A Psalm of David. Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

PSALMS 29:1KJV
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Psalms 29:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 29:1 mean?

Psalms 29:1 calls on the mighty to recognize the LORD’s greatness and power. The speaker addresses those who are themselves powerful, placing the LORD above them as the one worthy of honor.

The opening identifies the song as a psalm of David. Its repeated call to “give” sounds like a summons to praise, as though the mighty were being addressed together before the LORD.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 29:1

  • “mighty” — בְּנֵי אֵלִים (benei elim): This phrase is often understood as “sons of the mighty” or “heavenly beings.” The KJV’s “mighty” presents them as powerful ones; the Hebrew wording helps explain why readers often understand the address to reach beyond human rulers.
  • “Give” — יָהַב (yahav): This word can mean “give” or “ascribe.” Here the call is to acknowledge glory and strength as belonging to the LORD.
  • “glory” — כָּבוֹד (kavod): This word can express honor or splendor. It points to the greatness that makes the LORD worthy of recognition.

Why Psalms 29:1 matters

  • The verse places even the mighty in the position of giving honor. They are the ones addressed, while “the LORD” is the one receiving their praise.
  • The LORD’s strength becomes a central theme as the psalm continues. After the call in verse 1, the psalm describes the LORD’s voice in thunder and other displays of power.
  • The psalm’s opening also prepares for its closing movement. The strength named in verse 1 reappears in verse 11, where the LORD gives strength to his people.

Where else these words appear

“Give” Hebrew H3051 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 11:3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
  • Deuteronomy 1:13 Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 39:1 To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
  • Psalms 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

“strength” Hebrew H5797 · used in 92 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 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
  • Proverbs 10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.