Psalms 89:7

KJV

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all [them that are] about him.

KJV (with Strong's)

God {H410} is greatly {H7227} to be feared {H6206}{H8737)} in the assembly {H5475} of the saints {H6918}, and to be had in reverence {H3372}{H8737)} of all them that are about {H5439} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

a God dreaded in the great assembly of the holy ones and feared by all around him?

Berean Standard Bible

In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him.

American Standard Version

A God very terrible in the council of the holy ones, And to be feared above all them that are round about him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 89:7 powerfully declares the profound awe and reverence due to God, emphasizing His supreme holiness and authority within the gathered community of His devoted people and by all who are in His immediate presence. This verse serves as a foundational truth, asserting that the Lord's majesty demands deep respect and humble adoration from all who draw near to Him, highlighting both the sanctity of corporate worship and the pervasive nature of divine glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 89 is a Maskil, attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite, and stands as a profound meditation on God's covenant faithfulness, particularly His unconditional promises to David concerning an eternal dynasty and kingdom, as detailed in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2-samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David"). The psalm begins with exuberant praise for God's steadfast love and faithfulness (vv. 1-18), establishing His cosmic power and unwavering character. Verse 7, situated within this opening section of praise, serves as a crucial theological anchor, underscoring the absolute holiness and transcendence of God before the psalm dramatically shifts to a lament (vv. 38-51), questioning why God seems to have abandoned His covenant promises in the face of national defeat and humiliation. By asserting God's unapproachable majesty and the reverence He commands, verse 7 sets the stage for the psalm's later struggle, reminding the worshiper of God's exalted position even amidst the most perplexing trials and apparent divine silence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "assembly of the saints" (Hebrew: *qahal qedoshim*) refers to the gathered congregation of Israel, likely in the context of temple worship or a solemn assembly. In ancient Israel, such gatherings were central to national and religious life, serving as occasions for covenant renewal, sacrifice, and instruction. The concept of God's presence among His people, whether in the tabernacle or temple, imbued these assemblies with immense sanctity, demanding a specific decorum and reverence. The phrase "all them that are about him" could extend beyond the earthly congregation to include the heavenly host—angels and divine beings who surround God's throne, as depicted in prophetic visions like [Isaiah 6:1-3](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1-3 - Isaiah's Vision of God's Throne") or [Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Revelation 4:8 - Heavenly Worship Around the Throne"). This dual reference underscores that God's holiness elicits awe from both earthly and heavenly realms, reflecting a worldview where the divine presence was palpable and awe-inspiring, requiring ritual purity and a profound sense of humility.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 89 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **God's Transcendent Holiness and Authority**. The call for God to be "greatly to be feared" and "had in reverence" is not about terror but profound awe and respect for His unique, incomparable nature and absolute sovereignty, a theme echoed in [Psalm 99:5](/psalms/99-5 "Psalm 99:5 - Exalt the LORD our God"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Corporate Worship and Communal Reverence**. The "assembly of the saints" emphasizes that the proper response to God's majesty is not merely individual but a collective act of adoration and submission, reinforcing the sanctity and importance of the gathered community in acknowledging God's reign, a concept central to Israel's identity as God's chosen people. Lastly, the verse touches upon the theme of **Divine Presence and Universal Awe**. The extension of reverence to "all them that are about him" broadens the scope of God's glory, implying that all creation, especially those closest to Him, are compelled to acknowledge His unapproachable light and power, a theme found in descriptions of God's glory filling the earth in [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Seraphim's Cry of Holiness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feared (Hebrew, _yare'_):** This term, often translated as "fear," in a theological context, does not primarily denote terror or dread, but rather a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect for God's majestic power, holiness, and moral perfection. It implies a recognition of His absolute sovereignty and an appropriate response of worship, submission, and obedience. This "fear of the Lord" is consistently presented in biblical wisdom literature as the [beginning of knowledge and wisdom](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge").
* **Reverence (Hebrew, _‘arats'_):** This verb means "to dread," "to stand in awe of," or "to be feared." Its use in parallel with *yare'* intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the deep, solemn respect and veneration due to God. It speaks to the overwhelming sense of majesty and unapproachability that God's presence evokes, demanding a humble and worshipful posture from all who are in His vicinity, whether earthly or heavenly beings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God is greatly to be feared":** This opening declaration establishes the supreme nature of God. The adverb "greatly" (Hebrew: *me'od*) intensifies the verb "feared," indicating that the awe and reverence due to God are not minimal or casual, but immense and profound. It speaks to His incomparable power, holiness, and transcendent glory, which naturally elicit a response of deep respect and solemnity from His creation.
* **"in the assembly of the saints":** This phrase specifies the primary context for this profound reverence. The "assembly of the saints" (Hebrew: *qahal qedoshim*) refers to the gathered congregation of God's holy people, Israel, particularly in their corporate worship. This highlights that the awe of God is not merely an individual spiritual exercise but a collective imperative, where the community of believers unites to acknowledge His sovereignty and holiness, underscoring the sanctity and importance of communal worship.
* **"and to be had in reverence of all [them that are] about him.":** This concluding clause broadens the scope of God's demanded reverence. "All them that are about him" extends the requirement of awe beyond the earthly congregation to include all beings who are in His presence or have a close relationship with Him. This can encompass heavenly beings (angels, seraphim) who attend to God's throne, as well as those on earth who draw near to Him in faith and service. It underscores that God's intrinsic holiness and majesty command universal awe from all creation, especially those who are privileged to be in His immediate sphere.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 89:7 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The primary device is **Parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where "greatly to be feared" in the first clause is echoed and reinforced by "to be had in reverence" in the second. This repetition of similar ideas with different phrasing intensifies the emphasis on the profound awe due to God. Furthermore, the verse utilizes a form of **Expansion** or **Broadening Scope**, moving from the specific "assembly of the saints" to the more general "all them that are about him," suggesting that God's majesty is recognized not only in formal worship gatherings but by all beings, both earthly and heavenly, who are in His presence. This creates a sense of the pervasive and inescapable nature of God's glory, demanding reverence from every corner of creation that encounters Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores a foundational biblical truth: God's inherent holiness and transcendence demand an appropriate response of profound awe and reverence from His creation. It articulates that the "fear of the Lord" is not a terror of punishment, but a deep, worshipful respect born from understanding His infinite power, purity, and moral perfection. This reverence is particularly emphasized in the context of corporate worship, where the gathered community collectively acknowledges God's supreme authority, but it extends to all who are in His presence, whether human or angelic. This concept of holy fear is a prerequisite for true knowledge, wisdom, and a right relationship with God, shaping both individual piety and communal devotion.

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Psalm 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of Hosts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 89:7 offers a timeless challenge for believers today, calling us to re-evaluate our posture before God, both individually and corporately. It compels us to move beyond a casual or overly familiar approach to the divine and to cultivate a deep, abiding sense of awe for God's infinite holiness, power, and majesty. In our personal devotion, this means approaching prayer, Bible study, and meditation with a profound awareness of who God is, recognizing that we are engaging with the Creator of the universe. In corporate worship, it calls us to treat the gathering of believers as a sacred space where God's presence is uniquely honored, demanding our focused attention, sincere participation, and humble reverence. Our lives, since God is "about" us always, should consistently reflect this reverence, influencing our actions, words, and thoughts, knowing that we are perpetually in His glorious presence. This holy fear transforms us, leading to genuine worship, obedience, and a deeper understanding of God's character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal worship and prayer life reflect a "greatly to be feared" God?**
* **In what ways can I contribute to fostering a greater sense of reverence and awe in my church's corporate worship gatherings?**
* **Considering that God is "about" me always, how should this awareness impact my daily decisions and interactions?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to be "greatly to be feared" in this verse?**

Answer: In biblical language, particularly in the Old Testament, "fear" (Hebrew: *yare'*) when applied to God, rarely means terror in the sense of being scared of harm. Instead, it signifies a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect for God's immense power, absolute holiness, and unchallengeable authority. It is a recognition of His transcendent majesty that leads to worship, obedience, and humble submission, rather than dread. This "fear of the Lord" is consistently presented as the [beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom") and the foundation for a right relationship with Him. It acknowledges God's incomparable nature and our proper place as His creatures, inspiring adoration and a desire to please Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 89:7, with its emphasis on God being "greatly to be feared" and "had in reverence," finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest expression in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament assembly encountered God's presence through the Tabernacle, Temple, and the Law, often through mediating priests and sacrifices, the New Testament reveals that God's ultimate presence and glory are embodied in His Son. Jesus is the [radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory"), the One through whom we can truly approach God with both reverence and confidence. The awe inspired by God's holiness in the "assembly of the saints" is now directed towards Christ, 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")). The heavenly beings who are "about him" now worship the Lamb who was slain ([Revelation 5:11-14](/revelation/5-11 "Revelation 5:11-14 - Worship of the Lamb")). Through Christ's atoning work, believers are no longer kept at a distance by fear but are invited into God's presence as adopted children, empowered by the Spirit, to worship Him in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")). Our reverence for God is now inextricably linked to our adoration of Christ, who perfectly reveals the Father and makes true, intimate, yet awe-filled, communion possible.

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 47:2

For the LORD most high [is] terrible; [he is] a great King over all the earth.

Psalms 76:7

¶ Thou, [even] thou, [art] to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?

Psalms 76:11

Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.

Hebrews 12:28

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Hebrews 12:29

For our God [is] a consuming fire.

Jeremiah 10:7

Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise [men] of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [there is] none like unto thee.

Isaiah 6:2

Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.