Psalm 22 28

Psalm 22:28 kjv

For the kingdom is the LORD's: and he is the governor among the nations.

Psalm 22:28 nkjv

For the kingdom is the LORD's, And He rules over the nations.

Psalm 22:28 niv

for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.

Psalm 22:28 esv

For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.

Psalm 22:28 nlt

For royal power belongs to the LORD.
He rules all the nations.

Psalm 22 verses

Psalm 22 28 Meaning

Psalm 22:28 declares that ultimate sovereignty and authority reside exclusively with the LORD. It proclaims that the divine right to kingship belongs to Yahweh alone, and His rule extends universally, encompassing all nations and peoples across the entire earth. This statement serves as the foundational truth for the subsequent prophetic vision of universal worship and recognition of God.

Psalm 22 28 Context

Psalm 22 is a profound Messianic psalm that vividly portrays both the deep suffering of the Messiah (prophetically fulfilled by Jesus on the cross, Psa 22:1-21) and the glorious outcome of that suffering, which leads to universal praise and salvation (Psa 22:22-31). Verse 28 serves as the theological linchpin connecting the individual's affliction to the universal revelation of God's kingship. The first half details cries of abandonment, scorn, and physical torment. The turning point occurs around verse 22, where the tone shifts to one of praise and renewed confidence. From there, the psalm looks forward to the eschatological scene where "all the ends of the earth" (Psa 22:27) and "all the families of the nations" (Psa 22:27) will worship the LORD. Verse 28 provides the ultimate reason and ground for this future, worldwide conversion: the LORD's inherent and exclusive sovereignty over all. Historically, this declaration challenges the prevailing polytheistic beliefs of the ancient Near East, where each nation had its patron deity; Psalm 22 asserts that Yahweh's dominion is not limited to Israel but extends to all Goyim (Gentile nations), declaring Him the sole true universal King.

Psalm 22 28 Word analysis

• For (כִּ֣י - ki): This particle often means "because" or "for." Here, it introduces the foundational reason or explanation for the preceding verses, particularly the promise of all families of the nations worshiping the Lord (Ps 22:27). It links the future worldwide worship directly to God's inherent universal authority.
• kingship (הַמְּלוּכָ֣ה - hammelûkâ): The definite article "the" indicates this is the kingship, emphasizing its unique and absolute nature. It refers to sovereign dominion, royal rule, or kingdom. This is not merely an earthly throne or a partial domain, but the ultimate, rightful authority over all things. In the Hebrew Bible, melukah denotes the office, function, and right of ruling, carrying implications of power, governance, and justice.
• belongs to the LORD (לַֽיהוָה - la-YHWH): The preposition la means "to" or "for," indicating possession or attribution. YHWH (Yahweh) is the personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and covenant faithfulness. Attributing "the kingship" directly and exclusively "to Yahweh" asserts His divine prerogative as the only true King, distinguishing Him from any earthly king or pagan deity claiming universal authority.
• and he rules (וּמֹשֵׁ֣ל - u-mōshēl): The conjunction u means "and." Mōshēl is a participle from the root māshal, meaning "to rule," "to reign," "to have dominion," "to govern." The use of the participle suggests an ongoing, active, and inherent aspect of God's being—He is not merely one who possesses kingship but one who perpetually exercises that rule. It emphasizes His dynamic and effective governance.
• over the nations (בַּגּוֹיִֽם - ba-gôyim): The preposition ba means "in," "among," or "over." Goyim refers to the non-Israelite peoples or Gentiles. This phrase is critically important. It explicitly extends the scope of God's rule beyond the covenant people of Israel to encompass all humanity. It's a universal declaration that transcends ethnic and national boundaries, demonstrating that Yahweh is not just the God of Israel, but the God and King of the entire world, laying the groundwork for the global spread of His praise and kingdom.

Words-Group Analysis:

• For kingship belongs to the LORD: This foundational declaration states the absolute source and owner of all legitimate authority. It is an ontological claim; kingship is inherent in God's very being, not bestowed upon Him. It is the core reason for everything that follows regarding His universal praise.
• and he rules over the nations: This second clause explains the active exercise of that inherent kingship. It moves from static ownership to dynamic action, highlighting the universal scope of His dominion. It indicates that His sovereignty is not theoretical but practical, actively exerted over all the peoples of the earth, irrespective of their acknowledgment or defiance. This part sets the stage for the Great Commission and the worldwide church.

Psalm 22 28 Bonus section

• Polemics against Contemporary Beliefs: In the ancient Near East, kingship was often associated with specific national deities (e.g., Marduk in Babylon, Chemosh in Moab). This verse presents a strong polemic, asserting Yahweh as the singular, universal King over all nations, thus delegitimizing the claims of all other national gods to supreme dominion. It's a declaration of divine uniqueness and transcendence.
• Foundation for Missional Theology: This verse provides crucial theological grounding for the Christian mission to the world. Because "kingship belongs to the LORD" and "He rules over the nations," the call to make disciples of "all nations" (Matt 28:19) is a natural consequence and logical extension of God's established sovereignty, rather than an arbitrary command. It highlights the divine prerogative behind evangelism.
• Suffering to Sovereignty: The dramatic transition within Psalm 22 from the depths of human and divine suffering (prophetic of Christ's cross) to this declaration of absolute universal sovereignty highlights a profound theological truth: God's ultimate reign is often established through apparent weakness and suffering, not apart from it. The Messianic suffering ensures the universal triumph and reign.

Psalm 22 28 Commentary

Psalm 22:28 encapsulates a pivotal truth concerning God's identity and authority. Following a harrowing depiction of Messianic suffering, this verse acts as a bedrock for the triumphant turn of the psalm, grounding the coming universal praise and recognition of Yahweh. It firmly declares that ultimate kingship and sovereign rule reside solely with the LORD (Yahweh), extending not merely to Israel but to all nations of the earth. This universal scope fundamentally challenges any ethnocentric or polytheistic worldviews where gods were tied to specific lands or peoples. Yahweh's reign is global, inherent, and perpetual, not acquired or limited. This divine dominion assures the future global recognition and worship described in the following verses (Psa 22:27, 29, 30-31), asserting that God's plan of salvation will encompass all peoples because He is the rightful, reigning King over all. The Suffering Servant's ultimate triumph leads to a universal expansion of God's reign and fame.

For instance, this verse reminds us that:

• Even in periods of global unrest or apparent human dominion, God remains on the throne, ruling over all affairs of humanity.
• The spread of the Gospel to every nation is not merely a human endeavor but an outworking of God's established kingship over them.
• Our prayers for justice, peace, and spiritual awakening across the globe are founded on the truth that He is already the King who rules the nations.