Psalm 89 27

Psalm 89:27 kjv

Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

Psalm 89:27 nkjv

Also I will make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth.

Psalm 89:27 niv

And I will appoint him to be my firstborn, the most exalted of the kings of the earth.

Psalm 89:27 esv

And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.

Psalm 89:27 nlt

I will make him my firstborn son,
the mightiest king on earth.

Psalm 89 verses

Psalm 89 27 Meaning

Psalm 89:27 proclaims God's divine declaration regarding the Davidic king. It signifies an elevation of status, not merely as a temporal ruler, but as one specially chosen and preeminent. God promises to establish him as "firstborn," denoting unparalleled prominence, honor, and a unique relationship with God, placing him above all other earthly monarchs. This is a messianic prophecy pointing ultimately to Jesus Christ, the ultimate heir and King.

Psalm 89 27 Context

Psalm 89 is a "Masoretic Psalm of Ethan the Ezrahite," a wisdom psalm and a lament. The first part (vv. 1-37) recounts and praises God's faithfulness, particularly highlighting His everlasting covenant with David (found in 2 Sam 7). Verse 27 falls within this section, specifying the glorious promises made to the Davidic king. It paints a picture of his exalted status by divine decree. The latter part of the psalm (vv. 38-51) then sharply contrasts this glorious promise with the current reality of suffering and apparent abandonment of the Davidic line, creating a deep lament and question regarding God's faithfulness. Verse 27 serves as a key declaration of God's covenant intent, setting up the profound theological tension of the Psalm.

Historically, this Psalm could have been written during a time when the Davidic kingdom was in distress, perhaps during an invasion or exile (e.g., after Zedekiah's downfall), causing the psalmist to question the long-term viability of God's promise. Culturally, "firstborn" carried significant rights of inheritance and preeminence, a concept deeply ingrained in Israelite society.

Psalm 89 27 Word analysis

• "Also I will make him": This phrase emphasizes divine initiative. God is the sovereign actor in establishing this unique status. The Hebrew ʾap̄ ʾănî (אף אני), "even I" or "indeed I," highlights the deliberate, authoritative nature of God's promise. It underscores that this elevated status is not earned or achieved by the human king, but unilaterally conferred by Yahweh.
• "him": In its immediate context, "him" refers to the Davidic king mentioned throughout the psalm, ultimately embodying the promises made to David and his descendants. prophetically, this refers to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the Davidic covenant.
• "my firstborn":
  • Hebrew: bĕkôwr (בכור). This term usually denotes the first male offspring by birth order, inheriting special status and a double portion of the inheritance.
  • Significance: Here, it is clearly not about literal birth order (David was Jesse's youngest son, and Christ is the eternal Son, not born as 'firstborn' in a lineage sequence within humanity), but rather signifies preeminence, special favor, privilege, honor, and supreme authority. It designates one who is chief, eminent, and has rights of inheritance.
  • Biblical precedent: Israel itself is called God's "firstborn" (Ex 4:22, Jer 31:9), indicating a special, covenantal relationship and preeminent position among nations. Similarly, this refers to the Davidic king's unique covenantal status among all rulers.
  • Messianic Fulfillment: In the New Testament, "firstborn" (Greek: prototokos) is applied to Christ to signify His absolute supremacy. He is the "firstborn of all creation" (Col 1:15) referring to His pre-eminence and prior existence over all created things, and the "firstborn from the dead" (Col 1:18, Rev 1:5), denoting His triumph over death and unique status as the resurrection's pioneer.
• "higher":
  • Hebrew: ʿelyôwn (עליון), meaning "most high," "exalted," or "supreme." This is a divine attribute used of God Himself (e.g., Gen 14:18 "God Most High," Ps 7:17 "Most High").
  • Significance: Its application to the Davidic king signifies a status granted directly by God, elevating him far beyond normal human rulers. It's a delegated but profound authority, participation in God's own supreme rule.
• "than the kings of the earth": This sets the scope of the Davidic king's supremacy. His authority and position transcend those of all other earthly monarchs. It's a statement of universal dominion and ultimate sovereignty given by God. There's an indirect polemic here, countering any belief that earthly rulers gain their power solely through military might or pagan deities; this king's supremacy comes from the true God, Yahweh.

Psalm 89 27 Bonus section

• This verse can be seen as an extension of the Adamic and Noahic covenants (which hinted at universal dominion) channeled through the Abrahamic covenant (a blessing to all nations through a particular line) and concretized in the Davidic covenant through a king.
• The tension in Psalm 89 between the glorious promises (like v. 27) and the subsequent lament (vv. 38-51) highlights the Israelite anticipation of a truly perfect Davidic king who would fully embody these promises—a Messiah who would not fail.
• The language of making him "higher than the kings of the earth" hints at a future ultimate King who transcends the boundaries of human rule and directly interacts with divine authority, which only Christ does fully through His resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father.

Psalm 89 27 Commentary

Psalm 89:27 stands as a powerful declaration of God's extraordinary elevation of the Davidic king, promising him a preeminence not based on earthly power or human succession, but on divine decree. The title "firstborn" is critical; it’s a theological, not biological, term, conveying absolute priority, inheritance rights, and ultimate honor. Just as Israel was God's "firstborn" among nations, indicating a unique covenantal relationship, so too the Davidic king would hold an unparalleled position among rulers, being specifically "made" or "appointed" by God. This appointment as "higher than the kings of the earth" establishes a universal and ultimate dominion that points far beyond any single historical Israelite king. While partially fulfilled by David and Solomon in their temporal reigns, its full, unending realization lies solely in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is truly the divine Son, the preeminent "firstborn" over all creation and all authority, whose kingdom has no end, making Him the King of kings and Lord of lords. The verse underscores that all legitimate authority ultimately flows from God and finds its peak in Christ.