Psalms 97:9

Authorized King James Version

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For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אַתָּ֤ה H859
אַתָּ֤ה
Strong's: H859
Word #: 2 of 12
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
יְהוָ֗ה For thou LORD H3068
יְהוָ֗ה For thou LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֶלְי֥וֹן art high above H5945
עֶלְי֥וֹן art high above
Strong's: H5945
Word #: 4 of 12
an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 5 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 6 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָאָ֑רֶץ all the earth H776
הָאָ֑רֶץ all the earth
Strong's: H776
Word #: 7 of 12
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
מְאֹ֥ד far above H3966
מְאֹ֥ד far above
Strong's: H3966
Word #: 8 of 12
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
נַ֝עֲלֵ֗יתָ thou art exalted H5927
נַ֝עֲלֵ֗יתָ thou art exalted
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 9 of 12
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 10 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֱלֹהִֽים׃ all gods H430
אֱלֹהִֽים׃ all gods
Strong's: H430
Word #: 12 of 12
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

Analysis & Commentary

The phrase 'high above all the earth' (al-kol-ha'arets) establishes God's transcendent position. Being 'exalted far above all gods' doesn't concede other gods' existence but uses polemical language to assert Yahweh's incomparability. The Hebrew ma'od (exceedingly, very) intensifies the exaltation. This verse's absolute claims refute both polytheism and religious pluralism—there is no pantheon, only one supreme God. His supremacy is not one of degree but of kind—He alone is God.

Historical Context

In the ancient world of competing national deities, Israel's radical monotheism set them apart and formed the foundation for Christianity's exclusive truth claims.

Questions for Reflection