To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

PSALMS 8:1KJV
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Psalms 8:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 8:1 mean?

Psalms 8:1 praises God by declaring how magnificent and unmatched His name is throughout the entire earth, saying that His glory is even higher than the heavens themselves. The verse is a song directed to God, recognizing His greatness and the honor He deserves above all creation.

King David is the speaker in this psalm, addressing God directly in a tone of awe and worship. The verse sets the theme for the whole psalm, focusing on the greatness of God as seen in creation. The mention of God's "name" means His reputation, character, and authority, and saying His glory is "above the heavens" stresses that God's majesty is beyond anything people can see or imagine.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 8:1

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, showing a close and covenant relationship with His people. Using this name highlights God's unique identity and faithfulness.
  • Lord (אֲדֹנֵינוּ, Adonenu): This word means "our Lord" or "our Master," emphasizing God's authority and rule over His people.
  • excellent (אַדִּיר, addir): This word is often understood as "majestic," "mighty," or "noble." It points to the overwhelming greatness and splendor of God's reputation.
  • glory (הוֹד, hod): This word refers to honor, splendor, or majesty. In this verse, it highlights that God's glory is not just earthly but extends even above the heavens.

Why Psalms 8:1 matters

  • Psalms 8:1 clarifies that God's greatness is not limited to one place or people but is recognized throughout the whole earth and beyond the visible sky.
  • The verse emphasizes both God's personal relationship with His people (using Yahweh) and His universal rule (calling Him "our Lord"), showing both intimacy and authority.
  • This opening line sets the tone for the rest of Psalm 8, which will go on to reflect on humanity's place in creation in light of God's overwhelming majesty.

Where else these words appear

“Gittith” Hebrew H1665 · used in 3 verses

  • Psalms 81:1 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
  • Psalms 84:1 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!

“glory” Hebrew H1935 · used in 24 verses

  • Numbers 27:20 And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.
  • Psalms 21:5 His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.
  • Isaiah 30:30 And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.

“excellent” Hebrew H117 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 15:10 Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
  • Psalms 16:3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
  • Jeremiah 25:35 And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape.

“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.