Psalms 99:2
The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.
Original Language Analysis
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּצִיּ֣וֹן
in Zion
H6726
בְּצִיּ֣וֹן
in Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
2 of 8
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
וְרָ֥ם
and he is high
H7311
וְרָ֥ם
and he is high
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
4 of 8
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
ה֝֗וּא
H1931
ה֝֗וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 8
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Psalms 97:9For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.Isaiah 14:32What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.Isaiah 12:6Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
Historical Context
Zion/Jerusalem was where the temple stood, making it the focal point of God's presence and the destination for pilgrimage worship during Israel's annual feasts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's presence among His people (now the church, His temple) make the body of Christ 'great' in the world?
- What responsibility comes with being part of the community where God has chosen to manifest His presence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Zion as the location where 'the LORD is great' establishes Jerusalem as the center of God's self-revelation in the Old Covenant. God being 'high above all the people' (ram—exalted) emphasizes His supremacy over all nations, not just Israel. This verse presents both the localized presence of God in the temple and His universal sovereignty over all peoples. The greatness of God in Zion would ultimately be fulfilled in Christ, who tabernacled among us (John 1:14).