Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.

PSALMS 93:5KJV
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Psalms 93:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 93:5 mean?

Psalms 93:5 says that God's testimonies—His words and promises—are completely trustworthy, and that holiness is fitting for God's house forever. The verse highlights the unchanging reliability of what God has declared and the lasting, appropriate character of holiness in His presence.

The psalm is spoken by someone reflecting on God's kingship and majesty, likely in the context of worship at the temple. The verse closes the psalm by affirming that everything God has said can be depended on, and that God's dwelling place (the temple, or by extension, wherever God is present) is marked by holiness, not just for a time but for all generations.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 93:5

  • "testimonies" (עֵדוּת, ʿēdût): This word refers to God's declarations, commands, or promises. Here, it emphasizes that everything God has revealed is reliable and stands firm.
  • "sure" (נֶאֱמָן, neʾĕmān): This word means firm, faithful, or trustworthy. The verse stresses that God's words are not just true in theory but can be counted on in practice.
  • "holiness" (קֹדֶשׁ, qōdesh): This word means set-apartness or sacredness. The verse points out that God's house is characterized by this unique, pure quality.
  • "becometh" (נָאָה, nāʾeh): This word means fitting, suitable, or beautiful. It shows that holiness is not just present in God's house, but it is the right and proper quality for it.

Why Psalms 93:5 matters

  • The verse clarifies that God's promises and commands are not temporary or uncertain; they are described as absolutely reliable, which reassures readers about the dependability of God's word.
  • By connecting holiness with God's house, the verse emphasizes that God's presence is always marked by purity and set-apartness, not just in ancient Israel but "forever."
  • The verse wraps up the psalm's theme of God's unshakable rule by tying together His trustworthy word and the enduring, appropriate nature of holiness in His presence.

Where else these words appear

“becometh” Hebrew H4998 · used in 3 verses

  • Song of Solomon 1:10 Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.
  • Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

“testimonies” Hebrew H5713 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 21:30 And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.
  • Psalms 99:7 He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.
  • Psalms 119:119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.

“ever” Hebrew H753 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 6:3 And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
  • Ezekiel 40:36 The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

“sure” Hebrew H539 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Kings 10:5 And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.
  • Psalms 106:24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: