What does Psalm 33:8 mean?

Because God is righteous, just, loving, and all-powerful, all the inhabitants of earth should stand in awe of Him. "Fear" of God is not tied to panic or terror, though those who hate and despise God have good reasons to dread His judgment (Hebrews 10:30–31; Revelation 20:11–15). Those who love God "fear" Him in a context of reverence, awe, and humility. This perspective is the foundation of proper knowledge of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7; 3:1–8).

Psalm 95 parallels Psalm 33's call for joyful praise and reverence; both evoke God's greatness and creative power. Verse 1 summons worshipers to sing with joy to the Lord (Psalm 95:1). Verse 3 describes "a great God, and a great King above all gods" (Psalm 95:3). Verse 5 echoes Psalm 33:7 by affirming, "The sea is his, for he made it" (Psalm 95:5).

Although many psalms and other Scriptures call for reverent worship of God, many refuse to acknowledge Him as the only wise and loving God (Jeremiah 35:15; Romans 1:18–32). Numerous people even deny the existence of the One who created all things, including themselves (Psalm 14:1). Even those who claim to believe in God often defy His will in their lives (Titus 1:16). However, someday every knee must bow before Jesus, the Son of God, and confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10–11).