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Psalms 97:9

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

For thou, LORD {H3068}, art high above {H5945} all the earth {H776}: thou art exalted {H5927} far above {H3966} all gods {H430}.

For you, ADONAI, most high over all the earth, you are exalted far above all gods.

For You, O LORD, are Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.

For thou, Jehovah, art most high above all the earth: Thou art exalted far above all gods.

Commentary

Psalms 97:9 (KJV): "For thou, LORD, [art] high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods."

Context

Psalm 97 is a hymn celebrating God's reign and sovereignty over the earth. It describes His majestic appearance, the response of creation to His presence, and the contrast between the true God and false idols. Verse 9 serves as a declaration explaining why God's judgment and reign are just and supreme – because He holds the highest position of authority and power, unmatched by any other.

Key Themes

  • God's Supremacy: The central theme is the absolute superiority of the LORD over all creation and every other entity claimed as divine.
  • Divine Transcendence: God is depicted as existing and ruling from a position "high above all the earth," signifying His distinctness from and authority over the physical world.
  • Uniqueness of Yahweh: The verse explicitly contrasts the LORD (Yahweh) with "all gods," asserting His unparalleled status and power, challenging polytheism and idolatry.

Linguistic Insights

The name "LORD" in the KJV here represents the Hebrew name Yahweh, God's personal covenant name. The word translated "gods" is elohim, which can refer to deities, powerful beings, or even human rulers/judges in some contexts. However, the phrase "exalted far above all gods" clearly uses elohim to denote rival deities or anything else that might be worshipped, emphasizing Yahweh's incomparable nature. The term "exalted" (nasa') means lifted up, carried away, or elevated, highlighting God's lofty and supreme position.

Commentary and Application

This verse is a powerful affirmation of monotheism and God's ultimate authority. It tells us that no earthly power, no spiritual force, and no human construct or idol can compare to the LORD. He is literally and figuratively "high above all." This truth provides immense comfort and security for believers, knowing that the one true God, who is sovereign over all things, is their refuge and strength. It also calls us to reject anything that would usurp God's rightful place in our lives or in the world. Recognizing that God is exalted far above all gods should lead us to worship Him alone and trust in His ultimate control and plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or earthly powers appear dominant.

Related Scriptures

Reflection

How does acknowledging God as "high above all the earth" and "exalted far above all gods" change your perspective? Does it diminish the perceived power of problems, fears, or competing loyalties in your life? This verse encourages us to lift our eyes beyond earthly limitations and false authorities to the one true God who reigns supreme. It is a call to humble worship and unwavering trust in His greatness and majesty.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 95:3 (7 votes)

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

  • Psalms 83:18 (6 votes)

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

  • Exodus 18:11 (5 votes)

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

  • Philippians 2:9 (4 votes)

    Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

  • Philippians 2:11 (4 votes)

    And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

  • Psalms 135:5 (4 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 10:10 (4 votes)

    But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.