Psalms 138:4
Psalms 138:4 in Multiple Translations
All the kings of the earth will give You thanks, O LORD, when they hear the words of Your mouth.
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
All the kings of the earth shall give thee thanks, O Jehovah, For they have heard the words of thy mouth.
All the kings of the earth will give you praise, O Lord, when the words of your mouth come to their ears.
All the kings of the earth will praise you, Lord, for they have heard what you have said.
All the Kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord: for they haue heard the wordes of thy mouth.
O Jehovah, all kings of earth confess Thee, When they have heard the sayings of Thy mouth.
All the kings of the earth will give you thanks, LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth.
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
And thou hast foreseen all my ways: for there is no speech in my tongue.
Yahweh, some day all the kings of this earth will praise you, because they will have heard what you have said.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 138:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 138:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יוֹד֣וּ/ךָ
יְ֭הוָה
כָּל
מַלְכֵי
אָ֑רֶץ
כִּ֥י
שָׁ֝מְע֗וּ
אִמְרֵי
פִֽי/ךָ
יוֹד֣וּ/ךָ
yâdâh
H3034
to give thanks
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מַלְכֵי
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׁ֝מְע֗וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אִמְרֵי
ʼêmer
H561
word
N-mp
פִֽי/ךָ
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 138:4
יוֹד֣וּ/ךָ
yâdâh
H3034
"to give thanks"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To give thanks or praise, originally meaning to throw or cast, like shooting an arrow. In the Bible, it's used to describe worship or confession with extended hands. It appears in Psalms and other books, like 1 Chronicles.
Definition: 1) to throw, shoot, cast 1a) (Qal) to shoot (arrows) 1b) (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give thanks, laud, praise 1c2) to confess, confess (the name of God) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to confess (sin) 1d2) to give thanks Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדָא "to praise" H3029)
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). See also: Genesis 29:35; Psalms 57:10; Psalms 6:6.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מַלְכֵי
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׁ֝מְע֗וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אִמְרֵי
ʼêmer
H561
"word"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a word or speech, like a promise or command from God. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's conversations with people.
Definition: utterance, speech, word, saying, promise, command
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word. See also: Genesis 49:21; Psalms 141:6; Psalms 5:2.
פִֽי/ךָ
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 138:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 138:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 138:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 138:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 138:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 138:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 138:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 138:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 138:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 138:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 138:4
- Sermons on Psalms 138:4
Context — A Thankful Heart
2I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness; You have exalted Your name and Your word above all else.
3On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul.
4All the kings of the earth will give You thanks, O LORD, when they hear the words of Your mouth.
5They will sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great. 6Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 102:15 | So the nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth will fear Your glory. |
| 2 | Psalms 72:11 | May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him. |
| 3 | Psalms 22:27 | All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him. |
| 4 | Psalms 22:22 | I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly. |
| 5 | Revelation 11:15 | Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” |
| 6 | Isaiah 60:16 | You will drink the milk of nations and nurse at the breasts of royalty; you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. |
| 7 | Revelation 21:24 | By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory. |
| 8 | Isaiah 49:23 | Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 60:3–5 | Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around: They all gather and come to you; your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried on the arm. Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you. |
| 10 | Psalms 102:22 | when peoples and kingdoms assemble to serve the LORD. |
Psalms 138:4 Summary
This verse is saying that one day, all the leaders of the world will thank and praise God because they will have heard His message. This is a beautiful picture of a future time when God's plan to redeem all nations will be complete, as seen in Revelation 21:24-26. It reminds us that our worship and gratitude to God are part of a much bigger story that involves people from all over the world, and that one day, we will all worship Him together (Psalms 86:9, Revelation 7:9-10). As we wait for that day, we can still give thanks to God and share His message with those around us, trusting that He is working to bring about this ultimate fulfillment of His plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for kings of the earth to give thanks to God?
This refers to a future time when all nations will acknowledge and worship the one true God, as prophesied in Psalms 86:9 and Isaiah 2:2-3, where all people will come to know and reverence Him.
How will the kings of the earth hear the words of God's mouth?
This could be through various means, including the preaching of the Gospel, as seen in Romans 10:14-15, or through the testimony of believers, as in Revelation 12:11, where the martyrs overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
Is this verse talking about a specific event or a general principle?
While it's difficult to pinpoint a specific event, this verse is likely referring to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan to redeem all nations, as described in Revelation 21:24-26, where the kings of the earth bring their glory into the New Jerusalem.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives as believers?
This verse reminds us that our worship and thanksgiving to God are part of a larger story, one that will ultimately involve people from all nations, as seen in Revelation 7:9-10, where a great multitude from every nation, tribe, and language worships before the throne of God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can give thanks to God in my daily life, even when circumstances are difficult?
- How can I be a part of sharing the words of God's mouth with those around me, whether through formal ministry or informal conversations?
- In what ways can I cultivate a heart of gratitude, even when I don't see immediate answers to my prayers or struggles?
- How does the promise of all nations worshiping God together impact my perspective on my own role in the global body of Christ?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 138:4
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord,.... Or "let [them] confess", or "praise thee" (s); a wish or prayer.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 138:4
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 138:4
Either, 1. All neighbouring kings; or, 2. The generality of kings and princes upon earth. And so this is a prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles, which seems to be confirmed by the next verse, which expresseth their extraordinary joy; and an eminent advancement of God’ s glory, which agrees much better to this great occasion, than to that of David’ s exaltation to the throne, wherein the other kings of the earth were not much concerned. The words of thy mouth; either, 1. Thy promises declared unto them by me; or, 2. The gospel preached among them.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 138:4
Psalms 138:4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.Ver. 4. All the kings of the earth shall praise thee] Such of them as shall read these psalms of my composing; or otherwise shall hear of thy gracious dealing with me, according to thy promise. Such also as shall hereafter be converted to the faith; for though "Not many mighty, not many noble, are called," 1 Corinthians 1:26, yet some are, and these shine in the Church like stars of the first magnitude.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 138:4
(4, 5) The general sense of these verses is plain, though there are slightly different ways of understanding the expressions. The psalmist imagines that the word or promise, which has been so abundantly fulfilled, will, by its performance, convince all the kings of the earth, and bring them in confession and praise to Jehovah. For a Hebrew the expression “hear the words of Thy mouth,” referring in this instance immediately back to Psalms 138:2, was synonymous with “see Thy wonders,” since for them “God spoke and it was done.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 138:4
Verse 4. All the kings of the earth] Of the land: all the neighbouring nations, seeing what is done for us, and looking in vain to find that any human agency was employed in the work, will immediately see that it was thy hand; and consequently, by confessing that it was thou, will give praise to thy name.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 138:4
4–6. Jehovah’s faithfulness to His promises will evoke the homage of the world.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 138:4
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee ... - That is, kings, princes, and rulers shall learn the words of promise; shall be made acquainted with the words which thou hast graciously spoken, and
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 138:4
4, 5. The kings of the earth shall praise thee—The words give the moral tendency and intent of this wonderful display of divine mercy, and, as a general thing, its ultimate effect—namely, to cause
Sermons on Psalms 138:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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K-505 Israel as the Missing Key by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the ultimate demonstration that the church is called to be. He emphasizes that the church should strive to impress and move those who have his |
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(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 5. Psalm 102 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unique recognition of God that Jews historically have not experienced in times of suffering. The speaker emphasizes the importance of unde |
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Seeking and Saving the Lost by Part 2 by Chip Brogden | This sermon emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of God's will, highlighting the desire for all to come to repentance and be presented perfect in Christ. It challenges the notion |
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The Kingdom Prophesied by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the significance of the Old Testament prophets speaking during Israel's national dispersion, highlighting the contrast between the nation's dark hou |
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I. the Jewish Sign by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the significance of Israel in God's plan for the earth, highlighting how all other nations are considered in relation to Israel in the Bible. He dist |
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The Papal and Hierarchial System - Part 3 by Joseph John Gurney | Joseph John Gurney preaches about the usurpation of temporal power by the professing Church of Christ, highlighting the historical evidence of the church's assumption of authority |
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Europe in Prophecy by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on the prophecy in Daniel 2, highlighting the rise and fall of world empires as foretold by God. The vision of the image described in the dream to Nebuchadnezza |