Psalms 96:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For the LORD {H3068} is great {H1419}, and greatly {H3966} to be praised {H1984}: he is to be feared {H3372} above all gods {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For ADONAI is great, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared more than all gods.

Berean Standard Bible

For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.

American Standard Version

For great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 96:4 serves as the theological bedrock for the universal call to worship presented in the preceding verses of the psalm. It emphatically declares the incomparable nature of Yahweh, the God of Israel, asserting His immense greatness, His supreme worthiness of abundant praise, and His absolute sovereignty over all other perceived deities or powers. This verse transitions from the command to proclaim God's glory to the profound reasons for such a global declaration, establishing His unique identity as the one true, awe-inspiring God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 96 opens with a fervent, universal call to "sing to the LORD a new song" and "declare his glory among the nations" ([Psalms 96:1-3](/psalms/96-1 "Psalms 96:1-3 - A Call to Global Worship")). This initial exhortation sets a tone of expansive, global worship. Verse 4 then immediately provides the foundational theological justification for this worldwide praise. It explains *why* the LORD is worthy of such adoration and proclamation, shifting from the imperative of worship to the inherent attributes of the worshipped One. The verses that follow continue to elaborate on God's majesty, His role as Creator, and His impending judgment, all stemming from the truth established in verse 4 that He is supreme above all.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm, like many others, reflects a monotheistic declaration in a polytheistic world. Ancient Near Eastern cultures were replete with various gods and goddesses, each associated with specific natural phenomena, cities, or aspects of life. The assertion "he is to be feared above all gods" was not a mere theological statement but a direct challenge to the prevailing religious landscape. It affirmed Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, distinguishing Him sharply from the pantheons of surrounding nations (e.g., Baal, Dagon, Molech). The call to "sing a new song" might also allude to a new act of salvation or a renewed understanding of God's universal reign, perhaps in the context of the return from exile or the establishment of a new sanctuary, echoing the sentiments found in [Isaiah 42:10](/isaiah/42-10 "Isaiah 42:10 - Sing to the LORD a New Song").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 96:4 powerfully encapsulates several core themes of the Psalter and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **God's incomparable greatness** (Hebrew: *gadol*), emphasizing His unique power, majesty, and transcendence. This greatness is the basis for His **supreme worthiness of praise**, demanding a response of fervent adoration from all creation. Secondly, the verse underscores **God's absolute sovereignty and supremacy** over all other entities, whether they be pagan deities, idols, or even spiritual powers. The concept of "fear" (Hebrew: *yare*) here encompasses not just terror but profound reverence, awe, and submission, acknowledging His ultimate authority. This theme resonates deeply with the prophetic declarations of God's uniqueness, as seen in [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - God is the First and the Last"), where He declares, "I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no God."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Great (Hebrew, _gadol'_):** This adjective denotes magnitude, importance, and power. When applied to the LORD, it signifies His immense, unparalleled nature, His vastness in being, power, and glory. It implies that He is not merely large, but supremely significant, majestic, and beyond human comprehension or limitation.
* **Praised (Hebrew, _halal'_):** This verb, from which "Hallelujah" is derived, means to boast, rave, celebrate, or shine. "Greatly to be praised" suggests an abundant, enthusiastic, and fervent celebration of God's attributes and deeds. It implies that the praise offered to Him should be commensurate with His greatness—unreserved, joyful, and public.
* **Feared (Hebrew, _yare'_):** This word carries a dual meaning of both terror and profound reverence, awe, and respect. In the context of God, it primarily signifies a deep, reverential awe that acknowledges His holiness, power, and authority. It is the proper response of finite beings before the infinite, holy God, leading to obedience and worship, rather than mere dread.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the LORD [is] great":** This clause establishes the fundamental attribute of Yahweh. His greatness is inherent, not conferred. It speaks to His infinite power, majesty, and transcendence, setting Him apart from all created beings and all other claimants to deity. This is the primary reason for the subsequent declarations.
* **"and greatly to be praised":** Flowing directly from His inherent greatness, this clause declares that the LORD deserves an abundant and fervent response of adoration. The praise due to Him must be proportional to His infinite worth—it should be enthusiastic, comprehensive, and without reservation, reflecting His unparalleled excellence.
* **"he [is] to be feared above all gods":** This climactic assertion declares Yahweh's absolute supremacy. In a world of competing deities, this statement unequivocally positions the LORD as the one true, sovereign God. The "fear" here is not primarily terror but a profound, reverential awe and submission that acknowledges His unique power, authority, and holiness, rendering all other "gods" (whether idols, pagan deities, or spiritual powers) utterly inferior and ultimately powerless.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 96:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Hyperbole**, particularly in the phrase "greatly to be praised," which emphasizes the boundless nature of the praise due to God, suggesting an intensity beyond ordinary measure. **Contrast** is also central, as the verse explicitly sets the LORD apart "above all gods," highlighting His unique supremacy against the backdrop of polytheistic beliefs. This creates a stark distinction between the one true God and all false deities. The use of **Repetition** with "great" ("great, and greatly") serves to amplify and reinforce the magnitude of God's character and the corresponding praise He deserves, creating an emphatic and memorable declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 96:4 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the biblical doctrine of God's sovereignty and uniqueness. It asserts the fundamental truth that Yahweh is utterly distinct from and superior to all other entities that might claim divine status. This declaration forms the basis for exclusive worship and absolute trust in Him alone. It is a polemic against idolatry and a call to recognize the one true God who reigns supreme over all creation, deserving of all glory and honor. This theological truth underpins the entire redemptive narrative, as God's unparalleled power and wisdom are consistently demonstrated in His acts of creation, judgment, and salvation.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - I am the LORD, and there is no other")
* [Jeremiah 10:10](/jeremiah/10-10 "Jeremiah 10:10 - The LORD is the true God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 96:4 challenges us to examine the true object of our reverence and the depth of our praise. In a world still filled with "gods"—whether they be money, power, fame, self, or even intellectual pursuits—this verse calls us back to the singular, incomparable greatness of the LORD. Do we truly perceive Him as "great" in our daily lives, allowing His majesty to shape our perspectives and priorities? Does our praise reflect His "greatness," moving beyond mere ritual to a fervent, heartfelt adoration? To "fear" Him above all gods means to hold Him in such profound awe and respect that His will becomes our ultimate authority, His character our highest admiration, and His glory our greatest pursuit. This verse urges us to dethrone all competing loyalties and to enthrone the one true God in our hearts and lives, living in reverent awe of His supreme authority and boundless worth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" (idols, desires, or worldly influences) might be subtly competing for the LORD's supreme place in my life, and how can I intentionally dethrone them?**
* **How can my daily praise become more "greatly" offered, reflecting a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's inherent greatness?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a greater sense of reverential "fear" for the LORD, allowing His holiness and authority to shape my decisions and actions?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to be "feared above all gods"?**

Answer: To "fear" God in this context (Hebrew: *yare*) does not primarily mean to be terrified of Him, but rather to hold Him in profound reverence, awe, and respect. It acknowledges His absolute power, holiness, and supreme authority. The phrase "above all gods" is a direct theological statement against polytheism and idolatry. It asserts that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is the one true God, infinitely superior to any pagan deity, idol, or spiritual power that humans might worship or acknowledge. It means He alone deserves our ultimate loyalty, worship, and obedience, as He is the only one truly worthy of such honor and capable of exercising ultimate dominion, as articulated in [1 Chronicles 16:25](/1_chronicles/16-25 "1 Chronicles 16:25 - The LORD is great and greatly to be praised").

**How does this verse relate to the broader message of Psalm 96?**

Answer: Psalms 96:4 serves as the theological foundation for the entire psalm's message of universal worship and proclamation. The preceding verses call for all the earth to "sing to the LORD a new song" and "declare his glory among the nations" ([Psalms 96:1-3](/psalms/96-1 "Psalms 96:1-3 - A Call to Global Worship")). Verse 4 provides the *reason* for this global praise: because the LORD is uniquely great, supremely worthy of praise, and sovereign over all other "gods." It transitions from the command to worship to the attributes of the One being worshipped, explaining *why* He deserves such universal adoration and proclamation. The subsequent verses then elaborate on His role as Creator and Judge, further cementing His unparalleled status.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 96:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "greatness" and supreme praiseworthiness of God are perfectly embodied in Jesus, who is the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). He is the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together, demonstrating the very "greatness" of God the Father. Furthermore, the declaration that the LORD is "to be feared above all gods" is powerfully realized in Christ's triumph over all powers and authorities. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus disarmed "the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true King who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")), establishing His supremacy over every rival "god" or worldly power. Therefore, the call to "greatly praise" and "fear" the LORD above all finds its truest and most complete expression in the worship of Jesus, for "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). He is the Lamb of God who alone is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb")).

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 145:3

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

Psalms 18:3

I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

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.

Revelation 15:4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Psalms 95:3

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

Psalms 66:3

Say unto God, How terrible [art thou in] thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.