Psalms 138:6
Psalms 138:6 in Multiple Translations
Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.
Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
For though Jehovah is high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly; But the haughty he knoweth from afar.
Though the Lord is high, he sees those who are low; and he has knowledge from far off of those who are lifted up.
Though the Lord is high above, he pays attention to the lowly; but he recognizes the proud a long way off.
For the Lord is high: yet he beholdeth the lowly, but the proude he knoweth afarre off.
For high [is] Jehovah, and the lowly He seeth, And the haughty from afar He knoweth.
For though the LORD is high, yet he looks after the lowly; but he knows the proud from afar.
Though the LORD is high, yet hath he respect to the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
Thy knowledge is become wonderful to me: it is high, and I cannot reach to it.
Yahweh, you are supreme, but you take care of people who are considered to be unimportant. And you know what proud people are doing, even though they are far away from you and think that you do not see them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 138:6
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 138:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
רָ֣ם
יְ֭הוָה
וְ/שָׁפָ֣ל
יִרְאֶ֑ה
וְ֝/גָבֹ֗הַּ
מִ/מֶּרְחָ֥ק
יְיֵדָֽע
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רָ֣ם
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Qal
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/שָׁפָ֣ל
shâphâl
H8217
low
Conj | Adj
יִרְאֶ֑ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ֝/גָבֹ֗הַּ
gâbôahh
H1364
high
Conj | Adj
מִ/מֶּרְחָ֥ק
merchâq
H4801
distance
Prep | N-ms
יְיֵדָֽע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 138:6
כִּי
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.
רָ֣ם
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/שָׁפָ֣ל
shâphâl
H8217
"low"
Conj | Adj
This word means to be low or humble, either in physical height or in social status, often used to describe someone's character or condition. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, such as in Psalms and Proverbs. It signifies a lack of pride or arrogance.
Definition: 1) low, humble 1a) low (in height) 1b) low (in station), humble (of condition or spirit) 1c) humiliated 1d) lowly (as subst)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: base(-st), humble, low(-er, -ly). See also: Leviticus 13:20; Ecclesiastes 12:4; Psalms 138:6.
יִרְאֶ֑ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וְ֝/גָבֹ֗הַּ
gâbôahh
H1364
"high"
Conj | Adj
High means elevated or powerful, like a tall mountain or a proud person, as described in Proverbs where pride comes before a fall.
Definition: adj 1) high, exalted 1a) high, tall 1b) high (in position) 1c) proud, haughty n m 2) loftiness Also means: ga.vah (גָּבֹהַּ "high" H1362)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: haughty, height, high(-er), lofty, proud, [idiom] exceeding proudly. See also: Genesis 7:19; Isaiah 5:15; Psalms 104:18.
מִ/מֶּרְחָ֥ק
merchâq
H4801
"distance"
Prep | N-ms
Merchaq means a distant place or far country, often used to describe a location that is far away. It can also imply a sense of remoteness or separation. This word is used in the Bible to describe geographical distance.
Definition: distant place, distance, far country
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (a-, dwell in, very) far (country, off). See also H1023 (בֵּית הַמֶּרְחָק). See also: Psalms 138:6; Isaiah 33:17; Proverbs 25:25.
יְיֵדָֽע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 138:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 138:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 138:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 138:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 138:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 138:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 138:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 138:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 138:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 138:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 138:6
- Sermons on Psalms 138:6
Context — A Thankful Heart
4All the kings of the earth will give You thanks, O LORD, when they hear the words of Your mouth.
5They will sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.
6Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.
7If I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve me from the anger of my foes; You extend Your hand, and Your right hand saves me. 8The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me. O LORD, Your loving devotion endures forever— do not abandon the works of Your hands.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 113:5–6 | Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high? He humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 2:7–8 | The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. |
| 3 | Isaiah 57:15 | For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. |
| 4 | Proverbs 3:34 | He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble. |
| 5 | James 4:6 | But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” |
| 6 | Isaiah 66:2 | Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word. |
| 7 | Luke 14:11 | For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 8 | Daniel 4:37 | Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride. |
| 9 | Luke 1:48 | For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. |
| 10 | Luke 18:14 | I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
Psalms 138:6 Summary
This verse, Psalms 138:6, tells us that even though God is all-powerful and in a high position, He still cares about people who are humble and in need. It also says that God knows proud people from a distance, which means He doesn't have a close relationship with them. To have a close relationship with God, we need to be humble and recognize our need for Him, as seen in Matthew 5:3. By doing so, we can experience God's love and care in our lives, just like the Psalmist did, and trust in His goodness, as stated in Psalms 100:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God attends to the lowly?
It means that God is aware of and cares for those who are humble and in need, as seen in Psalms 138:6, and is reminiscent of His character in Psalms 34:18 where He is near to the brokenhearted.
Why does God know the proud from afar?
God knows the proud from afar because they do not humble themselves before Him, as stated in Psalms 138:6, and this is in line with Proverbs 16:5 which says that everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord.
How can we ensure God's attention and care in our lives?
We can ensure God's attention and care by humbling ourselves before Him, as seen in James 4:10, and by recognizing our need for Him, as stated in Matthew 5:3, which says blessed are the poor in spirit.
What is the relationship between God's greatness and His care for the lowly?
Despite God's greatness and high position, as stated in Psalms 138:6, He still cares for the lowly, which demonstrates His loving and merciful character, as seen in Psalms 103:8, which says the Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I humble myself before God today to receive His attention and care?
- How do I currently view my position in relation to God, and what adjustments can I make to align with a humble posture?
- What are some areas in my life where I am struggling with pride, and how can I surrender them to God?
- In what ways have I experienced God's care and attention in my life, and how can I express gratitude for these experiences?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 138:6
Though the Lord [be] high,.... Above all the earth, and all the nations of it, and the highest of men in it; above the heavens, and the angels there, who are his creatures and at his command; above
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 138:6
Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 138:6
Unto the lowly; unto such as are mean and obscure in the world; to me, a poor contemptible shepherd, whom he hath preferred before great princes, and to such as are little in their own eyes. But the proud he knoweth afar off; but for the great men of the world, who are lifted up in pride, he looks upon them as they do upon others, with scorn and contempt, and at a great distance, as disdaining to admit them into his presence. But the words may be, and by divers interpreters are, rendered otherwise, And he who is high, or the lofty one from afar, (i.e. from his high and holy place, even the highest heavens, where he dwells, notwithstanding that distance,) doth know them, or will own them. So this is the repetition of the former sentence, as is very usual in this book. And this seems best to suit, as with the foregoing, so also with the following words, and thus all will be understood of one and the same sort of persons.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 138:6
Psalms 138:6 Though the LORD [be] high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.Ver. 6. Though the Lord be high, &c.] Even "the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity," Isaiah 57:15. See on Psalms 113:6-7. Yet hath he respect unto the lowly] This maketh that ancient cry out, Videte magnum miraculum, See here a great miracle; God is on high; thou liftest thyself up, and he flieth from thee; thou bowest thyself down, and he descendeth unto thee (Aug. de Temp.). Low things he looketh close upon, that he may raise them higher; lofty things he knoweth afar off, that he may crush them down lower. The proud Pharisee pressed as near God as he could; the poor publican, not daring to do so, stood aloof off; yet was God far from the Pharisee, near to the publican. The Lord Christ is a door to heaven, but a low door; he who will enter in thereby, humiliet se oportet, ut sano capite intrare contingat, saith Austin, he must needs stoop to save his head piece. But the proud he knoweth afar off] As not vouchsafing to come near such loathsome lepers. For pride is like a great swelling in the body, apt to putrefy, break, and run with loathsome and foul matter. Hence God stands off from such, as odious and abominable; be cannot abide the sight of them; Superbos a coelo longe propellit, as the Chaldee here paraphraseth, he driveth the proud far enough off from heaven, yea, he thrusteth them into hell, to their father Lucifer, that king of all the children of pride, as leviathan is called, Job 41:34.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 138:6
(6) Knoweth afar off.—Or, recognises from afar. From His exaltation Jehovah looks down alike on the lowly and on the proud, but it is to show a gracious interest in the former, while the latter are merely marked as persons to be kept at a distance. “Lowliness and humility are the court dress of God; he who wears them will please Him well.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 138:6
Verse 6. Though the Lord be high] Infinitely great as God is, he regards even the lowest and most inconsiderable part of his creation; but the humble and afflicted man attracts his notice particularly. But the proud he knoweth afar off.] He beholds them at a distance, and has them in utter derision.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 138:6
6. For though Jehovah is high, yet he seeth the lowly] Exalted as He is, Jehovah never loses sight of the lowly, and in due time raises them up (Exodus 3:7; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2; Psalms 113:5 ff.): and the haughty he knoweth from afar; no distance hides them from His eye, and they cannot escape the punishment they deserve. Cp. Psalms 94:7 ff.; Job 22:12 ff.; and for know see note on Psalms 1:6.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 138:6
Though the Lord be high - This might be rendered “For lofty is Yahweh - and the humble he sees - and the proud he knows from afar.” The idea is, that God - so high and exalted - sees and knows all of every rank among people.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 138:6
6. See on Psalms 113:5-6. Afar off—That is, though God is apparently “afar off,” in the highest heaven, yet he knoweth the proud, and taketh cognizance of all their thoughts and acts.
Sermons on Psalms 138:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
How Do I Humble Myself? (Part 1) by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humility in the kingdom of God. He shares a personal story of giving money to a beggar and witnessing the man's gratitude a |
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God Has Chosen the Foolish Things - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes how God chooses the weak, foolish, and despised things of the world to confound the wise and mighty. It highlights the transformational powe |
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The Wicked Through Pride Refuse to Seek God. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the wicked's unwillingness to seek after God due to the pride of their hearts, which hinders them from pursuing knowledge, favor, likeness, and communi |
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"God Chose Who?" by Mark D. Partin | Mark D. Partin delivers a sermon at Indiana Avenue Baptist Church, emphasizing how the world may view the church as lowly and insignificant due to its size and location in a rural, |
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Divine Life by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the tree of life as a symbol of Divine life, which is central to God's purpose for humanity. He explains that spiritual death result |
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Identity by Richard E. Bieber | Richard E. Bieber preaches on the importance of fulfilling our purpose by magnifying God with our soul, body, and spirit, as exemplified by Mary's humble yet powerful declaration i |
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He Comes to Lift Us Up by Richard E. Bieber | Richard E. Bieber preaches about Jesus being among us to lift us up in various ways, such as lifting us out of fears, discouragement, and bondage, and giving us a purpose in God's |