He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.

PSALMS 148:14KJV
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Psalms 148:14 (KJV)

What does Psalms 148:14 mean?

Psalms 148:14 says that God lifts up and honors His people, making them strong and giving them reason to be praised, especially those who are close to Him—the people of Israel. The verse ends with a call for everyone to praise the LORD.

The psalmist is speaking to all creation, calling everything and everyone to praise God. In this verse, the focus narrows to God’s special relationship with Israel, describing them as a people “near” to Him. The “horn” is a symbol of strength and dignity, showing that God gives His people both honor and protection.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 148:14

  • "exalteth" (רוּם, rûm): This word means to lift up or raise high. Here, it shows God actively giving His people a place of honor.
  • "horn" (קֶרֶן, qeren): In ancient times, a horn represented strength, power, or victory. Saying God exalts the horn of His people means He gives them strength and status.
  • "saints" (חָסִיד, ḥāsîd): This word refers to those who are faithful or devoted to God. It highlights the close, covenant relationship between God and His people.
  • "near" (קָרוֹב, qārōv): This word means being close or near in relationship, not just in distance. It emphasizes the special closeness between God and Israel.

Why Psalms 148:14 matters

  • This verse clears up that the “horn” is not a literal object but a symbol of strength and honor, showing how God supports and lifts up His people.
  • The verse highlights that Israel’s closeness to God is a key reason for their praise, tying their identity and blessing directly to their relationship with Him.
  • It connects the praise of God’s people to the larger theme of the psalm, which is a universal call for all creation to praise the LORD, showing that Israel’s story is part of a bigger picture.

Where else these words appear

“saints” Hebrew H2623 · used in 32 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:8 And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;
  • Psalms 32:6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
  • Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

“LORD” Hebrew H3050 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
  • Psalms 135:3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.

“praise” Hebrew H8416 · used in 57 verses

  • Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
  • Psalms 66:8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
  • Isaiah 42:10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

“horn” Hebrew H7161 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
  • 1 Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
  • Jeremiah 48:25 The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, saith the LORD.