Psalms 48:1

Authorized King James Version

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גָּ֘ד֤וֹל

H1419

Great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

is the LORD

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

וּמְהֻלָּ֣ל

H1984

to be praised

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

מְאֹ֑ד

H3966

and greatly

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

בְּעִ֥יר

H5892

in the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֱ֝לֹהֵ֗ינוּ

H430

of our God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הַר

H2022

in the mountain

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

קָדְשֽׁוֹ׃

H6944

of his holiness

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing holiness contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood holiness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on holiness address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?