Psalms 97:9 (KJV)

What does Psalms 97:9 mean?

Psalms 97:9 declares that the LORD is far above all the earth and is exalted above every other so-called god. The verse highlights God's supreme position and authority, making clear that no other power or deity compares to Him.

In this psalm, the writer is addressing God directly, praising Him for being higher than anything else people might worship or consider powerful. The verse comes in a section celebrating God's rule and justice, and it emphasizes that the LORD alone is truly worthy of worship, not just in Israel but over the whole world.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 97:9

• LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for Israel’s God, used here to stress that it is specifically the God of Israel who is supreme, not just a generic deity.
• above (עַל, ‘al): This word means "over" or "above," showing God's position as higher than anything else on earth.
• exalted (עָלָה, ‘alah): This verb means "to go up" or "to be raised," and here it describes God as lifted far above all other beings or powers.
• gods (אֱלֹהִים, ’elohim): This word can mean "gods" or "mighty ones." In this context, it refers to any other beings or things people might treat as divine, stressing that none of them compare to the LORD.

Why Psalms 97:9 matters

• This verse makes clear that the LORD is not just one god among many, but is uniquely supreme over all creation and any other so-called gods.
• By using the word אֱלֹהִים (’elohim), the verse addresses the reality that people in ancient times worshipped many different gods, but insists that only the LORD is truly exalted.
• This statement ties into the larger theme of Psalms 97, which celebrates God's rule, justice, and unmatched greatness over the whole earth, not just over Israel.