Psalm 148 11

Psalm 148:11 kjv

Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

Psalm 148:11 nkjv

Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth;

Psalm 148:11 niv

kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth,

Psalm 148:11 esv

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!

Psalm 148:11 nlt

kings of the earth and all people,
rulers and judges of the earth,

Psalm 148 verses

Psalm 148 11 Meaning

Psalm 148:11 is a clarion call within a broader hymn of cosmic praise, directing its specific mandate to all human leadership and governmental authority throughout the world. It commands kings, entire peoples, high-ranking princes, and judicial figures across all lands to offer praise to the Lord. The verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over every level of earthly governance, emphasizing that no individual or group, regardless of their worldly power or status, is exempt from the divine imperative to acknowledge and worship their Creator. It presents a profound theological truth that all human power is delegated and finds its ultimate purpose in magnifying the divine source from which it emanates.

Psalm 148 11 Context

Psalm 148 is a magnificent hymn of universal praise, structured to progressively encompass all creation. It begins by calling upon the celestial realm (verses 1-6)—the heavens, angelic hosts, sun, moon, and stars—to laud their Maker. It then descends to the earthly realm (verses 7-10), enjoining marine life, atmospheric phenomena, mountains, trees, all animals, and flying creatures to give glory. Within this comprehensive scope, Psalm 148:11 serves as a pivotal bridge, initiating the call for human beings to participate in this cosmic symphony of praise. It specifically addresses those at the apex of human societal structures – kings, princes, and judges – along with "all peoples," ensuring that the call extends across the entirety of humanity. Historically, in the ancient Near East, kings often claimed divine status or derived their authority from numerous local deities. By demanding their praise for Yahweh, the Psalm fundamentally asserts God's supreme and sole authority over all earthly powers, challenging any polytheistic notions or claims of independent human sovereignty.

Psalm 148 11 Word analysis

• מְלָכֵי אֶרֶץ (melaḵê ’ereṣ) - "kings of the earth":

  • מְלָכֵי (melaḵê): This is the plural construct form of מֶלֶךְ (meleḵ), meaning "king" or "monarch." It refers to those holding the highest political authority in their respective nations or domains. In the ancient world, kings were often viewed as divine or semi-divine, acting as mediators between the gods and humanity. Their inclusion here signifies the subjugation of even the most exalted human power to Yahweh's authority.
  • אֶרֶץ (’ereṣ): This Hebrew term denotes "earth" or "land." Here, it universally signifies the entire globe, indicating that the call to praise extends to kings of every nation, not just those in a specific geographical area or kingdom.

• וְכָל־לְאֻמִּים (wəḵol-lə’ummîm) - "and all peoples":

  • וְכָל (wəḵol): This connective phrase means "and all" or "every." It is a crucial intensifier, emphasizing the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of the call to praise, leaving no one out.
  • לְאֻמִּים (lə’ummîm): This is the plural form of לְאוֹם (le'om), meaning "nation" or "people." While similar to עַם (ʿam), "people," le'om often carries a broader connotation of distinct national entities, particularly gentiles or diverse ethnic groups. Its presence alongside "kings" expands the scope beyond merely rulers to encompass the entire population of all lands, recognizing the collective entity of a nation.

• שָׂרִים (śārîm) - "princes":

  • This is the plural form of שַׂר (śar), meaning "prince," "chief," "official," or "commander." It refers to high-ranking officials who hold significant power and authority, typically operating under a king or serving as leaders within a specific administrative or military context. Their inclusion covers the broad spectrum of political and administrative power beyond the singular king, encompassing all influential leaders.

• וְכָל־שֹׁפְטֵי אָרֶץ (wəḵol-šōfṭê ’āreṣ) - "and all judges of the earth":

  • וְכָל (wəḵol): Again, "and all," reaffirming the universality of the mandate.
  • שֹׁפְטֵי (šōfṭê): This is the plural construct form of שֹׁפֵט (shofet), meaning "judge" or "ruler." In ancient Israel, "judges" not only administered justice but also sometimes exercised broader administrative, military, and spiritual leadership, as seen in the Book of Judges. This term therefore includes those with legal and judicial authority, crucial for maintaining order and dispensing justice within societies.
  • אָרֶץ (’āreṣ): The repetition of "earth" for "judges" specifically reinforces that this directive extends to all judicial authorities across the entire globe, solidifying the worldwide reach of the command.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • The verse employs a balanced and comprehensive parallel structure, grouping "kings of the earth" with "all peoples" and "princes" with "all judges of the earth." This careful parallelism demonstrates a systematic enumeration of the entirety of human leadership and governance. From the supreme ruler (king) to the collective populace (peoples), and from high-ranking officials (princes) to judicial administrators (judges), every stratum and function of human authority is summoned to praise.
  • The repeated phrase "of the earth" and the repeated inclusion of "and all" serve as powerful intensifiers, emphatically underscoring that the call to praise is not confined by geography or specific roles, but encompasses every ruler, nation, and judicial body across the entire world. This leaves no aspect of human authority outside the scope of God's universal sovereignty and the accompanying demand for worship.

Psalm 148 11 Bonus section

• The inclusion of human authorities at the culmination of the creation's praise (after heavenly beings, nature, and animals) suggests their unique responsibility and the elevated significance of their participation in worship. They are called to lead humanity in this ultimate act of acknowledgement.
• The Psalm implicitly polemicizes against any worldly notion of self-derived authority or the worship of earthly rulers themselves. It firmly asserts that Yahweh alone is King and worthy of all praise.
• This verse stands as a powerful testament to the Bible's consistent theme of God's universal dominion over all aspects of creation, including human governments and nations, challenging secular views that often operate without reference to divine authority.
• The progression from the celestial to the terrestrial, then to humanity's rulers and finally to all people in the subsequent verse (v.12), showcases a concentric structure of praise, with humanity's leaders occupying a crucial position within this hierarchy of universal adoration.

Psalm 148 11 Commentary

Psalm 148:11 is a majestic declaration that God's authority extends to, and is to be recognized by, all human leadership. By commanding kings, peoples, princes, and judges across the globe to praise Him, the Psalm delivers a profound theological message: no worldly power, governmental structure, or national entity stands independently of the Creator. Their very existence and authority derive from God, making their ultimate purpose to reflect His glory and justice through their rule. This verse serves as an enduring reminder to all in positions of power that their dominion is delegated and subordinate to the Divine, implicitly calling them to righteous governance that aligns with God's character. It anticipates the fulfillment found in New Testament visions where every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord, and where the kings of the earth will ultimately bring their glory into the Heavenly City, signifying the definitive culmination of all authority under Christ's reign.