What does Psalm 113:4 mean?
ESV: The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!
NIV: The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.
NASB: The Lord is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens.
CSB: The Lord is exalted above all the nations, his glory above the heavens.
NLT: For the Lord is high above the nations; his glory is higher than the heavens.
KJV: The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
NKJV: The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 113:4–9 expands on the introduction (Psalm 113:1–3) by pointing out God's absolute power. His sovereignty means He alone is above all created things. At the same time, the Lord is loving and merciful to those He has created. Examples of this love are His care of the poor and restoration of the disadvantaged.
Chapter Summary:
This song begins and ends with a Hebrew phrase rendered in English as "hallelujah," meaning "Praise the LORD!" The psalmist calls on God's people to worship the Lord forever. God's power and loving nature are also celebrated. Psalms 113—118 are related songs often used for festival celebrations.
Chapter Context:
Psalms 113—118 are known as "the Egyptian Hallel." This collection was used at celebrations such as Passover (Matthew 26:30), which remembered Israel's rescue from Egyptian slavery (Psalm 114:1). The term "Hallelujah" comes from the Hebrew combination of halal and Yah, or halelu-yāh, typically translated as "praise the LORD!" The words of Psalm 136, or sometimes Psalms 120—136, are referred to as "the Great Hallel" for similar reasons.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
