Psalms 138:4

All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יוֹד֣וּךָ

H3034

shall praise

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

יְ֭הוָה

H3068

thee O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַלְכֵי

H4428

All the kings

a king

אָ֑רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁ֝מְע֗וּ

H8085

when they hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אִמְרֵי

H561

the words

something said

פִֽיךָ׃

H6310

of thy mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?