Psalm 47 7

Psalm 47:7 kjv

For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

Psalm 47:7 nkjv

For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding.

Psalm 47:7 niv

For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.

Psalm 47:7 esv

For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!

Psalm 47:7 nlt

For God is the King over all the earth.
Praise him with a psalm.

Psalm 47 verses

Psalm 47 7 Meaning

Psalm 47:7 declares God's undisputed and universal sovereignty over all creation and commands a fitting response of intentional, wise, and enthusiastic worship from His people. It establishes that because God is the absolute King of the entire earth, a deeply thoughtful and well-executed form of praise is required from those who acknowledge His reign.

Psalm 47 7 Context

Psalm 47 is widely regarded as an "enthronement psalm" or "Coronation Psalm," celebrating the LORD's kingship over all nations. The immediate preceding verses (Ps 47:5-6) speak of God "going up with a shout" and the "sound of a trumpet," possibly alluding to His ascension or symbolic enthronement after a victory. Historically, such psalms might have been used in festivals celebrating God's reign or commemorating a significant divine act of triumph. This specific verse provides the foundational reason ("For") for the enthusiastic and universal praise called for throughout the Psalm, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over a world that might acknowledge many local rulers or deities.

Psalm 47 7 Word analysis

• For: (כִּי - ki) This particle introduces the reason or justification for the command to sing praises. It establishes a causal link: because of God's identity and position, a certain response is necessary.

• God: (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim) A plural noun often translated as "God," but in the Old Testament, it signifies the one true God, emphasizing His power, creativity, and might. It speaks to His position as the ultimate divine authority, the Creator and Judge of all.

• is the King: (מֶלֶךְ - Melekh) Designates supreme ruler, absolute sovereign. Unlike earthly kings with limited domains, God's kingship is unparalleled and boundless. This term sets God apart from all lesser deities or earthly authorities.

• of all the earth: (כָּל־הָאָרֶץ - kol-ha'arets) This phrase underscores the universality and comprehensiveness of God's dominion. His reign is not confined to a single nation or people group (like Israel) but extends over every part of the globe and every human inhabitant. It carries a polemic against regional pagan gods and local rulers who might claim limited sovereignty.

• sing praises: (זַמְּרוּ - Zammeru) An imperative verb, commanding action from a plural subject (implying all who hear). From the root zamar, meaning to pluck, to play on a stringed instrument, and by extension, to sing or make music. It denotes a call to active, joyful, and possibly public, musical worship.

• with a skillful song: (מַשְׂכִּיל - Maskil) This is a crucial and debated term. It appears in the superscriptions of thirteen other psalms (e.g., Ps 32, 42, 52). Common interpretations include:

  • "Skillful song": Performed with artistic ability and precision, honoring God with the best of musical talent.
  • "Instructional/Understanding": Meaning a psalm designed to impart wisdom, knowledge, or understanding, and thus sung or listened to with a mindful and contemplative heart. It suggests intelligent, well-informed praise that springs from and leads to deeper insight into God's character and truth.
  • "Meditative": Requiring careful thought and meditation on God's truth.

• Words-group: "For God is the King of all the earth": This phrase establishes the unshakeable foundation for the entire Psalm and for all worship. It speaks of God's inherent nature as the supreme, all-encompassing ruler, transcending all geographical and national boundaries. His authority is absolute, universal, and eternal.

• Words-group: "sing praises with a skillful song": This is the divine command, a direct injunction on how humanity should respond to God's universal kingship. It's not merely about vocalizing sounds, but about engaging in worship that is both joyful and deeply intelligent, demonstrating an understanding of who God is and what He has done. It elevates praise beyond mere ritual to an act of mindful devotion.

Psalm 47 7 Bonus section

The Hebrew term "Maskil" has liturgical significance beyond its immediate meaning in Psalm 47:7. It marks 13 other Psalms (Ps 32, 42, 44, 45, 52-55, 78, 88, 89, 142) in their superscriptions, classifying them as particular types of compositions. While the precise nature is debated, scholarly consensus often points to these being "instructional" or "didactic" psalms, intended to convey wisdom, understanding, or meditation. This implies that the instruction to "sing praises with a Maskil" is not merely about vocal quality, but about an internal, informed, and discerning quality of worship, linking praise directly with spiritual growth and deeper insight into divine truths. This aligns with New Testament calls for worship that engages both spirit and mind (1 Cor 14:15).

Psalm 47 7 Commentary

Psalm 47:7 profoundly anchors worship in the immutable reality of God's universal kingship. The initial "For" immediately grounds the call to praise in a foundational truth: Yahweh, the God of Israel, is not merely a tribal deity, but "the King of all the earth." This declaration challenges any competing claims to ultimate authority, whether from human empires or pagan gods. His dominion is absolute and extends over every nation and individual, making His reign truly without limit.

Consequently, this cosmic truth demands a fitting and elevated response: "sing praises with a skillful song." The imperative "sing praises" indicates that worship is a commanded, enthusiastic, and often public act of acknowledgement. The nuance comes from "Maskil" (rendered here as "skillful song"). This term suggests more than just musical ability; it implies praise offered with understanding, wisdom, and intelligent reflection. It is worship that engages the mind and heart, not just the voice. It instructs worshipers to contemplate God's character and deeds, ensuring that their adoration is rooted in truth and knowledge, rather than mere emotion or rote repetition. Thus, this verse encapsulates that genuine worship stems from a profound understanding of who God is and expresses itself in both fervent song and thoughtful devotion. It reminds us that our praise should not be thoughtless but a deeply meaningful expression of our acknowledgement of His ultimate authority.

• Examples:
  • Studying God's Word before singing worship songs to understand the lyrics.
  • Praying for clear understanding as one engages in corporate praise.
  • Reflecting on God's attributes during personal devotional singing.