Psalm 89 7

Psalm 89:7 kjv

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

Psalm 89:7 nkjv

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.

Psalm 89:7 niv

In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him.

Psalm 89:7 esv

a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him?

Psalm 89:7 nlt

The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God.
He is far more awesome than all who surround his throne.

Psalm 89 verses

Psalm 89 7 Meaning

Psalm 89:7 describes God's unparalleled and supreme majesty, portraying Him as One who inspires profound reverence and awe, even among the highest ranks of heavenly beings. He is set apart in His divine council, acknowledged as utterly unique and infinitely superior to all who serve or stand near Him. This verse underscores God's holiness, power, and sovereign authority over all creation, including the spiritual realm.

Psalm 89 7 Context

Psalm 89 is a "Maskil" (a contemplative or instructive psalm) by Ethan the Ezrahite, a contemporary of David and Solomon known for his wisdom (1 Kgs 4:31). The first part of the psalm (vv. 1-18) is a magnificent hymn of praise to God's steadfast love and faithfulness, specifically focusing on His power and covenant fidelity, particularly the Davidic Covenant. Verse 7, "a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him?", falls within this opening praise section.

This verse emphasizes God's absolute uniqueness and supremacy within the "divine council" – a concept found in various ancient Near Eastern cosmologies that depicts a supreme deity presiding over an assembly of lesser divine beings or gods. However, in the biblical context of Psalm 89:7, this council consists of God's "holy ones," understood as angels or heavenly beings. The psalmist explicitly states Yahweh's unparalleled authority, asserting He is "greatly to be feared" (inspiring reverential awe) even by these exalted beings, and "awesome above all who are around him." This directly serves as a polemic against the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding nations, firmly establishing the one true God, Yahweh, as utterly incomparable, distinct, and supremely sovereign, not just among gods but above all perceived spiritual powers and beings. His faithfulness and power praised here are foundational to the later lament regarding the perceived failure of the Davidic covenant.

Psalm 89 7 Word Analysis

• A God (אֱלוֹהַּ Eloah): While Psalm 89:7 commonly uses "Elohim" (אֱלֹהִים), some ancient texts or modern translations might render it as "Eloah" in poetic forms, both referring to "God." Elohim is plural in form but singular in meaning when referring to the God of Israel, indicating His majesty, might, and plenitude of divine power. It signifies the one true sovereign deity.
• greatly to be feared (נֶעֱרָץ ne’eratz): This is a Niphal (passive voice) participle from the root אָרַץ 'aratz, meaning "to dread," "to stand in awe of," or "to tremble before." The passive sense "to be feared" highlights that God inherently evokes profound awe and reverence due to His nature. It speaks of a reverential dread of His holiness and immense power, not mere terror. The word רַבָּה rabbah, meaning "greatly" or "exceedingly," modifies this, intensifying the degree of awe.
• in the council (בְּסוֹד besodh): Sod (סוֹד) means "council," "private assembly," "secret counsel," or "intimate gathering." It implies a confidential and authoritative meeting. Here, it refers to the divine assembly of heavenly beings.
• of the holy ones (קְדֹשִׁים qedoshim): Qedoshim (literally "holy ones," plural of qadosh) typically refers to angels or other celestial beings who serve God and are set apart by their relationship with Him. They are "holy" not by intrinsic divine nature but by being devoted to God's service and presence.
• and awesome (וְנוֹרָא venora’): This is the conjunctive "and" (וְve-) followed by norah, a Niphal (passive) participle from the root יָרֵא yare', meaning "to fear," "to revere," or "to be awesome." It reinforces ne’eratz and emphasizes God's majesty and power that inspire terror or dread. This refers to God's attribute of being naturally awe-inspiring.
• above all (עַל־כָּל al-kol): Al (עַל) means "upon," "over," or "above," indicating a position of superiority or dominion. Kol (כָּל) means "all" or "every." This phrase denotes absolute supremacy.
• who are around him (סְבִיבָיו sevivayv): Literally "his surroundings" or "those around him." This refers to the beings who populate His heavenly court or retinue. Even these beings, who are closest to His throne and greatest in heaven, stand in reverential awe of Him, acknowledging His supreme position.

Words-Group Analysis:

• A God greatly to be feared: This emphasizes God's inherent majesty and the proper response from His creation. It’s not about an imposed fear, but the natural consequence of encountering absolute power and holiness. The intensity "greatly" signifies the degree of His difference.
• in the council of the holy ones: This specific setting—the divine, heavenly assembly—underscores God's authority over the spiritual realm. Even the highest celestial beings recognize His unparalleled greatness and absolute sovereignty. This stands in contrast to polytheistic systems where gods might be of similar stature in their councils.
• and awesome above all who are around him: This reiterates God's preeminence. "Awesome" (norah) often carries a more profound sense of overwhelming majesty. The phrase "above all who are around him" highlights His complete uniqueness and supreme elevation, indicating that He is distinct from and far superior to any created being, no matter how mighty or exalted in the heavens. This stresses His unrivaled position and ultimate authority.

Psalm 89 7 Bonus section

The concept of a "divine council" (sod elohim) is a prominent biblical theme, echoing through passages like 1 Kings 22:19-23, Job 1-2, and Isaiah 6. While other ancient Near Eastern cultures had pantheons where a chief deity presided over lesser gods, the biblical understanding uniquely presents Yahweh as the sole supreme God, with the "holy ones" being created spiritual beings (angels), not rival deities. Psalm 89:7 solidifies this by stating God is "greatly to be feared" by them and "awesome above all" of them. This underscores the theological distinction: Yahweh is utterly unique and incomparable, never to be conflated with, or seen as merely the highest among, created powers. The reverential fear depicted in this verse is closely tied to the "fear of the Lord" found throughout wisdom literature (e.g., Prov 1:7, 9:10), signifying true understanding and right relationship with God. This verse offers assurance that even when human covenants falter, God's nature, His position, and His ultimate sovereignty remain unshaken.

Psalm 89 7 Commentary

Psalm 89:7 succinctly captures the magnificent transcendence and unique holiness of God. It paints a picture of Yahweh not merely as one among many powerful beings, but as the supreme, awe-inspiring Sovereign even in His own heavenly court. The "council of the holy ones" — comprising angelic hosts and divine attendants — naturally respond with profound reverence and "fear" (awe and respect) because His very being is saturated with unmatched power, majesty, and holiness. This is not fear of punishment, but the appropriate worshipful response to infinite perfection. He is not merely among them but above all of them. This affirmation of God's supreme authority and incomparable nature is crucial within the psalm's broader narrative, serving as a powerful declaration of God's character and capability even before the psalmist grapples with seemingly broken covenant promises later in the text. It grounds faith in an unchanging and utterly sovereign God.