Psalms 93:1

KJV

¶ The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, [wherewith] he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} reigneth {H4427}{H8804)}, he is clothed {H3847}{H8804)} with majesty {H1348}; the LORD {H3068} is clothed {H3847}{H8804)} with strength {H5797}, wherewith he hath girded {H247}{H8694)} himself: the world {H8398} also is stablished {H3559}{H8735)}, that it cannot be moved {H4131}{H8735)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI is king, robed in majesty; ADONAI is robed, girded with strength; The world is well established; it cannot be moved.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty; the LORD has clothed and armed Himself with strength. The world indeed is firmly established; it cannot be moved.

American Standard Version

Jehovah reigneth; he is clothed with majesty; Jehovah is clothed with strength; he hath girded himself therewith: The world also is established, that it cannot be moved.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 93:1 powerfully proclaims the eternal, active, and majestic reign of the LORD, affirming His inherent glory, omnipotent strength, and unwavering sovereignty. This foundational truth establishes that God's supreme rule is the ultimate source of cosmic order and stability, ensuring that the created world remains steadfast and unshaken amidst any temporal chaos or upheaval, providing a bedrock of security for all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 93 serves as the majestic overture to a significant collection often identified as the "Enthronement Psalms" (Psalms 93, 95-99). These psalms collectively celebrate Yahweh's universal and eternal kingship, often in the context of His triumph over cosmic chaos or His establishment of justice. This opening verse, with its resounding declaration, "The LORD reigneth," immediately establishes the central theological assertion that permeates not only this psalm but also the entire collection. It sets a tone of divine sovereignty and unshakable authority, which is then elaborated upon in the subsequent verses of Psalm 93. For instance, verses 3-4 depict God's triumph over the tumultuous "floods," further emphasizing His supreme power and the steadfastness of His throne, which is eternal and established "of old" [Psalm 93:2](/psalms/93-2 "Psalm 93:2 - God's Throne Established of Old"). This declaration functions as a foundational truth, anchoring the worshiper's faith in God's active, present, and unwavering control over all creation and history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of kingship was paramount, with earthly rulers frequently claiming divine favor or even embodying divinity. Against this backdrop, Israel's understanding of kingship was profoundly distinctive: Yahweh alone was the true King, reigning eternally over His people and all nations. This psalm likely held a central place in Israelite communal worship, possibly recited or sung during significant annual festivals such as the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) or a New Year festival, occasions specifically dedicated to celebrating God's kingship, covenant faithfulness, and providential care. The vivid imagery of God being "clothed with majesty" and "girded with strength" draws upon familiar regal attire and the preparedness of an earthly monarch, yet it elevates these attributes to an infinite, divine scale. This emphasis underscores God's inherent, rather than acquired, power and His perpetual readiness to govern, sustain, and bring order to His creation.
* **Key Themes:** The preeminent theme of Psalms 93:1 is **Divine Sovereignty**, powerfully articulated by the declaration, "The LORD reigneth." This is not a passive or futuristic reign, but an active, present, and eternal dominion over all things, a truth foundational to Israel's theology and hope, echoed throughout the Psalter, as seen in [Psalm 97:1](/psalms/97-1 "Psalm 97:1 - The LORD Reigns, Let the Earth Rejoice"). Secondly, the psalm highlights God's **Majesty and Strength**. The imagery of being "clothed" with these attributes signifies their intrinsic nature to God's being, not something He acquires or puts on externally. His self-girding with strength implies an active, ready power that sustains and governs the universe, reflecting His omnipotence and preparedness to act, a truth also found in [Isaiah 40:26](/isaiah/40-26 "Isaiah 40:26 - God's Power in Creation"). Finally, a direct and profound consequence of His powerful reign is **Cosmic Stability**. The assertion that "the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved" speaks to the firm, unshakeable foundation of the world, not by its own inherent strength, but by God's powerful act of setting it in place and sustaining it, providing a profound sense of security against chaos and uncertainty. This divine ordering principle is beautifully articulated in the New Testament as well, such as in [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Upholds All Things").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **reigneth (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** From H4427, this primitive root signifies "to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence (by implication) to take counsel." In the context of Psalms 93:1, it denotes an active, ongoing, and present kingship. It is not merely a statement about God's past or future rule, but a vibrant declaration of His current, dynamic, and continuous dominion. It emphasizes that God is actively exercising His royal authority at all times, rather than merely possessing the title of king.
* **majesty (Hebrew, _gêʼûwth'_):** From H1348, this word means "arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament; excellent things, lifting up, majesty, pride, proudly, raging." Here, it conveys concepts of divine splendor, exaltation, and glorious pride. It speaks to God's inherent greatness, His magnificent and awe-inspiring presence, and the intrinsic glory that accompanies His sovereign rule. It is a quality that radiates from His very being, making Him supremely worthy of all worship and adoration.
* **girded (Hebrew, _ʼâzar'_):** From H247, this primitive root means "to belt; bind (compass) about, gird (up, with)." This vivid imagery portrays God's readiness and active power, akin to a warrior or worker preparing for strenuous activity by tightening their belt. It suggests a deliberate act of empowering Himself for action, demonstrating His self-sufficient and inherent strength, always prepared to execute His will and maintain order.
* **stablished (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** From H3559, this primitive root means "properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous)." In this verse, it emphasizes the firm, unshakeable foundation of the world, not by its own inherent strength, but by God's powerful act of setting it in place and sustaining it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD reigneth":** This is the foundational and most significant declaration of the verse. It asserts the absolute, active, and eternal sovereignty of Yahweh (H3068), the covenant God of Israel. His reign is not a historical event confined to the past, nor a future hope yet to be realized, but a present, ongoing reality. This statement forms the theological bedrock of the entire psalm and, indeed, much of Old Testament theology, declaring God's active governance over all creation.
* **"he is clothed with majesty":** This clause describes the inherent nature of God's kingship. To be "clothed" (H3847) with majesty (H1348) implies that splendor, glory, and inherent dignity are not external adornments but are intrinsic to His very being. His rule is not merely powerful but also glorious, radiating an awe-inspiring grandeur that commands reverence and worship from all creation.
* **"the LORD is clothed with strength, [wherewith] he hath girded himself":** This phrase reiterates and intensifies the previous one, emphasizing God's omnipotent power (H5797). The repetition of "the LORD is clothed" serves to underscore the divine attributes. The additional phrase "he hath girded (H247) himself" (where "wherewith" is supplied in KJV for flow) vividly depicts God's active, self-sufficient, and ready power. It's the image of a king preparing for battle or a mighty task, demonstrating that His strength is not passive but poised for action, ensuring His effective and unwavering dominion over all things.
* **"the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved":** This clause presents a profound consequence of God's powerful and majestic reign. Because the LORD reigns with such inherent strength and active power, the entire created order—the "world" (H8398, the habitable earth)—is firmly established (H3559). The phrase "cannot be moved" (H4131) signifies not physical immobility, but ultimate stability, security, and steadfastness against chaos, dissolution, or any force that would seek to undermine its divine foundation. It speaks to the cosmic order and the unwavering purpose of creation under God's sovereign control, providing ultimate security.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 93:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Personification** is strikingly evident in the imagery of God being "clothed with majesty" and "clothed with strength," attributing human actions (wearing garments) to the divine to make abstract attributes tangible and relatable. This is further extended by the **metaphor** of clothing, where majesty and strength are presented as garments God wears, signifying that these qualities are not external accessories but are inherent to His very being and fundamentally characterize His rule. The **repetition** of "the LORD is clothed" serves as an emphatic device, underscoring and reinforcing the divine attributes, driving home the point of His inherent glory and power. Furthermore, the phrase "that it cannot be moved" functions as **hyperbole**, not implying literal geological immobility, but rather emphasizing the absolute, unshakeable stability and divine order of the cosmos under God's sovereign hand, providing a profound sense of ultimate security and permanence. The overall imagery evokes a powerful, regal figure, fully prepared and inherently glorious, whose very presence ensures cosmic order and steadfastness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 93:1 serves as a cornerstone for understanding God's absolute sovereignty and its profound implications for both creation and humanity. The declaration "The LORD reigneth" is not merely a statement of fact but a profound theological affirmation that grounds all reality in the active, present, and eternal rule of Yahweh. This truth undergirds the entire biblical worldview, asserting that the universe is not the product of chance or chaos, but the ordered creation of a majestic and powerful King who actively sustains it. It speaks to God's faithfulness, His omnipotence, and His unwavering control over all circumstances, offering a steadfast anchor for faith in a world often characterized by instability and uncertainty. This divine reign ensures cosmic stability and provides ultimate security, reminding believers that even amidst human turmoil and apparent chaos, a divine and unshakeable order prevails.

* [Psalm 97:1](/psalms/97-1 "Psalm 97:1 - The LORD Reigns, Let the Earth Rejoice")
* [Revelation 19:6](/revelation/19-6 "Revelation 19:6 - The Lord God Omnipotent Reigns")
* [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - All Things Hold Together in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world frequently marked by instability, fear, and uncertainty, Psalms 93:1 offers profound comfort and a compelling call to worship. The unwavering truth that "The LORD reigneth" provides a steadfast anchor for faith, reminding believers that a sovereign, majestic, and powerful God is actively in control of all things, from the grand cosmic order to the minute details of our lives. This truth should inspire not only deep confidence in His overarching plan but also a liberating reduction in personal anxiety, as we are invited to release our grip on perceived control and trust in His unfailing governance. It fosters a spirit of profound trust and adoration, encouraging us to look beyond temporary circumstances and human upheavals to the eternal reality of God's unshakable reign. Knowing that His inherent power ensures the ultimate stability and purpose of creation empowers us to live with greater peace, purpose, and boldness, knowing that our lives, and indeed the entire cosmos, are held firmly in the hands of the reigning King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "The LORD reigneth" personally impact your anxieties and fears about the future or current global events?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust more fully in God's sovereign reign and His ability to "stablish" your circumstances?**
* **What does it mean for you to "worship" a God who is "clothed with majesty" and "girded with strength"? How might this understanding deepen your praise and reverence?**
* **Considering that "the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved" by God's power, how does this truth influence your perspective on current personal or societal instabilities and the pursuit of security?**

### FAQ
**What does "the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved" mean in practical terms?**

Answer: This phrase does not refer to the physical immobility of the earth in a geological sense. Instead, it speaks to the ultimate divine order, steadfastness, and foundational security of creation under God's sovereign control. In practical terms, it means that despite human chaos, natural disasters, or any forces that seem to threaten existence, the underlying structure and purpose of the world, as ordained and sustained by God, remain secure and unshaken. It provides a profound sense of cosmic stability, assuring us that God's plan for creation will ultimately prevail and that His divine order cannot be overthrown. It is primarily a theological statement about divine governance and the enduring nature of creation under God's hand, rather than a scientific one about planetary motion.

**How does this verse relate to the problem of evil or suffering in the world?**

Answer: While Psalms 93:1 does not directly address the existence of evil or suffering, it provides a crucial theological framework for understanding it. By firmly declaring that "The LORD reigneth" and that His rule ensures cosmic stability, the verse affirms God's ultimate sovereignty even amidst a fallen world. It implies that evil and suffering, though real and painful, do not negate God's control or His inherent power. Rather, His reign suggests that evil is not ultimate, chaos will not have the final say, and His divine order will ultimately be restored. This truth offers a foundation of hope and trust, reminding believers that even in the darkest times, a majestic and powerful God is on the throne, working His purposes, as seen in passages like [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good") where all things work together for good for those who love God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 93:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm declares the reign of "the LORD" (Yahweh), the New Testament reveals Jesus as the incarnate Yahweh, the one through whom God's kingship is fully manifested and decisively established. The "majesty" and "strength" with which the LORD is clothed are perfectly embodied in Christ, who is described as "the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word" in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things"). His earthly ministry, culminating in His atoning death, victorious resurrection, and glorious ascension, was the decisive act of establishing His kingdom, declaring that "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). It is through Christ that "the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved," for He is the one "in whom all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ, the Sustainer")). His present reign at the right hand of the Father ensures the stability of creation and the ultimate triumph over all opposing forces, leading to the glorious day when "the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever" ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes Christ's")). Thus, Psalms 93:1 is a prophetic declaration of the eternal kingship of God, perfectly and powerfully realized in Jesus Christ, our reigning Lord and King.

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 96:10

¶ Say among the heathen [that] the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.

Psalms 99:1

¶ The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth [between] the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

1 Chronicles 29:12

Both riches and honour [come] of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand [is] power and might; and in thine hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all.

Revelation 19:6

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Psalms 103:19

¶ The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

Daniel 4:32

And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling [shall be] with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

Daniel 4:34

¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation: