Psalms 97:6
The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
Original Language Analysis
הִגִּ֣ידוּ
declare
H5046
הִגִּ֣ידוּ
declare
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם
The heavens
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם
The 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
צִדְק֑וֹ
his righteousness
H6664
צִדְק֑וֹ
his righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
3 of 7
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
וְרָא֖וּ
see
H7200
וְרָא֖וּ
see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Psalms 50:6And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.Psalms 19:1The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.Isaiah 66:18For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.Isaiah 6:3And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.Isaiah 45:6That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.Isaiah 40:5And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.Psalms 67:4O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.2 Samuel 22:47The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.
Historical Context
In a polytheistic world, this psalm insists that nature reveals the one true God's righteousness, not multiple deities' capricious wills.
Questions for Reflection
- How does observing creation testify to you about God's righteousness and glory?
- What responsibility do you have when you see evidence of God's glory to testify about Him to others?
Analysis & Commentary
The heavens declaring God's righteousness (tsedeq) parallels Psalm 19's 'heavens declare the glory of God,' establishing creation's testimony to its Creator. This natural revelation is universal—'all the people see his glory'—leaving humanity without excuse (Romans 1:20). The Hebrew kavod (glory) encompasses weightiness, significance, and visible manifestation of God's presence. Creation itself serves as witness to God's character, particularly His righteousness and glory, making atheism willful blindness rather than intellectual honesty.