Psalm 135 5

Psalm 135:5 kjv

For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

Psalm 135:5 nkjv

For I know that the LORD is great, And our Lord is above all gods.

Psalm 135:5 niv

I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.

Psalm 135:5 esv

For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

Psalm 135:5 nlt

I know the greatness of the LORD ?
that our Lord is greater than any other god.

Psalm 135 verses

Psalm 135 5 Meaning

Psalm 135:5 declares the absolute and incomparable supremacy of the God of Israel. It is a profound statement of faith acknowledging the singular greatness of the LORD (YHWH) and His complete sovereignty over all other perceived deities. The "I know" reflects a personal and experiential understanding of God's revealed character and mighty acts, affirming His unparalleled power and divine status. This verse stands as a testament to monotheism, asserting that no other entity or god can equal the true God.

Psalm 135 5 Context

Psalm 135 is a psalm of praise that celebrates God's sovereign power, His selection of Israel as His peculiar treasure, and His mighty works in history, especially against the gods and powers of Egypt and Canaan. It is thought to have been used in temple liturgy. Verse 5 encapsulates the theological climax of this celebration: the explicit assertion that the God being praised, YHWH, is uniquely powerful and superior to all other supposed deities. This verse functions as a polemic against idolatry, setting God apart from the false gods worshipped by surrounding nations and emphasizing that Israel's God alone is truly mighty. The surrounding verses in Psalm 135 detail specific acts, such as the Exodus plagues (vs. 8-9) and the conquest of kings (vs. 10-12), which provide concrete evidence for the psalmist's confession of God's supremacy and power over all gods and their adherents.

Psalm 135 5 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - kî): A conjunction meaning "for," "because," "that." It introduces the reason or basis for the praise and calling to worship mentioned earlier in the psalm. The knowledge stated is foundational to the praise.
• I (אֲנִי - ’ănî): The first-person singular pronoun, "I." Though part of a communal psalm, the use of "I" emphasizes a personal confession and conviction, suggesting an individual's deep experiential understanding alongside corporate worship.
• know (יָדַעְתִּי - yāḏa‘tî): A verb in the Qal perfect first person singular from yada’ (to know). It signifies more than intellectual assent; it denotes an experiential, intimate, and certain knowledge based on personal observation and understanding of God's character and acts. This is a deep realization.
• that (כִּי - kî): Another instance of "that," introducing the content of what is known.
• the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): The unique, covenantal, proper name of God, typically rendered "LORD" in all capitals in English Bibles. It speaks to God's personal nature, faithfulness, self-existence, and His specific relationship with Israel. It emphasizes His distinction from any other named entity.
• is great (גָּדוֹל - gāḏôl): An adjective meaning "great," "large," "mighty," "important." It speaks to God's unparalleled power, majesty, immense size, comprehensive scope, and infinite nature. It encompasses His supreme being, authority, and awesome power, demonstrated in His historical interventions.
• and that (וַאֲדֹנֵינוּ - wa’ăḏōnênū): A conjunction "and" (wĕ) attached to "our Lord" (’ăḏōnênū). "Our Lord" uses the possessive form of Adon, a common title for master or lord, which often substitutes YHWH in reading or signifies a ruling authority. The possessive "our" signifies His unique ownership and protective relationship with Israel and believers. The preceding kî ("that") is implied here in English.
• our Lord (אֲדֹנֵינוּ - ’ăḏōnênū): Literally "our Lord." This term emphasizes the dominion and authority of God over His people, acknowledging Him as Master and Sovereign, the One who exercises ultimate control and provides guidance.
• is above (מִכָּל - mikkol): From "from all" or "more than all." This preposition min (mi-) indicating comparison and superiority is attached to kol ("all"). It signifies an absolute position of preeminence, transcendence, and incomparability.
• all gods (אֱלֹהִים - ’ĕlōhîm): This plural noun can refer to God, gods, or mighty ones. In this context, given the explicit comparison, it refers to the idols and false deities of pagan nations. The statement asserts God's absolute superiority, rendering all other "gods" powerless, fictitious, or subservient to Him.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• For I know: Establishes the basis of the declaration not just on tradition but on deep, experiential, personal conviction. It implies a proven, reliable knowledge of God.
• that the LORD is great: A foundational statement affirming YHWH's intrinsic nature of boundless might, majesty, and inherent value. This greatness is self-existent, not derived.
• and that our Lord is above: This phrase highlights God's preeminence and sovereignty in relational terms. He is not merely great in essence but actively exercises rule over His people and everything else.
• all gods: This provides the clear comparative context. The greatness of YHWH is particularly seen in His unique standing above all competing claims of divinity, emphasizing a direct polemic against polytheism and idolatry. It strips all other supposed deities of any true power or claim.

Psalm 135 5 Bonus section

• This verse echoes themes found throughout the Psalms and prophetic literature, asserting God's solitary reign and incomparable majesty. It reflects a core tenet of Old Testament theology.
• The comparison "above all gods" is a recurring motif used to demonstrate YHWH's absolute control over creation and history, making it a critical aspect of understanding His uniqueness.
• The "I know" suggests an assurance that grows from consistent observation of God's faithful acts, such as the deliverance from Egypt and the victory over formidable enemies detailed later in the psalm.
• This specific verse reinforces the First Commandment (Exo 20:3), reminding Israel that their allegiance must be exclusively to the one God, YHWH, who proved His superiority by vanquishing the gods of their oppressors.

Psalm 135 5 Commentary

Psalm 135:5 serves as the theological core of the surrounding celebration of God's deeds. It is a profound declaration stemming from the lived experience and historical witness of Israel. The psalmist's personal confession, "I know," underscores that understanding God's greatness is not a passive reception of information but an active, internal recognition based on observing His demonstrated power in the world. This greatness of YHWH, our covenant Lord, manifests primarily in His absolute supremacy over anything that might challenge His authority or claim divinity. This assertion stands in direct opposition to the prevalent polytheistic cultures surrounding Israel, where numerous local and national gods were worshipped. By stating that YHWH is "above all gods," the psalm effectively demolishes the validity and power of these idols, affirming that they are mere inventions, powerless, and subordinate to the one true God. This statement is foundational for worship and encourages unwavering trust and exclusive devotion to the Lord. Practically, it calls believers to prioritize God above all worldly powers, ideologies, or personal idols that may vie for ultimate allegiance.