Psalms 89:6
For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִ֣י
H4310
מִ֣י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
2 of 9
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
בַ֭שַּׁחַק
For who in the heaven
H7834
בַ֭שַּׁחַק
For who in the heaven
Strong's:
H7834
Word #:
3 of 9
a powder (as beaten small); by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament
יַעֲרֹ֣ךְ
can be compared
H6186
יַעֲרֹ֣ךְ
can be compared
Strong's:
H6186
Word #:
4 of 9
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
לַ֝יהוָ֗ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַ֝יהוָ֗ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יִדְמֶ֥ה
can be likened
H1819
יִדְמֶ֥ה
can be likened
Strong's:
H1819
Word #:
6 of 9
to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider
לַ֝יהוָ֗ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַ֝יהוָ֗ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Psalms 113:5Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,Psalms 86:8Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.Jeremiah 10:6Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.Psalms 71:19Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!Psalms 29:1Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.Exodus 15:11Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?Psalms 89:8O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?Psalms 40:5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.Psalms 52:1Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.Psalms 73:25Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern cosmology, the divine council consisted of multiple gods deliberating together. Israel's psalms subvert this—Yahweh alone is sovereign, and all heavenly 'mighty ones' are His created servants, not rivals. This theological revolution prepared the way for monotheism's universal claim.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern equivalents to the 'sons of the mighty' (power, success, human approval) are you tempted to elevate alongside God?
- How does God's incomparability among heavenly beings inform your view of spiritual warfare and angelic/demonic powers?
- What comfort does God's absolute uniqueness provide when facing circumstances that seem beyond His control?
Analysis & Commentary
For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? (כִּי מִי בַשַּׁחַק יַעֲרֹךְ לַיהוָה)—The rhetorical question demands the answer 'no one.' Shamayim (heaven) contains no being who can be arak (arranged alongside, compared) to Yahweh. Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD? (מִי יִדְמֶה לַיהוָה בִּבְנֵי אֵלִים)—The bene elim (sons of gods/mighty ones) are heavenly beings or angels, yet none can be damah (likened, made similar) to Yahweh.
This is radical monotheism in a polytheistic world. While Israel's neighbors worshiped pantheons with competing deities, Israel's God stands alone—incomparable in power, faithfulness, and covenant-keeping. The verse implicitly dismisses any angel worship or elevation of heavenly beings, a theme Paul reinforces in Colossians 2:18. Christ alone shares the divine throne (Hebrews 1:3-4), superior even to angels.