Psalms 96:4
Psalms 96:4 in Multiple Translations
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
For great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.
For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised; he is more to be feared than all other gods.
For the Lord is great, and deserves the best praise! He is to be respected with awe above all gods.
For the Lord is great and much to be praysed: he is to be feared aboue all gods.
For great [is] Jehovah, and praised greatly, Fearful He [is] over all gods.
For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods.
For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
His lightnings have shone forth to the world: the earth saw and trembled.
Yahweh is great, and he deserves to be praised very much; he should be revered more than for all the gods,
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 96:4
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 96:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֥י
גָ֘ד֤וֹל
יְהוָ֣ה
וּ/מְהֻלָּ֣ל
מְאֹ֑ד
נוֹרָ֥א
ה֝֗וּא
עַל
כָּל
אֱלֹהִֽים
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
גָ֘ד֤וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וּ/מְהֻלָּ֣ל
hâlal
H1984
to shine
Conj | V-Pual-Inf-c
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
נוֹרָ֥א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Niphal
ה֝֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 96:4
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.
גָ֘ד֤וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
יְהוָ֣ה
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.
וּ/מְהֻלָּ֣ל
hâlal
H1984
"to shine"
Conj | V-Pual-Inf-c
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.
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
נוֹרָ֥א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
ה֝֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
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.
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.
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 96:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 96:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 96:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 96:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 96:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 96:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 96:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 96:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 96:4
- Sermons on Psalms 96:4
Context — Sing to the LORD, All the Earth
2Sing to the LORD, bless His name; proclaim His salvation day after day.
3Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.
4For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
5For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens. 6Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty fill His sanctuary.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 145:3 | Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable. |
| 2 | Psalms 18:3 | I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. |
| 3 | Revelation 15:4 | Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 10:6–7 | There is none like You, O LORD. You are great, and Your name is mighty in power. Who would not fear You, O King of nations? This is Your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You. |
| 5 | Psalms 95:3 | For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods. |
| 6 | Psalms 89:7 | In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him. |
| 7 | Psalms 66:3 | Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You. |
| 8 | Psalms 86:10 | For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God. |
| 9 | Psalms 48:1 | Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain. |
| 10 | Exodus 18:11 | Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for He did this when they treated Israel with arrogance.” |
Psalms 96:4 Summary
Psalms 96:4 tells us that God is great and deserves our praise, and that we should fear Him above all other gods. This means that we should have a deep respect and reverence for God, recognizing His power and authority. We can show our praise and reverence for God by singing to Him, blessing His name, and proclaiming His salvation to others (Psalms 96:2-3). By fearing God and recognizing His greatness, we can cultivate a deeper sense of awe and wonder at His majesty, and live a life that is pleasing to Him (Proverbs 1:7).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to fear God in Psalms 96:4?
To fear God means to have a deep respect and reverence for Him, recognizing His power and authority, as seen in Psalms 111:10, which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Are there other gods that are worthy of praise?
According to Psalms 96:4-5, the answer is no, for all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the Lord who made the heavens, as also stated in Isaiah 44:6, which declares that the Lord is the only true God.
How can we greatly praise God as mentioned in Psalms 96:4?
We can greatly praise God by singing to Him, blessing His name, and proclaiming His salvation day after day, as mentioned in Psalms 96:2, and by declaring His glory among the nations, as stated in Psalms 96:3.
What is the significance of saying God is to be feared above all gods?
It emphasizes that God is the one true God, superior to all false gods and idols, and deserving of our reverence and worship, as also stated in Exodus 20:3, which commands us to have no other gods before Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my fear and reverence for God in my daily life?
- How can I balance the fear of God with the love and mercy that He shows to me?
- In what ways can I proclaim God's salvation and declare His glory to those around me?
- What are some idols in my life that I need to recognize and reject, and how can I replace them with a deeper devotion to the one true God?
- How can I cultivate a greater sense of awe and wonder at God's greatness and majesty, as described in Psalms 96:4?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 96:4
For the Lord is great,.... In the perfections of his nature; in the works of his hands, of creation, providence, and redemption; and in the several offices he bears and executes: and greatly to be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 96:4
For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 96:4
The gods of the nations, as the next verse expounds it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 96:4
Psalms 96:4 For the LORD [is] great, and greatly to be praised: he [is] to be feared above all gods.Ver. 4. For the Lord is great] Vere magnus est Christianorum Deus, said Calocerius, a heathen; he is omni laude maior, et merito metuendus, saith David here, and elsewhere often. Sound out, therefore, and send abroad his worthy praises, that others may hear and fear.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 96:4
Verse 4. He is to be feared above all gods.] I think the two clauses of this verse should be read thus: - Jehovah is great, and greatly to be praised. Elohim is to be feared above all. I doubt whether the word אלהים Elohim is ever, by fair construction, applied to false gods or idols. The contracted form in the following verse appears to have this meaning.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 96:4
4–6. Jehovah’s worthiness to be praised.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 96:4
For the Lord is great - Yahweh is great. See the notes at Psalms 77:13. This verse is taken literally from 1 Chronicles 16:25. And greatly to be praised - Worthy of exalted praise and adoration.
Sermons on Psalms 96:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God of the Nations - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the historical and ethnic background of the Slavic people who had become Muslims during an invasion four centuries ago. He highlights the warf |
|
For Such a Time by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by setting the historical context of the Babylonian kingdom falling and being replaced by the Medo-Persian Empire, with King Hashiris ruling over |
|
Passionate for God's Holiness - Part 3 by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the incomparable nature of God's holiness, highlighting His unique, divine, and morally perfect attributes. It delves into the rarity, permanence, and access |
|
Psalm 150 by Henry Law | Henry Law emphasizes the eternal nature of praise, urging believers to continually offer praise to the Lord with all their being and for His mighty acts, greatness, and redemption. |
|
The Glory Which Is Due to Jehovah. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches a Thanksgiving Sermon based on 1 Chronicles 16:28-29, emphasizing the importance of giving glory and strength to the Lord, bringing offerings, and worshiping |
|
Evan Roberts Preaching in 1905 by Evan Roberts | Evan Roberts reflects on the glorious deeds of God, emphasizing that no amount of time could fully express His greatness. He challenges the congregation to consider what they offer |
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Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church - Full Service With Music by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on spiritual matters rather than worldly distractions. He encourages believers to be absorbed in the teachings of |