Psalms 148:4

Authorized King James Version

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Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

Original Language Analysis

הַֽ֭לְלוּהוּ Praise H1984
הַֽ֭לְלוּהוּ Praise
Strong's: H1984
Word #: 1 of 7
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ him ye heavens H8064
הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ him ye heavens
Strong's: H8064
Word #: 2 of 7
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ him ye heavens H8064
הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ him ye heavens
Strong's: H8064
Word #: 3 of 7
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וְ֝הַמַּ֗יִם and ye waters H4325
וְ֝הַמַּ֗יִם and ye waters
Strong's: H4325
Word #: 4 of 7
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
אֲשֶׁ֤ר׀ H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר׀
Strong's: H834
Word #: 5 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מֵעַ֬ל H5921
מֵעַ֬ל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 6 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ him ye heavens H8064
הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ him ye heavens
Strong's: H8064
Word #: 7 of 7
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

Analysis & Commentary

Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. This verse reaches to the highest cosmic realms. The phrase "heavens of heavens" (shemei hashamayim, שְׁמֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם) uses Hebrew superlative construction, meaning "highest heavens" or "heaven of heavens"—the ultimate celestial realm beyond visible sky. This is the "third heaven" Paul mentions (2 Corinthians 12:2), God's dwelling place, the apex of created reality.

The phrase "waters that be above the heavens" (hamayim asher me'al hashamayim, הַמַּיִם אֲשֶׁר מֵעַל הַשָּׁמָיִם) reflects ancient Hebrew cosmology based on Genesis 1:6-7, where God separated waters above the firmament from waters below. While modern cosmology differs, the theological point remains: every level of creation, including realms beyond human observation or comprehension, exists to glorify God. These highest waters symbolize creation's furthest reaches—even what transcends human experience must praise its Maker.

Paul echoes this cosmic scope in Philippians 2:10-11: "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." The ultimate fulfillment of universal praise awaits Christ's return, when all creation acknowledges His lordship.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern cosmology envisioned a three-tiered universe: heavens above, earth in the middle, waters below. The 'firmament' (raqia) separated heavenly waters from earthly seas. While this reflects pre-scientific understanding, Scripture uses this framework to teach theological truth: God created and sustains all levels of reality. Post-exilic Jewish literature developed elaborate descriptions of multiple heavens (eventually numbering seven), but biblical emphasis remains on God's sovereignty over all creation, however conceived.

Questions for Reflection