Psalm 97 6

Psalm 97:6 kjv

The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.

Psalm 97:6 nkjv

The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory.

Psalm 97:6 niv

The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory.

Psalm 97:6 esv

The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.

Psalm 97:6 nlt

The heavens proclaim his righteousness;
every nation sees his glory.

Psalm 97 verses

Psalm 97 6 Meaning

Psalm 97:6 declares that the created heavens publicly announce and testify to the perfect moral character and justice of God. This cosmic declaration leads to a universal perception where all humanity beholds and acknowledges His magnificent presence, power, and inherent worth. The verse speaks of an undeniable revelation of God to all people through both His creation and His majestic, just rule.

Psalm 97 6 Context

Psalm 97 is part of a cluster of "enthronement psalms" (Psalms 93, 95-99) celebrating the kingship of Yahweh. The overall context of Psalm 97 depicts God's majestic advent to rule and judge the earth. It portrays a divine presence surrounded by cloud, darkness, fire, and lightning (vv. 1-4), causing mountains to melt like wax before Him (v. 5). Verse 6 then follows as a consequence and universal affirmation of this spectacular display: "The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory." This dramatic description contrasts Yahweh's unparalleled power and universal reign with the impotence of pagan idols mentioned immediately after (v. 7), challenging the prevalent polytheistic beliefs of the ancient Near East by asserting the supreme and unique sovereignty of Israel's God. The Psalm assures the righteous (v. 10), brings joy to Zion (v. 8), and commands worship (v. 9), all within the framework of God's cosmic, righteous dominion.

Psalm 97 6 Word analysis

• The heavens (שָׁמַיִם - shamayim): Refers to the visible sky and the celestial realm. In biblical thought, the heavens are not merely empty space but are often seen as actively participating in God's revelation. They are a visible, silent witness to God's handiwork and power, reaching across all cultures and times. Their vastness, order, and beauty testify to an intelligent Creator.
• declare (הִגִּידוּ - higgîdû): Derived from the Hebrew root nagad, meaning "to make known," "to tell," "to announce clearly" or "to report." This is a strong, definitive verb indicating an authoritative and unambiguous proclamation. It is not merely a subtle hint but an undeniable revelation. This active declaration is cosmic in scale, impacting everything under the heavens.
• His righteousness (צִדְקוֹ - tsidqo): From tsedeq, referring to God's perfect moral attribute of justice, integrity, faithfulness to His covenant, and His just administration of the world. It encompasses both His unwavering character and His righteous acts in history. The heavens do not merely declare power or existence, but the moral uprightness of God in all His dealings. This righteousness provides stability to His throne (as seen in Ps 97:2).
• And all the peoples (וְכָל־הָעַמִּים - v'kol-ha'ammim): "All the nations" or "all humanity." This phrase emphasizes the universal scope of this revelation. God's declaration is not limited to one chosen group or geographical area but is globally accessible and comprehensible. This contrasts sharply with ethnic deities, showing Yahweh as the God of all humankind.
• see (יִרְאוּ - yir'u): From ra'ah, meaning "to see," "to perceive," "to behold," but also "to discern" or "to understand." It implies not merely physical observation, but comprehension and acknowledgment. This seeing can be through direct observation of divine manifestations (as in the surrounding verses describing fire and melting mountains), through the general revelation of creation, or in an eschatological sense where God's glory will be unmistakably manifest.
• His glory (כְּבוֹדוֹ - k'vodow): From kavod, meaning "weight," "honor," "splendor," "majesty," or "reputation." In the context of God, it refers to the manifest splendor and radiant presence of His intrinsic holiness, power, and worth. It is the visible emanation of His divine essence. The glory is often seen in dramatic natural phenomena or miraculous interventions, making His presence tangible and undeniable.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "The heavens declare His righteousness": This is an active personification where the non-human creation bears witness to God's moral character and just governance. It points to what is known as "general revelation," where creation universally testifies to the existence and attributes of God, specifically highlighting His inherent justice and faithfulness.
• "And all the peoples see His glory": This emphasizes the universal receptivity of God's revelation. Not only is the message broadcast broadly, but humanity across all nations is positioned to comprehend and witness God's manifest majesty and intrinsic worth. This "seeing" leads to a recognition of God's supreme authority and incomparable greatness, providing a foundation for universal worship and accountability.

Psalm 97 6 Bonus section

The active "declaring" by the heavens and the responsive "seeing" by the peoples in Psalm 97:6 highlight the universal witness against humanity concerning God's reality. This sets the stage for accountability, as no one can claim ignorance of God's fundamental attributes (Rom 1:20). This universal revelation finds its ultimate personal and specific fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14), who is the full embodiment and most complete "seeing" of God's glory and righteousness accessible to humanity. The verse foreshadows an eschatological hope where all humanity will unmistakably witness the fullness of God's glory and judgment.

Psalm 97 6 Commentary

Psalm 97:6 presents a profound statement about the accessibility and undeniability of God's self-revelation. It depicts a majestic, cosmic unveiling of the Divine. The "heavens," a universal canvas visible to all, become the silent but powerful preachers of God's perfect righteousness—His inherent justice, integrity, and right governance over all creation. This declaration isn't a whisper but a "proclamation" that resonates globally.

As a result of this celestial announcement, "all the peoples"—every nation, tribe, and tongue—are positioned to "see" His glory. This seeing transcends mere physical sight; it implies a deep perception, an understanding, and an acknowledgment of God's visible majesty, power, and inherent worth. The preceding verses in Psalm 97 describe literal, awe-inspiring manifestations of God's presence, like fire, lightning, and melting mountains, suggesting that His glory can be witnessed through dramatic natural phenomena, acting as divine billboards across the cosmos. This also provides a polemic against pagan idol worship, where deities were localized or powerless, in stark contrast to the omnipresent, active God of Israel whose presence is manifest across the globe.

This verse therefore encapsulates the dual aspects of divine revelation: the ongoing, general testimony of creation (as reiterated in Ps 19 and Rom 1) and the dramatic, perceptible manifestations of God's power and character in history. Ultimately, this leads to a future universal recognition and worship, hinted at throughout the prophets and ultimately fulfilled in the global impact of Christ's revelation and the future day when "every eye will see Him."