Psalms 138:2
Psalms 138:2 in Multiple Translations
I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness; You have exalted Your name and Your word above all else.
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
I will worship toward thy holy temple, And give thanks unto thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
I will give worship before your holy Temple, praising your name for your mercy and for your unchanging faith: for you have made your word greater than all your name.
I bow down before your holy Temple, and I am thankful because of who you are—for your trustworthy love and faithfulness—and for the fact that your promises are even greater than what people expect of you.
I will worship toward thine holy Temple and praise thy Name, because of thy louing kindenesse and for thy trueth: for thou hast magnified thy Name aboue all things by thy word.
I bow myself toward Thy holy temple, And I confess Thy name, For Thy kindness, and for Thy truth, For Thou hast made great Thy saying above all Thy name.
I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all.
I will worship towards thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
Thou hast know my sitting down, and my rising up.
I bow down while I look towards your sacred temple, and I thank you [MTY] because you faithfully love us and faithfully do all that you have promised. You have shown that both you [MTY] and what you have promised to do are greater than anything else.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 138:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 138:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֨ה
אֶל
הֵיכַ֪ל
קָדְשְׁ/ךָ֡
וְ/א֘וֹדֶ֤ה
אֶת
שְׁמֶ֗/ךָ
עַל
חַסְדְּ/ךָ֥
וְ/עַל
אֲמִתֶּ֑/ךָ
כִּֽי
הִגְדַּ֥לְתָּ
עַל
כָּל
שִׁ֝מְ/ךָ֗
אִמְרָתֶֽ/ךָ
אֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֨ה
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
V-v-Imperf-1cs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הֵיכַ֪ל
hêykâl
H1964
temple
N-ms
קָדְשְׁ/ךָ֡
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
N-ms | Suff
וְ/א֘וֹדֶ֤ה
yâdâh
H3034
to give thanks
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁמֶ֗/ךָ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
חַסְדְּ/ךָ֥
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
אֲמִתֶּ֑/ךָ
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִגְדַּ֥לְתָּ
gâdal
H1431
to magnify
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
שִׁ֝מְ/ךָ֗
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
אִמְרָתֶֽ/ךָ
ʼimrâh
H565
word
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 138:2
אֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֨ה
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
V-v-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הֵיכַ֪ל
hêykâl
H1964
"temple"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a large public building like a palace or temple, used to describe God's temple in Jerusalem. It appears in the Bible to talk about the temple as God's palace. In the Bible, it is translated as 'palace' or 'temple'.
Definition: : temple 1) palace, temple, nave, sanctuary 1a) palace 1b) temple (palace of God as king) 1c) hall, nave (of Ezekiel's temple) 1d) temple (of heavenly temple)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: palace, temple. See also: 1 Samuel 1:9; Psalms 138:2; Psalms 5:8.
קָדְשְׁ/ךָ֡
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
N-ms | Suff
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
וְ/א֘וֹדֶ֤ה
yâdâh
H3034
"to give thanks"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To give thanks or praise, originally meaning to throw or cast, like shooting an arrow. In the Bible, it's used to describe worship or confession with extended hands. It appears in Psalms and other books, like 1 Chronicles.
Definition: 1) to throw, shoot, cast 1a) (Qal) to shoot (arrows) 1b) (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give thanks, laud, praise 1c2) to confess, confess (the name of God) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to confess (sin) 1d2) to give thanks Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדָא "to praise" H3029)
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). See also: Genesis 29:35; Psalms 57:10; Psalms 6:6.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁמֶ֗/ךָ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
חַסְדְּ/ךָ֥
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֲמִתֶּ֑/ךָ
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הִגְדַּ֥לְתָּ
gâdal
H1431
"to magnify"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
שִׁ֝מְ/ךָ֗
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אִמְרָתֶֽ/ךָ
ʼimrâh
H565
"word"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a threat or warning, often from God. It appears in the context of judgement or punishment. The KJV translates it as commandment, speech, or word.
Definition: 1) utterance, speech, word 1a) word of God (command and promise)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: commandment, speech, word. See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 119:116; Psalms 12:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 138:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 138:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 138:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 138:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 138:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 138:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 138:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 138:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 138:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 138:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 138:2
- Sermons on Psalms 138:2
Context — A Thankful Heart
1I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises.
2I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness; You have exalted Your name and Your word above all else.
3On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul. 4All the kings of the earth will give You thanks, O LORD, when they hear the words of Your mouth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 5:18 | For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. |
| 2 | Psalms 56:10 | In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, |
| 3 | Matthew 24:35 | Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. |
| 4 | Isaiah 42:21 | The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious. |
| 5 | Psalms 56:4 | In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? |
| 6 | 1 Kings 8:29–30 | May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place. Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive. |
| 7 | Psalms 28:2 | Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. |
| 8 | Psalms 5:7 | But I will enter Your house by the abundance of Your loving devotion; in reverence I will bow down toward Your holy temple. |
| 9 | John 1:17 | For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. |
| 10 | Psalms 115:1 | Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness. |
Psalms 138:2 Summary
This verse is saying that God is worthy of our worship and reverence because of His loving devotion and faithfulness. When we come to God, we should acknowledge His majesty and power, as seen in Psalms 95:6, and trust in His goodness and love, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3. By doing so, we can experience the joy and peace that comes from knowing and worshiping Him, as seen in Philippians 4:7. We can apply this verse to our lives by making time to worship and praise God, and by trusting in His loving devotion and faithfulness to guide us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to bow down toward God's holy temple?
This phrase is an expression of reverence and worship, acknowledging God's presence and majesty, as seen in Psalms 95:6 and 2 Chronicles 7:3.
How does God exalt His name and word above all else?
God's name and word are supreme, as stated in Psalms 138:2, and this is evident in His creation, as seen in Psalms 19:1-4, and in His redemption plan, as seen in John 1:1-14.
What is the significance of God's loving devotion and faithfulness?
God's loving devotion, or lovingkindness, and faithfulness are essential attributes of His character, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7 and Lamentations 3:22-23, and are the foundation of our trust and worship.
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
By acknowledging God's sovereignty and majesty, and by submitting to His will, as seen in Romans 12:1-2, we can cultivate a deeper reverence and worship for Him, and trust in His loving devotion and faithfulness to guide us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my reverence and worship to God in my daily life?
- How can I trust in God's loving devotion and faithfulness when faced with challenges and uncertainties?
- What are some ways God has exalted His name and word in my life, and how can I acknowledge and respond to these experiences?
- In what ways can I prioritize God's name and word above all else in my life, as stated in Psalms 138:2?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 138:2
I will worship towards thy holy temple,.... Not the temple at Jerusalem, which was not yet built, though, when it was, the Jews in their devotions at a distance looked towards it, 1 Kings 8:38; but
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 138:2
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 138:2
Toward thy holy temple, where the ark was. He saith toward it, because he was not permitted to enter into it. For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name; for thou hast glorified thy word or promise, or thy faithfulness in fulfilling thy promises unto me, more than any other of thy glorious perfections by which thou art known. Not that one of God’ s attributes is really and in itself more great or glorious than another, or can be made so, but because one may be more celebrated and admired by men than another, as here God’ s gracious promise made to David, and the wonderful accomplishment thereof in spite of all those difficulties which stood in the way, and which seemed to men to be insuperable, was at this time more observed and admired than any other of his attributes or actions. But here we must remember, that amongst the rest of the promises made to David, one was that the Messias should come out of his loins, and that those parts of the promised mercies which David had actually received were pledges to assure him that he should receive the rest in due time, and especially that great and eminent word of promise concerning the Messias, which might well be said to be magnified above all God’ s name.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 138:2
Psalms 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.Ver. 2. I will worship toward thy holy temple] Wheresoever I am the face of my soul shall turn, like the needle of a dial, by sacred instinct, towards thee, in the ark of thy presence, in the Son of thy love (Abbot). For thy lovingkindness and for thy truth] For thy grace and truth, which come by Jesus Christ: the ark and mercy seat were never sundered. God’ s lovingkindness in Christ moved him to promise, his truth binds him to perform, and hence our happiness. For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name] Or, Thou hast magnified thy name in all thy words. Or, Thou hast magnified above all things thy name by thy word; that is, Thou hast got thee a very great name, by fulfilling thy promises, and by setting on thy word with power.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 138:2
(2) Notice that “loving-kindness” and “truth” are joined as inseparable attributes of Jehovah in His relation to the chosen race. For thou hast magnified—i.e., the promise made for help and deliverance has been fulfilled, and more than fulfilled. The psalmist often speaks of Jehovah’s name, or reputation, or honour being at stake. Here the poet can say that the praise won is even beyond what might have been expected. It is true this would have been expressed more in accordance with our expectation by “Thou hast magnified Thy Name above Thy promise;” but comp. Psalms 48:10 for a similar thought, and for the language comp. Tennyson’s: “I am “become a name.” The LXX. and Vulg. felt the difficulty too great, and render “Thy holy one,” instead of “Thy word.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 138:2
Verse 2. For thy loving-kindness] Thy tender mercy shown to me; and for the fulfilment of thy truth - the promises thou hast made. Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.] All the Versions read this sentence thus: "For thou hast magnified above all the name of thy holiness," or, "thy holy name." Thou hast proved that thou hast all power in heaven and in earth, and that thou art true in all thy words. And by giving the word of prophecy, and fulfilling those words, thou hast magnified thy holy name above all things - thou hast proved thyself to be ineffably great. The original is the following: כי הגדלת על כל שמך אמרתך ki higdalta al col shimcha, imrathecha, which I think might be thus translated: "For thou hast magnified thy name and thy word over all," or, "on every occasion." Kennicott reads, "He preferred faithfulness to his promise to the attribute of his power." I believe my own translation to be nearest the truth. There may be some corruption in this clause.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 138:2
1–3. Thanksgiving for Jehovah’s manifestation of His lovingkindness and truth in the fulfilment of His promises.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 138:2
I will worship - I will bow down and adore. Toward thy holy temple - See the notes at Psalms 5:7. The word temple here undoubtedly refers to the tabernacle.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 138:2
2. Thy holy temple—Here denoting the place of thy holiness. Worship— Bow down, prostrate myself.
Sermons on Psalms 138:2
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Above All Things by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of exalting God's name and word above all else. The verse "You have exalted above all things your name and your word" serves a |
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The Pathway of Increasing Light by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of walking in increasing light on the path of God's will, which is illuminated by His Word. He warns against elevating human traditions to the |
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Honoring the Lord by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of honoring God as stated in 1 Samuel 2:30, warning against the dangers of interpreting Scripture through human standards rather than acc |
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The Message of Psalms by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound truths about worship as revealed in the Psalms, highlighting the conception of God as Jehovah, Elohim, and Adonahy, which compels worship |
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Authority and the Power of God's Word - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon emphasizes the authority of the Bible, highlighting that all Scripture is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit, making it profitable for doctrine, reproof, correctio |
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(Guidelines) Proof That the Bible Is the Word of God by J. Vernon McGee | J. Vernon McGee addresses the question of how we can be certain that the Bible is the Word of God, emphasizing the importance of both internal evidence and scriptural examination. |
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(Guidelines) Inspiration Ii by J. Vernon McGee | J. Vernon McGee emphasizes the concept of verbal plenary inspiration, asserting that every word of the Scriptures is divinely inspired and authoritative. He references early Church |