Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
PSALMS 148:13KJVWhat does Psalms 148:13 mean?
Psalms 148:13 calls for everyone to praise the name of the LORD because only his name is truly excellent, and his glory is higher than anything on earth or in heaven. The verse highlights that God’s reputation and honor are set apart above all creation.
The psalmist is speaking to all creation, inviting everything—people, animals, nature, and even heavenly beings—to praise God. This verse comes near the end of a psalm that lists many parts of creation, building up to this reason: God’s name (his character and reputation) stands alone in greatness, and his glory (his visible majesty) is above everything else that exists.
The Hebrew behind Psalms 148:13
- praise (הָלַל, halal): This word means to boast about or shine a light on something. Here, it’s a call to make God’s greatness known, not just to quietly admire him.
- name (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, a name often stands for a person’s character or reputation. Praising God’s name means honoring who he is and what he has done.
- excellent (שָׂגַב, sagav): This word means “exalted” or “set on high.” It suggests that God’s name is lifted far above anything else, not just a little better but in a completely different category.
- glory (הוֹד, hod): This word points to splendor or majesty that can be seen or sensed. God’s glory being “above the earth and heaven” means his greatness is beyond all creation.
Why Psalms 148:13 matters
- Psalms 148:13 clarifies that the focus of praise is not just God’s actions, but his very name—his character and reputation—which is unique and unmatched.
- The verse connects the praise of creation to God’s glory being above both earth and heaven, showing that nothing in the created world compares to him.
- By emphasizing “his name alone is excellent,” the verse rules out any rivals, reminding readers that no other name or power deserves the same honor.