Bible Strands
Psalms 138:5
They will sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist declares that future observers will sing of the LORD's ways after the kings of the earth hear His words and give thanks. This declaration follows the psalmist's prayer for divine attention to the humble and judgment of the proud.
The words — The Hebrew יָשִׁירוּ (ya.shi.ru) means "they will sing" or "they may sing," paired with בְּדַרְכֵי יְהוָה (be./dar.Khei Yah.weh) for "in the ways of Yahweh." The clause כִּי גָדוֹל כְּבוֹד יְהוָה (ki ga.Dol ke.Vod Yah.weh) literally translates to "for [is] great the glory of Yahweh."
The thread — The theme of God's greatness and glory appearing in worship connects to Psalms 21:5, Revelation 4:11, and Revelation 7:12. These passages similarly attribute splendor, honor, and power to God in response to His acts or creation.
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to acknowledge that divine glory is the objective basis for future worship, not human achievement. It directs attention away from the singer and toward the established reality of God's actions.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.
Cross-references
- Psalms 21:5 Great is his glory in Your salvation; You bestow on him splendor and majesty.
- Revelation 4:11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.”
- Revelation 7:12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
- Malachi 1:11 For My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place, incense and pure offerings will be presented in My name, because My name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD of Hosts.
- Exodus 15:11 Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?
- Isaiah 6:1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple.
- Revelation 5:12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
- Exodus 33:18 Then Moses said, “Please show me Your glory.”
- John 17:1 When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.
- Revelation 19:1 After this I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude in heaven, shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God!