Psalm 89 6

Psalm 89:6 kjv

For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?

Psalm 89:6 nkjv

For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD?

Psalm 89:6 niv

For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings?

Psalm 89:6 esv

For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD,

Psalm 89:6 nlt

For who in all of heaven can compare with the LORD?
What mightiest angel is anything like the LORD?

Psalm 89 verses

Psalm 89 6 Meaning

Psalm 89:6 is a rhetorical question that powerfully declares the unrivaled supremacy and incomparability of the LORD (Yahweh). It asserts that no being, whether heavenly (angels, celestial entities) or earthly (powerful rulers or even other alleged "gods" in the perception of man), can possibly measure up to God's unique glory, power, and essence. The verse underscores God's absolute transcendence and singularity, setting the foundation for His unwavering covenant faithfulness.

Psalm 89 6 Context

Psalm 89 is a "Maskil" (a contemplative or instructive psalm) by Ethan the Ezrahite. It falls into two main sections: a lengthy praise report of God's faithfulness and power, particularly His covenant with David (verses 1-37), followed by a lament concerning the apparent failure of this very covenant in the face of national defeat or distress (verses 38-52). Verse 6 stands at the pinnacle of the praise section (verses 5-18), where the psalmist extols God's unparalleled greatness in contrast to all other beings. It serves as a foundational affirmation of God's nature before the psalmist grapples with the tension between God's promise and perceived reality. Historically, this psalm reflects a period of significant national crisis for Israel, prompting deep theological reflection on God's character and covenant keeping.

Psalm 89 6 Word analysis

• For who (כִּי מִי - ki mi): The initial particle ki can mean "for" or "surely," emphasizing the certainty and rhetorical force of the question. Mi is "who." The phrase initiates a rhetorical question expecting a negative answer ("no one").

• in the heavens (בַשָּׁחַק - ba-shaḥaq): Literally "in the sky," "in the cloud," or "in the heavens." This term refers to the celestial realm, encompassing all heavenly bodies and beings. It signifies the upper regions, often associated with spiritual powers, angelic hosts, or other spiritual entities recognized in the cosmic hierarchy of the ancient world.

• can be compared (יַעֲרֹךְ - yaʿărōḵ): From the root ʿārakh, meaning "to arrange," "to set in order," "to prepare," or "to equal" in value or rank. Here, it implies an assessment of equivalence, standing shoulder to shoulder, or being able to be weighed against. It suggests no one can be arranged or measured against the LORD.

• to the LORD (לַיהוָה - la-YHWH): The definite article "to" (לְ - le) followed by the tetragrammaton, YHWH, the ineffable covenant name of God, revealing His personal and relational aspect. This name distinguishes the God of Israel as the truly existing, self-existent One, unparalleled by any other.

• Who among the sons of the mighty (מִי בִּנְבֵי אֵלִים - mi bᵊnê ʾēlîm):

  • Who (מִי - mi): Again, the rhetorical "who," implying "no one."
  • among the sons of (בִּנְבֵי - bᵊnê): "Sons of" is a common Hebrew idiom denoting membership, quality, or a group associated with a characteristic.
  • the mighty (אֵלִים - ʾēlîm): This is a plural form of ʾēl, which can mean "God," "god," "divine," "mighty," or "ruler." In this context, given the parallel with "in the heavens," it most commonly refers to angelic beings, members of the divine council, or celestial powers. Some interpretations also include powerful human rulers who might consider themselves 'mighty' or divine, a notion strongly refuted here. The most probable reading in the poetic parallelism of "heavens" is indeed to spiritual, non-human, powerful beings.

• can be likened (יִדְמֶה - yiḏmeh): From the root dāmah, meaning "to be like," "to resemble," "to be comparable." This term carries a strong sense of likeness, similitude, or exact representation. No one can resemble or be a peer to YHWH.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD?: This phrase questions if any being in the spiritual realm, no matter how powerful (e.g., angels, cherubim, seraphim), possesses equal authority, power, or divine essence as YHWH. It establishes God's unique sovereignty over the celestial hosts.
• Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD?: This parallel phrase reiterates the incomparability. "Sons of the mighty" reinforces the idea of powerful, divine, or semi-divine beings (often understood as angels or members of the heavenly council in biblical thought, as seen in passages like Ps 82:1 or Job 1:6). The rhetorical force underscores that YHWH has no rival, peer, or true resemblance, dismantling any notion of polytheistic parity or any being approaching His unique majesty. The dual parallelism amplifies the message: not only is there no equal in terms of power or position ("compared"), but there is also no true similitude in nature or essence ("likened").

Psalm 89 6 Bonus section

The strong affirmation of God's uniqueness in Psalm 89:6 also functions as an implicit polemic against the polytheistic cosmologies prevalent in the ancient Near East. Cultures like the Canaanites had pantheons with a "high god" (e.g., El), often accompanied by lesser deities or "sons of El." This psalm emphatically declares that YHWH, the God of Israel, is not merely one god among many, nor is He part of a divine assembly where He could be "compared" or "likened" to others. He stands utterly alone in His divine essence and supremacy, completely transcending any human or celestial construct of divinity. This assertion would have been a radical theological statement in its original cultural context, underscoring the exclusivity of Israel's God. The Psalm also contributes to the robust biblical theology of "God's incommunicable attributes," those characteristics He alone possesses, like uncreatedness, infinitude, and, profoundly, incomparability.

Psalm 89 6 Commentary

Psalm 89:6 is a foundational statement of God's radical singularity within His created order. The rhetorical questions demand a clear and resounding answer: "No one." This verse is a direct assertion of monotheism against any form of polytheism or the deification of created beings, whether heavenly or earthly. It establishes the theological framework for the rest of the psalm, asserting God's absolute uniqueness, majesty, and transcendence before exploring His covenant faithfulness to David. God's matchless character serves as the ultimate guarantee of His promises, even when human circumstances appear to contradict them. The unparalleled nature of God signifies His supreme authority, sovereignty, and essential otherness from everything else. This declaration reminds believers to direct all worship and praise solely to the LORD, recognizing His exclusive right to ultimate glory.

For instance, when faced with overwhelming power or charisma in human leaders, this verse directs our gaze to the LORD, reminding us that no earthly authority is truly comparable to His. When contemplating the wonders of the cosmos, it asserts that the Creator infinitely transcends even the most majestic elements of His creation.