According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.

PSALMS 48:10KJV
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Psalms 48:10 (KJV)

What does Psalms 48:10 mean?

Psalms 48:10 says that God’s reputation and praise are known everywhere, reaching to the farthest parts of the earth, and that God’s actions are filled with righteousness. The verse highlights both the worldwide recognition of God’s greatness and the moral goodness shown in God’s power.

This verse is part of a song attributed to the sons of Korah, celebrating God’s protection of Jerusalem. The people are speaking to God, recognizing that just as God’s name (or reputation) is honored, so is God’s praise spread everywhere. The mention of God’s “right hand” being full of righteousness points to God’s just and fair actions, especially in defending and caring for the city.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 48:10

  • "name" (שֵׁם, shem): This word refers to God’s reputation or character, not just a label. In this verse, it means that God’s fame is widespread and respected.
  • "praise" (תְּהִלָּה, tehillah): This word means praise or songs of admiration. The verse connects God’s reputation directly to the praise given, suggesting that God is praised as widely as God is known.
  • "ends" (קָצֶה, qatseh) and "earth" (אֶרֶץ, erets): Together, these words mean the farthest reaches of the world, emphasizing that God’s praise is not limited to one place or people.
  • "right hand" (יָמִין, yamin): In Hebrew thought, the right hand often symbolizes strength or power. Here, it means that God’s powerful actions are always righteous.
  • "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq): This word means justice or moral rightness. The verse stresses that God’s power is always used in just and fair ways.

Why Psalms 48:10 matters

  • Psalms 48:10 clarifies that God’s praise is not just for Israel or Jerusalem, but is meant to reach all people everywhere, showing the universal scope of God’s reputation.
  • The verse connects God’s power (“right hand”) with righteousness, reminding readers that God’s might is always exercised justly, not arbitrarily or unfairly.
  • In the context of the psalm, this verse helps explain why the people trust and celebrate God’s protection: God’s actions are both powerful and morally good, making God worthy of praise across the whole earth.

Where else these words appear

“ends” Hebrew H7099 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 37:8 One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof.
  • Exodus 39:4 They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together.
  • Psalms 65:8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

“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 71:6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
  • 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.

“righteousness” Hebrew H6664 · used in 109 verses

  • Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
  • Psalms 58:1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?
  • Ecclesiastes 7:15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

“hand” Hebrew H3225 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.
  • Psalms 109:6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.