Psalms 138:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 138:6 mean?

Psalms 138:6 says that even though the LORD is exalted and above all, He pays attention to those who are humble, but He keeps His distance from those who are proud. The verse highlights that God’s greatness does not make Him ignore the lowly, but pride creates a separation.

King David is speaking in this psalm, expressing his personal praise and trust in God. David points out that God’s character is unique: although God is “high,” He cares for the humble and does not overlook them. The verse contrasts God’s closeness to the humble with His remoteness from the proud, showing that humility draws God’s attention while pride keeps a person far from Him.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 138:6

• “high” (רָם, rām; H7311): This word means “exalted” or “lifted up.” It emphasizes God’s supreme position, yet the verse surprises by saying this does not make Him distant from humble people.
• “respect” (רָאָה, rā’āh; H7200): Often translated as “to see” or “to look at,” here it means God notices or pays attention to the humble. It suggests active care, not just passive awareness.
• “lowly” (שָׁפָל, shāphāl; H8217): This word refers to those who are humble or of low status. The verse assures that God values and sees those who might be overlooked by others.
• “proud” (גָּבֹהַּ, gāvōah; H1364): This word means “high” or “lofty,” but here it refers to people who are proud or arrogant. The contrast is that God is “high” in a different, pure sense, while the proud try to elevate themselves.
• “knoweth” (יָדַע, yāda‘; H3045) “afar off” (מֵרָחוֹק, mērāchōq; H4801): Together, these words mean God knows the proud “from afar.” It suggests a distant, impersonal knowledge, not the close care He gives the humble.

Why Psalms 138:6 matters

• Psalms 138:6 clears up the idea that God is only interested in great or powerful people; instead, it emphasizes that God values humility and pays attention to those who are lowly.
• The verse highlights a key theme in the Bible: pride creates distance from God, while humility brings a person closer to Him.
• In the context of the psalm, this verse reassures readers that God’s greatness does not make Him inaccessible or uncaring—He is both exalted and personally attentive to those who are humble.