Psalms 148:4
Psalms 148:4 in Multiple Translations
Praise Him, O highest heavens, and you waters above the skies.
Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, And ye waters that are above the heavens.
Give praise to him, you highest heavens, and you waters which are over the heavens.
Praise him, highest heavens, and the waters above the heavens!
Prayse ye him, heauens of heauens, and waters, that be aboue the heauens.
Praise ye Him, heavens of heavens, And ye waters that are above the heavens.
Praise him, you heavens of heavens, you waters that are above the heavens.
Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that are above the heavens.
Praise him, ye heavens of heavens: and let all the waters that are above the heavens
You highest heavens, praise him! And you waters that are high above the sky, praise him!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 148:4
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 148:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַֽ֭לְלוּ/הוּ
שְׁמֵ֣י
הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם
וְ֝/הַ/מַּ֗יִם
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
מֵ/עַ֬ל
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
הַֽ֭לְלוּ/הוּ
hâlal
H1984
to shine
V-Piel-Impv-2mp | Suff
שְׁמֵ֣י
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
וְ֝/הַ/מַּ֗יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Conj | Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
מֵ/עַ֬ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 148:4
הַֽ֭לְלוּ/הוּ
hâlal
H1984
"to shine"
V-Piel-Impv-2mp | Suff
To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.
שְׁמֵ֣י
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
וְ֝/הַ/מַּ֗יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Conj | Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
מֵ/עַ֬ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
Study Notes — Psalms 148:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 148:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 148:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 148:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 148:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 148:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 148:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 148:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 148:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 148:4
- Sermons on Psalms 148:4
Context — Praise the LORD from the Heavens
2Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts.
3Praise Him, O sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars.
4Praise Him, O highest heavens, and you waters above the skies.
5Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He gave the command and they were created. 6He established them forever and ever; He issued a decree that will never pass away.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 8:27 | But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built. |
| 2 | Genesis 1:7 | So God made the expanse and separated the waters beneath it from the waters above. And it was so. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 10:14 | Behold, to the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, and the earth and everything in it. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 9:6 | You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all things, and the host of heaven worships You. |
| 5 | Psalms 68:33 | to Him who rides upon the highest heavens of old; behold, His mighty voice resounds. |
| 6 | Psalms 104:3 | laying the beams of His chambers in the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind. |
| 7 | Genesis 7:11 | In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 12:2 | I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows. |
| 9 | Psalms 113:6 | He humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth. |
Psalms 148:4 Summary
[This verse is calling all of creation, including the highest heavens and the waters above the skies, to praise God for who He is and what He has done. Just like in Psalms 19:1, where the heavens declare God's glory, we are also called to give thanks and honor to God. We can do this by recognizing God's power and majesty in all aspects of creation, and giving Him praise and thanks for His wonderful works, as seen in Psalms 145:10-11. By doing so, we can cultivate a heart of praise and worship, and deepen our faith and trust in Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 'highest heavens' in Psalms 148:4?
The 'highest heavens' refer to the highest realm of heaven, where God dwells, as mentioned in Psalms 57:10 and 1 Kings 8:27. This is where God's throne is, and it is above all other heavens and the earth.
What does it mean to 'praise Him' in this verse?
To 'praise Him' means to give thanks and honor to God for who He is and what He has done, as seen in Psalms 100:4-5, where we are called to enter His gates with thanksgiving and praise.
Why are the 'waters above the skies' mentioned in this verse?
The 'waters above the skies' refer to the heavenly waters that God has created, as mentioned in Genesis 1:7, where God separated the waters above the firmament from the waters below. This is a reminder of God's power and creation.
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing God's sovereignty and majesty in all aspects of creation, and giving Him praise and thanks for His wonderful works, as seen in Psalms 145:10-11, where all God's works praise Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can praise God in my daily life, just like the 'highest heavens' and 'waters above the skies' do?
- How does recognizing God's power and creation in the 'highest heavens' and 'waters above the skies' impact my faith and trust in Him?
- What are some things in my life that I can give thanks to God for, just like the psalmist does in this verse?
- How can I cultivate a heart of praise and worship, like the one described in this verse, in my daily interactions with God and others?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 148:4
Praise him, ye heaven of heavens,.... All the heavens, the airy and starry heavens; and the third heaven, the residence of God, angels and saints: these are made by the Lord, and declare the glory of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 148:4
Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 148:4
Ye heavens of heavens; ye highest and most glorious heavens, the place of God’ s throne and glorious presence, as this phrase is used, . Or, ye starry heavens, which also may well be so called, because they are above the air, which is oft. called heaven in Scripture. Ye waters that be above the heavens; ye clouds, which are above a part of the heavens; of which See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 148:4
Psalms 148:4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that [be] above the heavens.Ver. 4. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens] Whereby he meaneth not the lowest heavens, the air whereon we breathe, and wherein birds fly, clouds swim, &c., as some would have it; but the highest heaven, called by St Paul the third heaven, the habitation of the crowned saints and glorious angels; called by philosophers coelum Empyreum, and here by the psalmist the heavens of heavens, as King of kings, Song of songs, &c., by an excellence. See Deuteronomy 10:14. And ye waters that be above the heavens] i.e. Above the air, and that do distinguish between the air and the sky, as the Primmn Mobile doth between the sky and the highest heavens, Superius suspensae aquarum fornices.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 148:4
(4) Heavens of heavens.—See Psalms 68:33, and references. Before passing downwards to the earth the invocation pauses to combine all the heights, which have been before addressed in the expression which denotes their position relatively to the earth; the highest heaven of all, and then the world of water which, in the Hebrew conception of the Cosmos, was supposed to be the foundation, while itself rests on the firmament or heavenly vault. (See Psalms 104:3.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 148:4
Verse 4. Heavens of heavens] Heavens exceeding heavens. Systems of systems extending as far beyond the solar system, as it does beyond the lowest deeps. The endless systematic concatenation of worlds. Ye waters that be above the heavens.] This refers to Genesis 1:7, where see the notes. Clouds, vapours, air, exhalations, rain, snow, and meteors of every kind.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 148:4
4. heavens of heavens] i.e. the highest heavens. Cp. Psalms 68:33; Deuteronomy 10:14; 1 Kings 8:27 (= 2 Chronicles 6:18); 1 Chronicles 2:6; Nehemiah 9:6; Sir 16:18. It is doubtful whether the idea of a plurality of heavens, three (2 Corinthians 12:2) or seven, which is prominent in later Jewish literature, was already current. See however Salmond in Hastings’ Dict. of the Bible, 11. 321, who thinks that it is implied by this phrase. ye waters that be above the heavens] The great reservoir of waters supposed to exist above the ‘firmament,’ the source of rain. See Genesis 1:6-7; Psalms 104:3.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 148:4
Praise him, ye heavens of heavens - Referring to the idea that there is one heaven rising above another. See the notes at Psalms 68:33.
Sermons on Psalms 148:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Glorious Works by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher shares a humorous story about a golfer who gets a hole in one despite struggling with his game. The preacher uses this story to illustrate the frustrat |
|
Attributes of God (Series 1): God's Omnipresence and Immanence by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the distance between humanity and God. He shares a personal experience of praying with a friend on a hill, feeling both the darkness and the |
|
|
(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 1-9 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being motivated by the love of Jesus Christ. He references the apostle Paul's statement that the love of Christ constrains |
|
Attributes of God - Wrath, Eternity, Infiity and Foreknowledge by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the finite nature of human life and the infinite nature of God. They emphasize the privilege of serving God and encourage young people to de |
|
The Universality of Prayer by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of food scarcity in the world and attributes it to the influence of the evil one. He emphasizes that God always provides plenty of |
|
|
Attributes of God #7 "The Omnipresence of God" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer explores the omnipresence of God, emphasizing that God is not limited by space and is present everywhere, close to all creation. He explains that while God is always nea |
|
|
Attributes of God #8 "God's Omnipresence and Immanence" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes God's omnipresence and immanence, explaining that God is everywhere and penetrates all things, yet many Christians feel a sense of divine remoteness due to th |