Bible Strands
Psalms 47:2
How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist speaks to the gathered nations and peoples immediately after commanding them to clap hands and shout with triumph. The declaration functions as the theological basis for that communal worship.
The words — The Hebrew נוֹרָא (noʿrāʾ) literally means "to be feared" or "awesome," and עֶלְי֣וֹן (ʿelyôn) translates to "Most High." These terms directly modify the text's description of Yahweh's supreme status.
The thread — The text's claim of Yahweh as a great King over all the earth parallels Psalms 95:3, which calls Him a great King above all gods. The designation of His awesome name also appears in Psalms 99:3, where the focus remains on praise rather than territorial rule.
Why it lands — The text asserts that Yahweh rules over every nation and territory without exception. It requires the reader to acknowledge that reality and adjust their posture accordingly.
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
For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
Cross-references
- Psalms 95:3 For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.
- Psalms 99:3 Let them praise Your great and awesome name—He is holy!
- 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.
- Deuteronomy 7:21 Do not be terrified by them, for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God.
- Psalms 66:3 Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You.
- 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!
- 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,
- Psalms 47:7 For God is King of all the earth; sing to Him a psalm of praise.
- 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.
- Psalms 22:27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him.