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Psalms 47:2

Psalms 47:2 in Multiple Translations

How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!

For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.

For Jehovah Most High is terrible; He is a great King over all the earth.

For the Lord Most High is to be feared; he is a great King over all the earth.

For the Lord Most High is awe-inspiring; he is the great King of all the earth.

For the Lord is high, and terrible: a great King ouer all the earth.

For Jehovah Most High [is] fearful, A great king over all the earth.

For the LORD Most High is awesome. He is a great King over all the earth.

For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.

Great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be praised in the city of our God, in his holy mountain.

Yahweh, who is much greater than any other god, is awesome; he is the king who rules over all the world!

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 47:2

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 47:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כָּֽל הָ֭/עַמִּים תִּקְעוּ כָ֑ף הָרִ֥יעוּ לֵ֝/אלֹהִ֗ים בְּ/ק֣וֹל רִנָּֽה
כָּֽל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הָ֭/עַמִּים ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-mp
תִּקְעוּ tâqaʻ H8628 to blow V-Qal-Impv-2mp
כָ֑ף kaph H3709 palm N-fs
הָרִ֥יעוּ rûwaʻ H7321 to shout V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
לֵ֝/אלֹהִ֗ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Prep | N-mp
בְּ/ק֣וֹל qôwl H6963 voice Prep | N-ms
רִנָּֽה rinnâh H7440 cry N-fs
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 47:2

כָּֽל 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.
הָ֭/עַמִּים ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
תִּקְעוּ tâqaʻ H8628 "to blow" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This word means to blow or strike something, like a trumpet or a nail. In the Bible, it is used to describe making a loud noise or driving something into place. The KJV translates it as blow, clap, or strike.
Definition: 1) to blow, clap, strike, sound, thrust, give a blow, blast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, drive (of weapon) 1a2) to give a blast, give a blow 1a3) to strike or clap hands 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be blown, blast (of horn) 1b2) to strike or pledge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: blow (a trumpet), cast, clap, fasten, pitch (tent), smite, sound, strike, [idiom] suretiship, thrust. See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 47:2.
כָ֑ף kaph H3709 "palm" N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
הָרִ֥יעוּ rûwaʻ H7321 "to shout" V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
This word means to shout or make a loud noise, like a war cry or a joyful sound. In Numbers 10:9, the Israelites would shout to sound the alarm for war or to signal a gathering. It is about making a loud noise to get attention.
Definition: 1) to shout, raise a sound, cry out, give a blast 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to shout a war-cry or alarm of battle 1a2) to sound a signal for war or march 1a3) to shout in triumph (over enemies) 1a4) to shout in applause 1a5) to shout (with religious impulse) 1a6) to cry out in distress 1b) (Polal) to utter a shout 1c) (Hithpolel) 1c1) to shout in triumph 1c2) to shout for joy 2) (Niphal) destroyed
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: blow an alarm, cry (alarm, aloud, out), destroy, make a joyful noise, smart, shout (for joy), sound an alarm, triumph. See also: Numbers 10:7; Psalms 60:10; Psalms 41:12.
לֵ֝/אלֹהִ֗ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בְּ/ק֣וֹל qôwl H6963 "voice" Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
רִנָּֽה rinnâh H7440 "cry" N-fs
This Hebrew word means a loud, ringing cry, often used to express joy, praise, or triumph, as seen in Psalm 100:1 where believers are called to shout for joy to the Lord. It can also be a cry of supplication or entreaty. This word is used to describe a loud, joyful noise.
Definition: 1) ringing cry 1a) of entreaty, supplication 1b) in proclamation, joy, praise
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: cry, gladness, joy, proclamation, rejoicing, shouting, sing(-ing), triumph. See also: 1 Kings 8:28; Psalms 126:5; Psalms 17:1.

Study Notes — Psalms 47:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Malachi 1:14 “But cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but sacrifices a defective animal to the Lord. For I am a great King,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and My name is to be feared among the nations.
2 Psalms 99:3 Let them praise Your great and awesome name— He is holy!
3 Psalms 95:3 For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.
4 Psalms 68:35 O God, You are awesome in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!
5 Deuteronomy 7:21 Do not be terrified by them, for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God.
6 Psalms 65:5 With awesome deeds of righteousness You answer us, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.
7 Nehemiah 1:5 Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments,
8 Psalms 66:3–5 Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You. All the earth bows down to You; they sing praise to You; they sing praise to Your name.” Selah Come and see the works of God; how awesome are His deeds toward mankind.
9 Psalms 47:7 For God is King of all the earth; sing profound praises to Him.
10 Daniel 7:13–14 In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Psalms 47:2 Summary

[This verse is saying that God is incredibly amazing and powerful, and He is in charge of everything on earth. He is the King of all kings, and we should be in awe of Him, just like the psalmist is. As it says in Psalms 100:5, God is good, and His love endures forever, which is why we can trust and worship Him. By acknowledging God's greatness, we can begin to understand His love and care for us, and live our lives in a way that honors Him, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to say God is the 'LORD Most High'?

This phrase emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over all creation, as seen in Psalms 83:18 and Isaiah 57:15, where He is also referred to as the 'Most High'

How can we understand God as the 'great King over all the earth'?

This title signifies God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples, as declared in Psalms 96:10 and Jeremiah 10:7, reminding us of His universal reign

Why is it important to acknowledge God's awesomeness?

Recognizing God's awesomeness, as in Psalms 47:2, helps us cultivate a deep reverence and worship for Him, as commanded in Psalms 95:6 and Hebrews 12:28

How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?

Acknowledging God as the great King over all the earth reminds us to submit to His will and trust in His sovereignty, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 11:33-36

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate my awe and reverence for God in my daily life?
  2. How does the reality of God's kingship over all the earth impact my perspective on current events and global issues?
  3. In what ways can I practically submit to God's sovereignty and trust in His goodness, even when circumstances are challenging?
  4. What are some Bible verses or hymns that help me express my wonder and admiration for God's greatness?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 47:2

For the Lord most high [is] terrible,.... Christ is not only the Son of the Highest, but he himself is the most high God, God over all, blessed for ever.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 47:2

For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 47:2

Most high is terrible; or, is most high (in himself, above all gods) and (which conjunction is off understood) terrible, to all his enemies. A great King over all the earth; the universal Monarch of the whole world, and not of Israel only.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 47:2

Psalms 47:2 For the LORD most high [is] terrible; [he is] a great King over all the earth.Ver. 2. For the Lord most high is terrible] Amiable to his own, terrible to his rebels. This Son, if not kissed, will be angry, Psalms 2:12 This Lamb, for a need, can show himself a lion; as he is the Father of mercies, so the God of recompenses, &c., and being most high, he can easily overtop and subdue the stoutest of his enemies. He is a great King over all the earth] As having taken possession, by his wonderful ascension, of the universal kingdom given him by his Father, and gathered himself a Church out of all mankind, which he wonderfully ruleth and defendeth against the rage of earth and of hell.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 47:2

(2) Most high.—Or, possibly, a predicate, is exalted. Terrible.—Literally, feared. (Comp. 2 Chronicles 20:29).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 47:2

Verse 2. For the Lord most high is terrible] He has insufferable majesty, and is a great King-the mightiest of all emperors, for he is Sovereign over the whole earth.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 47:2

2. We may also render as in R.V. marg., For the Lord is most high (and) terrible, or better still, For Jehovah, the Most High, the terrible, Is a great King over all the earth, for the universal sovereignty of Jehovah is the prominent thought of the Psalm. He is not merely King of Israel (Psalms 47:6) but King of all the earth (Psalms 47:7). It is to Him that the title ‘great King,’ so arrogantly assumed by the king of Assyria (Isaiah 36:4), really belongs. This verse links together Psalms 46:4 and Psalms 48:2. For the epithet ‘terrible’ cp. Psalms 76:7; Psalms 76:12; Exodus 15:11; Deuteronomy 7:21; Deuteronomy 10:17.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 47:2

For the Lord most high - Yahweh, the Most High God; that is, who is exalted above all other beings. Compare Exodus 18:11; 1 Chronicles 16:25 Psalms 96:4; 2 Chronicles 2:5; Psalms 95:3.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 47:2

1-4. The first division of the psalm ends, (Psalms 47:4,) with a “selah;” but the theme is one throughout, namely, the universal dominion of Jehovah, of which Israel is the centre and glory.

Sermons on Psalms 47:2

SermonDescription
David Smithers Necessity of Seeing Jesus as King by David Smithers In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of how surrendering their heart to God allowed the word of God to have a deeper impact on their life. They emphasize the im
Colin Peckham "The Great God" by Colin Peckham This sermon emphasizes the greatness and glory of God, highlighting the distinction between God's heavenly majesty and our earthly limitations. It calls for a reverent recognition
E.W. Bullinger The Divine Names and Titles by E.W. Bullinger E.W. Bullinger delves into the significance of various names of God in the Bible, highlighting the different aspects of His character and relationship with His people. Elohim, ment
Zhiming Yuan God and China by Zhiming Yuan Zhiming Yuan delves into the intricate relationship between Christianity and Chinese culture, exploring the historical tensions, biases, and hindrances that have existed over the p
Paul Washer The Glory of God and Missions by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker addresses the question of how to reconcile the idea that God does everything for Himself with the belief that God is a loving God who loves people. He u
Thomas Shepard Only Those Prepared Here by Thomas Shepard Thomas Shepard preaches about the importance of being ready and prepared in this life for Christ to enjoy eternal communion with Him. He emphasizes that men are naturally unfit for
Tom Macartney God Is My King by Tom Macartney Tom Macartney emphasizes the urgent need for Christians to truly see and know Christ as the reigning King in their hearts and in the church, highlighting the importance of surrende

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