A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

PSALMS 48:1KJV
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Psalms 48:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 48:1 mean?

Psalms 48:1 declares that the LORD is truly great and deserves to be praised, especially in the city that belongs to God and on the mountain that is set apart as holy. The verse sets a tone of reverence and celebration for God’s presence and greatness in a specific, sacred place.

This verse is introduced as both a song and a psalm for the sons of Korah, a group of temple singers and musicians in ancient Israel. The focus is on Jerusalem (often called the city of God) and Mount Zion (the mountain of his holiness), highlighting these as places where God’s greatness is especially recognized and honored by the people.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 48:1

  • "Great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word emphasizes not just size, but importance and majesty. The verse is stressing that the LORD’s greatness is beyond ordinary.
  • "Praised" (הָלַל, halal): This word means to boast about or shine a light on someone’s qualities. Here, it shows that God is not just to be acknowledged, but enthusiastically celebrated.
  • "City" (עִיר, ir) and "Mountain" (הַר, har): These refer to Jerusalem and Mount Zion, concrete locations that were central to Israel’s worship and sense of God’s presence.
  • "Holiness" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word means something set apart for God. Calling the mountain “of his holiness” underlines that this place is uniquely dedicated to God.

Why Psalms 48:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies that worship is not just a private feeling but is tied to real places and communities, especially in ancient Israel’s experience.
  • By naming the city and mountain, Psalms 48:1 connects God’s greatness to specific acts in history and to the life of the people, not just abstract ideas.
  • The verse highlights that God’s holiness and greatness are reasons for joyful, public praise, not just quiet reverence.

Where else these words appear

“Korah” Hebrew H7141 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 36:5 And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these are the sons of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan.
  • Numbers 16:24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:37 The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

“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 38:1 A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
  • 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.

“Song” Hebrew H7892 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Psalms 18:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
  • Psalms 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

“praised” Hebrew H1984 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 12:15 The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.
  • Psalms 63:11 But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
  • Psalms 148:3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.