Psalms 93:1

Authorized King James Version

The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
מָלָךְ֮
reigneth
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#3
גֵּא֪וּת
with majesty
the same as h1346
#4
לָבֵ֣שׁ
he is clothed
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#5
לָבֵ֣שׁ
he is clothed
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#6
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
עֹ֣ז
with strength
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
#8
הִתְאַזָּ֑ר
wherewith he hath girded
to belt
#9
אַף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#10
תִּכּ֥וֹן
also is stablished
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#11
תֵּ֝בֵ֗ל
himself the world
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,
#12
בַּל
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
#13
תִּמּֽוֹט׃
that it cannot be moved
to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Psalms.

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