Psalms 97:7
Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
Original Language Analysis
יֵבֹ֤שׁוּ׀
Confounded
H954
יֵבֹ֤שׁוּ׀
Confounded
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֹ֬בְדֵי
be all they that serve
H5647
עֹ֬בְדֵי
be all they that serve
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
3 of 10
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
הַמִּֽתְהַלְלִ֥ים
that boast
H1984
הַמִּֽתְהַלְלִ֥ים
that boast
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
5 of 10
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
בָּאֱלִילִ֑ים
themselves of idols
H457
בָּאֱלִילִ֑ים
themselves of idols
Strong's:
H457
Word #:
6 of 10
good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol
הִשְׁתַּחֲווּ
worship
H7812
הִשְׁתַּחֲווּ
worship
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
7 of 10
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
Cross References
Hebrews 1:6And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.Jeremiah 10:14Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.Isaiah 42:17They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.Exodus 20:4Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:Leviticus 26:1Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.
Historical Context
Israel constantly battled syncretism and idolatry. This psalm confronts all false worship with Yahweh's supremacy, a message Gentile converts to Christianity also needed.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern 'idols' (career, comfort, approval) do people trust in that will ultimately bring shame?
- How does Christ's deity, affirmed by applying this verse to Him in Hebrews 1:6, strengthen your worship of Him?
Analysis & Commentary
The shame (bosh) of idol worshipers stems from trusting in powerless objects rather than the living God. 'Graven images' (pesel) are carved representations devoid of life, power, or reality. The command for 'all gods' (elohim) to worship Yahweh may refer to angelic beings (as in Hebrews 1:6, which quotes this verse regarding Christ) or sarcastically to false gods bowing before the true God. This verse's New Testament application to Christ's incarnation demonstrates His deity—He receives the worship due to Yahweh alone.