, the "excellent name" of God, proclaimed in [Psalm 8:9](/psalms/8-9 "Psalm 8:9 - The Concluding Praise"), is supremely revealed in Christ. He is the very image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")), through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). His name, Jesus, is the "name that is above every name, so that 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 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exalted Name")). Thus, the excellence of God's name, proclaimed universally in Psalm 8, finds its fullest, most personal, and redemptive expression in the Lord Jesus Christ, through whom God's glory truly shines "in all the earth."

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 8:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent [is] thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

Psalms 104:24

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Job 11:7

¶ Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?

Deuteronomy 33:26

¶ [There is] none like unto the God of Jeshurun, [who] rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.