Psalms 83:18

KJV

That [men] may know that thou, whose name alone [is] JEHOVAH, [art] the most high over all the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

That men may know {H3045}{H8799)} that thou, whose name {H8034} alone is JEHOVAH {H3068}, art the most high {H5945} over all the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let them know that you alone, whose name is ADONAI, are the Most High over all the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

May they know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, are Most High over all the earth.

American Standard Version

That they may know that thou alone, whose name is Jehovah, Art the Most High over all the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 83:18 serves as the climactic declaration within a communal lament, articulating the ultimate purpose of God's intervention against hostile nations: to reveal His singular identity and supreme authority. It asserts that the divine name "JEHOVAH" (YHWH) uniquely belongs to the one who is sovereign over all creation, ensuring that all humanity will acknowledge His unparalleled position as the Most High God, distinct from all other deities and earthly powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 83 is a communal lament, a fervent prayer for divine intervention against a confederacy of nations threatening to annihilate Israel. The psalm begins with an urgent plea for God to break His silence and act against the enemies (verses 1-4). It then meticulously lists the conspiring nations, emphasizing their unified intent to destroy Israel's very existence and erase its memory (verses 5-8). The psalmist appeals to God's past acts of judgment against Israel's oppressors, such as Midian and Sisera (verses 9-12), and calls for similar devastating defeat upon the current foes (verses 13-17). The psalm culminates in verse 18, shifting from a focus on Israel's vindication to the universal recognition of God's unique name and supreme sovereignty as the ultimate outcome of His righteous judgment. This final verse transforms the lament into a powerful declaration of theological truth, underscoring that God's actions are not merely for Israel's sake but for the revelation of His glory to all the earth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific historical backdrop for Psalms 83 is debated, but it likely refers to a period when Israel faced a significant military threat from a coalition of surrounding peoples, including Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Tyre, and Assyria (verses 6-8). Such confederacies were common in the ancient Near East, where smaller nations often banded together against a common enemy or for territorial gain. The cultural context involves the polytheistic environment of the ancient world, where various nations worshipped their own gods. In this setting, the psalmist's declaration that "JEHOVAH" alone is "the most high over all the earth" is a radical monotheistic assertion, directly challenging the prevailing belief systems and affirming the unique, universal dominion of Israel's God over all other supposed deities and earthly rulers. The plea for judgment is not merely for physical salvation but for the vindication of God's name among nations who did not acknowledge Him.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 83:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader Scripture. Firstly, it emphatically asserts the **uniqueness and supremacy of God's name**, specifically "JEHOVAH" (YHWH), distinguishing Him as the one true God among all other claimants. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on God's covenant name as a revelation of His self-existent, eternal, and faithful character, as seen in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM"). Secondly, the verse underscores God's **absolute sovereignty and universal dominion**, declaring Him "the most high over all the earth." This theme resonates throughout Scripture, affirming God's ultimate control over all creation and human affairs, as highlighted in passages like [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Finally, the purpose clause "That men may know" highlights the theme of **divine revelation and the universal acknowledgment of God**. The psalmist desires that God's decisive intervention will lead not just to Israel's deliverance but to a profound, experiential recognition by all nations of who God truly is, echoing the call for all the earth to worship Him, as in [Psalm 96:1](/psalms/96-1 "Psalm 96:1 - Sing to the Lord a New Song").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **JEHOVAH (Hebrew, _YHWH_):** This is the King James Version's rendering of the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenant name of God revealed to Moses. While its precise vocalization is debated (often pronounced "Yahweh"), its meaning is rooted in the verb "to be," signifying God's self-existence, eternal nature, and active presence as the one who "is," "was," and "is to come." The phrase "whose name alone is JEHOVAH" emphasizes His unparalleled uniqueness and distinction from all other gods or idols. This name is inextricably linked to His covenant faithfulness and His power to bring His promises to pass.
* **Most High (Hebrew, _ʿElyōn_):** This title denotes God's supreme elevation, transcendence, and ultimate authority. It emphasizes His position as superior to all other beings, powers, and even the highest heavens. When combined with "over all the earth," it underscores His universal dominion, indicating that His rule extends without limit over every nation, every ruler, and every corner of creation. It is a title that speaks to His absolute sovereignty and His unmatched preeminence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That [men] may know":** This opening clause expresses the ultimate purpose of the psalmist's plea for divine judgment. The desired outcome is not merely the defeat of enemies or the vindication of Israel, but the universal recognition of God. The "men" here implies all people, including the hostile nations themselves, who are called to come to an experiential knowledge of the true God. This knowledge is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, transformative understanding that leads to reverence and submission.
* **"that thou, whose name alone [is] JEHOVAH":** This is a profound declaration of God's unique identity. It asserts that the God of Israel, identified by His personal, covenant name YHWH, is the one and only true God. The phrase "whose name alone" emphasizes His exclusivity and singularity, distinguishing Him from all false gods worshipped by the nations. It underscores that His divine essence and authority are intrinsically tied to this unique name, which reveals His self-existent and faithful character.
* **"[art] the most high":** This phrase further defines the nature of the God whose name is JEHOVAH. "Most High" (Hebrew: _ʿElyōn_) is a title that speaks to God's supreme elevation, transcendence, and ultimate authority. It signifies His preeminence over all creation, all rulers, and all other powers, both earthly and spiritual. He is not merely high, but the highest, without peer or rival.
* **"over all the earth":** This final phrase specifies the scope of God's dominion. His authority as the "Most High" is not limited to a particular region or people (like the territorial gods of the ancient world) but extends universally. He is the sovereign ruler of the entire globe, of all nations, and of all humanity. This universal claim reinforces the monotheistic truth that there is no other God who holds such comprehensive and absolute power.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 83:18 employs several powerful literary devices. It functions as a **Climax** within the psalm, shifting the focus from the immediate crisis and the call for judgment to the ultimate, theological purpose of God's intervention. The psalmist moves beyond a desire for mere vengeance to a profound aspiration for God's glory to be universally recognized. The verse also utilizes a **Purpose Clause** ("That men may know"), which clearly states the intended outcome of God's actions, highlighting the didactic and revelatory nature of divine judgment. Furthermore, the emphatic phrasing, particularly "whose name alone is JEHOVAH" and "the most high over all the earth," demonstrates **Emphasis** through assertion, underscoring God's unique and unparalleled sovereignty. This strong assertion serves to contrast Him sharply with the false gods and earthly powers that the hostile nations rely upon, reinforcing the psalm's monotheistic message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 83:18 stands as a pivotal declaration of God's unique identity and absolute sovereignty, echoing a foundational truth woven throughout the biblical narrative. It affirms that the God of Israel, identified by His personal name YHWH, is not merely one deity among many but the singular, supreme ruler "over all the earth." This verse speaks to God's inherent desire for all humanity to come to a saving knowledge of Him, revealing His character through His mighty acts. It underscores that His judgments are ultimately designed to manifest His glory and ensure His universal recognition, challenging any notion of polytheism or limited divine authority. The psalm's plea for God to act is therefore not just for the vindication of His people, but for the vindication of His very name and universal dominion.

* [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - I am the Lord, and there is no other")
* [Psalm 97:9](/psalms/97-9 "Psalm 97:9 - For You, O Lord, are Most High over all the earth")
* [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord will be King over all the earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 83:18 offers profound comfort and a compelling challenge for believers navigating a world that often seems chaotic or hostile to faith. In an age where God's existence is questioned, His authority is dismissed, and His name is often trivialized, this verse serves as an unshakeable anchor. It reminds us that the God we worship is not a distant, passive deity, but "JEHOVAH," the self-existent, covenant-keeping God who actively reigns as "the most high over all the earth." This truth should instill in us an unwavering confidence in His ultimate control, even when circumstances appear dire or when the forces of evil seem to prevail. Our response should be one of deep trust, fervent worship, and bold witness. We are called to live in a way that testifies to His unique name and supreme authority, making Him known to a world desperately in need of recognizing its true sovereign. Our prayers, like the psalmist's, should ultimately aim for God's glory and the universal acknowledgment of His unparalleled reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does knowing God's name as "JEHOVAH" (YHWH) and His title as "Most High" impact your understanding of His character and power in your daily life?**
* **In what ways can you, as a believer, contribute to the "men may know" purpose of God in your sphere of influence?**
* **When faced with personal or global challenges, how does the truth of God's sovereignty "over all the earth" provide you with comfort and hope?**
* **What idols or earthly powers might you be unconsciously elevating above the "Most High" God in your own life?**

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

Answer: The name "JEHOVAH" in the KJV text of Psalms 83:18 represents the Hebrew Tetragrammaton, YHWH, which is God's unique, personal, and covenant name. It signifies His self-existence ("I AM WHO I AM" from [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - The Divine Name")), His eternal nature, and His faithfulness to His promises. The phrase "whose name alone is JEHOVAH" emphasizes that this God is utterly unique, distinct from all other gods or deities worshipped in the ancient world. It's a declaration of strict monotheism, asserting that there is no other God like Him, and His identity is intrinsically tied to this revealed name.

**What does "the most high over all the earth" mean in practical terms?**

Answer: "The most high over all the earth" means that God possesses absolute, supreme authority and dominion over every aspect of creation, every nation, every ruler, and every individual on the planet. In practical terms, it means no earthly power, no human government, no natural disaster, and no spiritual force can ultimately thwart His purposes or operate outside of His sovereign oversight. It implies His ultimate control over history, His ability to bring justice, and His right to receive worship from all people. This truth provides immense comfort and confidence to believers, knowing that their God is ultimately in control, even amidst chaos and adversity, as seen in [Psalm 103:19](/psalms/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - The Lord has established His throne in the heavens").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 83:18, with its declaration of YHWH as the unique "Most High over all the earth," finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm looks forward to a universal acknowledgment of God through His judgments, the New Testament reveals that this knowledge comes most fully through the Son. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of YHWH, for He claimed the divine "I AM" (Greek: _ego eimi_) in [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Before Abraham was, I AM"), directly echoing the divine name revealed to Moses. He is the "Most High" God made manifest, through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). The purpose that "men may know" God is perfectly realized in Christ, for "no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - No one knows the Father except the Son")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated God's unique power and sovereignty, conquering sin and death, and establishing His eternal kingdom. Ultimately, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philipians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")), thus fulfilling the psalmist's prayer that all may know the one whose name alone is JEHOVAH, the Most High over 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

Exodus 6:3

And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by [the name of] God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

Psalms 59:13

Consume [them] in wrath, consume [them], that they [may] not [be]: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.

Ezekiel 38:23

Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Psalms 97:9

For thou, LORD, [art] high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.

Jeremiah 16:21

Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name [is] The LORD.

2 Kings 19:19

Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the LORD God, [even] thou only.

Ezekiel 30:19

Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.