Psalms 57:11

Authorized King James Version

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ר֣וּמָה
H7311
Be thou exalted
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#2
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
שָׁמַ֣יִם
H8064
above the heavens
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
#4
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
H430
O 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
#5
עַ֖ל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
הָאָ֣רֶץ
H776
be above all the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#8
כְּבוֹדֶֽךָ׃
H3519
let thy glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of glory 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 careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection