Psalm 113 8

Psalm 113:8 kjv

That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.

Psalm 113:8 nkjv

That He may seat him with princes? With the princes of His people.

Psalm 113:8 niv

he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.

Psalm 113:8 esv

to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.

Psalm 113:8 nlt

He sets them among princes,
even the princes of his own people!

Psalm 113 verses

Psalm 113 8 Meaning

Psalm 113:8 proclaims God's ability and intention to lift the humble and the needy from their lowly status and place them among those of high esteem and authority, specifically with the nobility and leaders of His covenant people. It highlights divine favor, honour, and elevation for those whom society often overlooks.

Psalm 113 8 Context

Psalm 113 is the first of the "Hallel" psalms (113-118), traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals such as Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot. This particular psalm opens with a universal call to praise the Lord (v. 1-3) because of His supreme greatness and transcendence, acknowledged through His high dwelling place (v. 4-5). Yet, despite His transcendence, He "humbles Himself to behold" (v. 6) what happens on earth. Verses 7-9 then vividly illustrate this condescension by depicting God's radical transformation of the lowly. The preceding verse (v. 7) speaks of lifting the poor and needy "from the ash heap," which was a place of utmost despair and marginalization. Verse 8 builds directly on this, explaining the specific form of their elevation: to be seated "with princes." The chapter concludes with another example of God's reversal of fortune for the barren woman (v. 9), affirming His power to change destinies and give life. This verse fits perfectly within the psalm's theme of praising God for His majesty demonstrated not by distance, but by compassionate intervention and elevation of the marginalized within His covenant community.

Psalm 113 8 Word analysis

• לְהוֹשִׁיבֹו (lĕhōwšîvōw): "that He may set him," "cause him to sit," "establish him."
  • This word, derived from the root יָשַׁב (yashab), means "to sit," "dwell," "settle," or "inhabit."
  • In the hiphil stem (causative), it signifies "to cause to sit," "to set up," "to appoint to a position."
  • It denotes a deliberate and active setting or placing, implying God's direct agency in elevating the individual.
  • It conveys permanence and establishment in a position of honour, not a temporary visit.
  • The grammatical structure implies purpose: why God lifts them – in order that He might set them.
• עִם (`im): "with."
  • This preposition indicates companionship, association, or being alongside.
  • It stresses direct placement among and on par with the princes, not merely in their presence.
• נְדִיבִים (nĕdîvîm): "princes," "nobles," "willing ones," "generous ones."
  • The root נדב (nadab) primarily means "to be willing," "volunteering," "generous."
  • From this, נְדִיבִים evolved to mean those of noble character, who are generous and high-minded.
  • It refers to individuals of high birth, status, authority, or distinguished character, often implying leadership or political power in the context of society.
  • These are people of influence, respect, and means in ancient Israelite society.
• נְדִיבֵי עַמּוֹ (nĕdîvê `ammōw): "princes of his people."
  • This specific phrase limits the scope to leaders within "His people"—the covenant community of Israel.
  • It emphasizes that the elevated status is within God's chosen nation, conferring honour and influence in a significant and sacred context.
  • The repetition of "princes" serves as an intensifying, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of this elevation and confirming the specific context of honour.

Psalm 113 8 Bonus section

The exaltation described in Psalm 113:8 can be seen in both literal and spiritual dimensions. Historically, God elevated figures like David from shepherd to king, and Joseph from prisoner to ruler, embodying this principle. Spiritually, it signifies the dignifying work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, raising them from the 'ash heap' of sin and despair to a position of royal priesthood (1 Pet 2:9) and joint-heirship with Christ (Rom 8:17). The "princes of his people" can thus extend beyond mere political leaders to include spiritual leaders and honoured members of God's church, whom the once-lowly believer now sits alongside in spiritual dignity and purpose. This illustrates that God's plan is to redeem and re-dignify, granting honour not based on human merit, but on divine grace.

Psalm 113 8 Commentary

Psalm 113:8 beautifully encapsulates the transformative power of God's grace and justice. It contrasts starkly with human notions of status, where birthright, wealth, or power often determine one's position. God, who is transcendent above all heavens, condescends to the lowest on earth to reverse their fortune completely. He picks up the one cast aside, even from the "ash heap"—a symbol of ultimate poverty, disease, and social ostracism—and bestows upon them dignity and authority by seating them among the most honoured and influential members of His society. This isn't just about economic upliftment but a complete reversal of social standing and a profound spiritual affirmation. It demonstrates God's character: not only is He omnipotent and glorious, but He is also intimately concerned with the plight of the humble and delights in revealing His power through uplifting them. This act is not for the sake of earthly power itself but for honouring those overlooked, affirming that true value and exaltation come from Him.

This verse serves as a beacon of hope for the downcast, a challenge to human pride, and a testimony to divine favour that transcends worldly criteria. It finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Kingdom of God, where those who are "last" often become "first," and humility is the path to true exaltation, as seen profoundly in the person and work of Christ.