Psalms 95:3

KJV

For the LORD [is] a great God, and a great King above all gods.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the LORD {H3068} is a great {H1419} God {H410}, and a great {H1419} King {H4428} above all gods {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For ADONAI is a great God, a great king greater than all gods.

Berean Standard Bible

For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.

American Standard Version

For Jehovah is a great God, And a great King above all gods.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 95:3 stands as a foundational declaration of God's unparalleled supremacy, proclaiming His identity as the ultimate sovereign and King over all creation and any competing powers. This verse provides the theological bedrock for the psalm's subsequent call to worship, establishing the inherent worthiness of the Lord to receive humanity's praise, adoration, and submission. It asserts that His greatness and authority are absolute, transcending all other claims to power or divinity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 95 is a masterful composition, artfully weaving together a fervent call to worship (verses 1-7a) with a solemn warning against rebellion and disobedience (verses 7b-11). Verse 3 serves as the pivotal theological justification for the initial invitation to praise. The psalm opens with an exuberant summons in [Psalms 95:1-2](/psalms/95-1-2 "Psalms 95:1-2 - Call to Joyful Worship"), urging the people to "come, let us sing to the LORD" and "make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation." Immediately following this enthusiastic invitation, verse 3 provides the profound *reason* for such adoration: the inherent greatness and supreme kingship of the God being worshipped. It establishes His unique identity and absolute authority before the psalm transitions to His role as Creator and Shepherd, and then to the cautionary historical narrative of Israel's wilderness wanderings. Thus, verse 3 anchors the entire psalm in the unassailable truth of God's character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The composition of this psalm took place within an ancient Near Eastern (ANE) milieu where polytheism was the prevailing religious worldview. Surrounding nations worshipped a vast array of deities, often associated with natural phenomena, national power, or specific domains of life. In this environment, Israel's confession of YHWH as "a great God, and a great King above all gods" was a radical, counter-cultural declaration of exclusive monotheism. It was far more than a statement of YHWH's superiority among a pantheon; it was an emphatic assertion of His absolute uniqueness and unrivaled power, implicitly denying the ultimate reality or efficacy of other so-called gods. This declaration would have been particularly potent in communal worship settings, reinforcing Israel's distinct identity, their covenant relationship with YHWH, and their exclusive allegiance to Him alone.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core theological themes fundamental to Israel's faith and Christian theology. The most prominent is **God's Absolute Sovereignty and Supremacy**. It declares that YHWH is not merely one powerful deity among many, but the supreme ruler, unmatched in power, authority, and dominion over all creation and all spiritual realms. This directly challenges any polytheistic notions, establishing **Monotheism** as the foundational truth of Israel's faith. The phrase "above all gods" explicitly differentiates the God of Israel from any other purported deities or spiritual powers, emphasizing His singular preeminence and unique existence. Furthermore, the verse establishes the **Foundation for Worship**. The Lord's inherent greatness and His undisputed kingship provide the irreducible and ultimate reason for all true worship. Our adoration and praise stem from His intrinsic worth and unparalleled power, affirming that He alone is worthy of such devotion, as seen in other declarations of His unique glory, such as [1 Chronicles 16:25](/1_chronicles/16-25 "1 Chronicles 16:25 - Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised") and [Psalm 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalm 145:3 - Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), the personal, covenant name of God, revealed preeminently to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM" ([Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14-15 "Exodus 3:14-15 - The Divine Name")). Its use here emphasizes that the "great God" and "great King" is not a generic deity but the specific, self-existent, eternal, and faithful God who has entered into a covenant relationship with Israel. This name underscores His relational presence and His active involvement in history, distinguishing Him from the impersonal or capricious deities of other nations.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This adjective signifies magnitude in any sense—physical, numerical, or, as here, in terms of power, authority, and majesty. When applied to God, it conveys His immense, incomparable, and all-encompassing nature. It speaks to His limitless power, His boundless wisdom, and His supreme majesty, setting Him apart as utterly unique and transcendent. This "greatness" is the very foundation of His worthiness to be worshipped.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** This term, often shortened from _ʼayil_ ("strength"), denotes strength and power, and is frequently used to refer to the Almighty. While it can occasionally refer to other deities, when used in relation to YHWH, as it is here, it emphasizes His divine nature, His omnipotence, and His role as the ultimate source of all might. In the context of "a great God," it underscores His supreme divine essence and inherent, unchallengeable power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the LORD [is] a great God":** This initial clause establishes the fundamental identity and inherent nature of the One being praised. "The LORD" (YHWH), the covenant God of Israel, is declared to be "a great God," emphasizing His immense power, majesty, and divine essence. This greatness is intrinsic to His being, making Him worthy of ultimate reverence and worship. It sets Him apart as the preeminent divine being, whose very nature commands adoration.
* **"and a great King":** Building upon the previous declaration, this phrase expands on God's identity by highlighting His sovereign role. He is not only divinely great but also exercises supreme regal authority. His "kingship" implies active rule, dominion over all creation, and the ultimate power to govern, judge, and execute His will. This portrays Him as the cosmic monarch, whose reign is absolute and universal, extending over all realms and all beings.
* **"above all gods":** This climactic statement asserts the absolute and exclusive supremacy of YHWH. The "gods" here (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym_, plural) refer to anything that might be considered a rival power or object of worship in the ancient world: the pagan deities of other nations (e.g., Baal, Dagon), spiritual beings (like angels or demons), or even powerful human rulers or institutions. The preposition "above" (_ʿal_) signifies not just superiority but absolute transcendence and dominion, unequivocally declaring that YHWH's authority and power are unrivaled and unsurpassed by any entity in existence. This is a declaration of His unique, ultimate, and solitary position in the cosmos, providing the ultimate reason for exclusive devotion.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 95:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Declaration** or **Affirmation**, as the verse functions as a foundational statement of God's intrinsic identity and unparalleled power, providing the irrefutable basis for the psalm's subsequent call to worship. There is also a clear use of **Contrast** or **Antithesis**, setting the singular "great God" and "great King" (YHWH) in stark opposition to "all gods," thereby highlighting His unique and unparalleled status. This contrast implicitly refutes polytheism and asserts monotheistic truth. The phrase "above all gods" can also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** in its emphasis, not to suggest falsehood, but to underscore the absolute and incomparable nature of YHWH's supremacy in the strongest possible terms within a polytheistic cultural context. The repetition of "great" (implied in "great God" and explicitly stated for "great King") also serves as **Emphasis**, reinforcing the magnitude of God's character and dominion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration in Psalms 95:3 is central to biblical theology, affirming God's absolute omnipotence, sovereignty, and unique identity as the one true God. This truth underpins all other doctrines, establishing that the God of Israel is not merely a tribal deity but the universal Creator and ultimate Ruler. His being "above all gods" means He is the source of all power, the standard of all truth, and the ultimate authority to whom all creation must bow. This theological bedrock provides the unshakeable foundation for trust, obedience, and worship, as there is no higher power to fear or appeal to. It calls humanity to an exclusive allegiance to Him, rejecting any rival claims to ultimate authority or devotion, and recognizing that His reign is eternal and unchallengeable.

* [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - The LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords")
* [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no God")
* [Jeremiah 10:10](/jeremiah/10-10 "Jeremiah 10:10 - The LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding God as "a great God, and a great King above all gods" is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is a transformative truth that should profoundly impact every aspect of a believer's life. This truth inspires genuine awe and profound reverence, moving our worship beyond mere ritual to a heartfelt response to His inherent worth and supreme majesty. It provides immense security and comfort, reminding us that no earthly power, spiritual force, or challenging circumstance can ultimately thwart His purposes or undermine His faithful care for His people. If He is truly above all, then our trust in Him can be unwavering, even amidst chaos and uncertainty, knowing that His reign is absolute and His control complete. Furthermore, this verse serves as a powerful challenge to examine our own lives for any "gods" – be they money, status, self, comfort, fear, or any worldly system – that might subtly compete for the ultimate allegiance that belongs only to the Lord. It calls for an undivided loyalty, compelling us to align our priorities, desires, and actions with the will of the one true, supreme King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as "a great King above all gods" transform your worship from a duty into a joyful response of adoration?**
* **What "gods" (idols, fears, desires, or worldly systems) in your life might subtly compete for the supremacy that belongs only to the LORD?**
* **In what specific ways can you live out the truth of God's absolute sovereignty and kingship in your daily decisions and interactions this week?**

### FAQ
**What does "above all gods" mean if we believe in only one God?**

Answer: The phrase "above all gods" in Psalms 95:3 does not imply the actual existence of other true deities. Instead, it functions as a powerful declaration of YHWH's absolute, unrivaled supremacy within a world that was (and often still is) steeped in polytheistic thought or practical idolatry. It asserts God's ultimate authority over:
* **False Deities:** The pagan gods worshipped by surrounding nations (e.g., Baal, Asherah, Dagon). The psalmist declares that these are powerless, ultimately non-existent, or mere figments of human imagination in comparison to the living God.
* **Spiritual Powers:** It can refer to angelic beings, whether good or evil (e.g., principalities and powers mentioned in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). Even these powerful spiritual entities are utterly subject to the Lord's dominion and authority.
* **Human Authorities/Idols:** In a broader sense, "gods" can represent anything that humans elevate to a position of ultimate authority, power, or devotion—whether powerful rulers, political systems, wealth, fame, science, or even self. The verse proclaims that the God of Israel is superior to all these, demanding exclusive allegiance and worship. It fundamentally asserts that there is no power, visible or invisible, that can rival His authority or withstand His will.

**How does Psalms 95:3 relate to the call to worship in the rest of the psalm?**

Answer: Psalms 95:3 provides the fundamental theological justification and profound motivation for the call to worship found throughout the psalm, particularly in [Psalms 95:1-2](/psalms/95-1-2 "Psalms 95:1-2 - Call to Worship"). The invitation to "come, let us sing to the LORD" and "make a joyful noise" is not an arbitrary command but a logical and necessary response to the undeniable reality of God's unparalleled greatness and kingship. His supreme authority, His creative power (mentioned in [Psalms 95:4-5](/psalms/95-4-5 "Psalms 95:4-5 - God as Creator")), and His role as Shepherd (in [Psalms 95:7](/psalms/95-7 "Psalms 95:7 - God as Shepherd")) are all rooted in the truth that He is "a great God, and a great King above all gods." Without this foundational truth, worship would lack its ultimate justification, depth, and exclusivity, becoming merely a human ritual rather than a divinely commanded and inspired act of adoration and submission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 95:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "great God" and "great King above all gods" is fully revealed and embodied in Him. Jesus is God incarnate, the very Word who was with God and was God, through whom all things were made and in whom all things hold together ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Became Flesh"); [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). The fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Him ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")), making Him the perfect and complete revelation of the "great God" whom the psalmist extols. Furthermore, Jesus is the "great King" par excellence, the true King of kings and Lord of lords, to whom every knee will one day bow ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"); [Philippians 2:9-11](/ philippians/2-9-11 "Jesus' Exaltation")). All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), demonstrating His absolute supremacy over all powers, visible and invisible. His victory on the cross disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")), proving that He is indeed "above all gods" and every name that is named. Therefore, our worship of the great God and King is now perfectly directed through Jesus, who is the image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - The Supremacy of Christ")), and through whom we have access to the Father in one Spirit ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")).

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 96:4

For the LORD [is] great, and greatly to be praised: he [is] to be feared above all gods.

Jeremiah 10:6

Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, O LORD; thou [art] great, and thy name [is] great in might.

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.

Psalms 145:3

Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness [is] unsearchable.

Psalms 97:9

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

Psalms 135:5

¶ For I know that the LORD [is] great, and [that] our Lord [is] above all gods.

Exodus 18:11

Now I know that the LORD [is] greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly [he was] above them.