For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
PSALMS 135:5KJVWhat does Psalms 135:5 mean?
Psalms 135:5 declares that the LORD is truly great and stands above all other so-called gods. The verse expresses a confident recognition of God's unmatched greatness and authority over any other spiritual beings or powers people might worship.
The speaker is likely a worshipper or leader in ancient Israel, speaking to the gathered community or to God directly. This statement comes in the middle of a psalm that praises God for His mighty acts and faithfulness to Israel. By saying the LORD is "above all gods," the verse highlights the unique and supreme position of Israel's God compared to the idols or deities of other nations.
The Hebrew behind Psalms 135:5
- LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, used here to emphasize a direct, covenant relationship rather than a generic title.
- great (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word means "large" or "mighty," pointing to God's power and significance, not just in size but in status and ability.
- gods (אֱלֹהִים, elohim): While this word can refer to God, here it is used in the plural to mean other spiritual beings or deities that people might worship, stressing that none compare to the LORD.
Why Psalms 135:5 matters
- This verse clarifies that the greatness of the LORD is not just a matter of opinion but a confident knowledge based on experience and tradition.
- The contrast with "all gods" makes clear that the psalmist sees the LORD as utterly unique, not just one among many.
- In the context of the psalm, this statement sets up reasons for praise by reminding listeners that their God is not limited or rivaled by any other power.