For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?

PSALMS 89:6KJV
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Psalms 89:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 89:6 mean?

Psalms 89:6 praises the LORD as without an equal, even among the mighty beings of heaven. Its two questions expect the same answer: no one can stand alongside the LORD as a match.

The speaker pictures a heavenly gathering, not a comparison between earthly rulers. Following the praise of heaven in verse 5, the questions direct attention to the LORD’s place among that heavenly company.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 89:6

  • “heaven” — שַׁחַק (shaḥaq): This word can refer to the skies or clouds. Here, the KJV’s “heaven” points to the setting of the comparison: the realm above the earth.
  • “sons of the mighty” — בֵּן (ben) and אֵל (el): These words mean “son” and “mighty one.” Together, the phrase is often understood to refer to heavenly beings, rather than human children of powerful people.
  • “LORD” — יְהוָה (YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, represented by “LORD” in the KJV. The verse names the one being praised, rather than speaking of a mighty being in general.

Why Psalms 89:6 matters

  • The questions are a way of making a claim, not asking for a list of possible rivals. “Who” appears twice, inviting the hearer to consider the whole heavenly company.
  • The surrounding passage places the praise in a gathering of holy ones. Verse 7 continues with the picture of God being held in awe among them.
  • The verse’s language belongs to a song of praise. Its comparison gives the hearers a picture of the LORD’s greatness within the heavenly scene.

Where else these words appear

“heaven” Hebrew H7834 · used in 21 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:26 There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
  • Job 38:37 Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,
  • Psalms 89:37 It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

“likened” Hebrew H1819 · used in 27 verses

  • Numbers 33:56 Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them.
  • Song of Solomon 1:9 I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots.
  • Isaiah 40:18 To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?

“compared” Hebrew H6186 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 14:8 And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela(the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;
  • 1 Samuel 17:8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.
  • Job 28:19 The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.