Psalms 47:8
Psalms 47:8 in Multiple Translations
God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.
God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
God reigneth over the nations: God sitteth upon his holy throne.
God is the ruler over the nations; God is on the high seat of his holy rule.
God rules over the nations; he sits on his holy throne.
God reigneth ouer the heathen: God sitteth vpon his holy throne.
God hath reigned over nations, God hath sat on His holy throne,
God reigns over the nations. God sits on his holy throne.
God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
With a vehement wind thou shalt break in pieces the ships of Tharsis.
God sits on his sacred throne as he rules over the people of all ethnic groups.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 47:8
BAB
Word Study
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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 47:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
מֶ֖לֶךְ
כָּל
הָ/אָ֥רֶץ
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
זַמְּר֥וּ
מַשְׂכִּֽיל
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מֶ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/אָ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
זַמְּר֥וּ
zâmar
H2167
to sing
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
מַשְׂכִּֽיל
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
N-ms
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 47:8
כִּ֤י
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.
מֶ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
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.
הָ/אָ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
זַמְּר֥וּ
zâmar
H2167
"to sing"
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
This word means to sing or make music, often with praise and celebration. In the Psalms, it describes singing with instruments and voice, giving thanks to God. It's about joyful noise and worship.
Definition: 1) to sing, sing praise, make music 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make music, sing 1a2) to play a musical instrument Aramaic equivalent: ze.mar (זְמָר "music" H2170)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: give praise, sing forth praises, psalms. See also: Judges 5:3; Psalms 68:5; Psalms 7:18.
מַשְׂכִּֽיל
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
N-ms
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 47:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 47:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 47:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 47:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 47:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 47:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 47:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 47:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 47:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 47:8
- Sermons on Psalms 47:8
Context — Clap Your Hands, All You Peoples
6Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises!
7For God is King of all the earth; sing to Him a psalm of praise.
8God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.
9The nobles of the nations have assembled as the people of the God of Abraham; for the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 16:31 | Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice. Let them say among the nations, ‘The LORD reigns!’ |
| 2 | Revelation 19:6 | And I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude, like the rushing of many waters, and like a mighty rumbling of thunder, crying out: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. |
| 3 | Psalms 99:1 | The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake! |
| 4 | Psalms 110:6 | He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead; He will crush the leaders far and wide. |
| 5 | Psalms 22:27–29 | All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him. For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations. All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before Him— even those unable to preserve their lives. |
| 6 | Psalms 9:4 | For You have upheld my just cause; You sit on Your throne judging righteously. |
| 7 | Psalms 93:1 | The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty; the LORD has clothed and armed Himself with strength. The world indeed is firmly established; it cannot be moved. |
| 8 | Psalms 45:6–7 | Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy. |
| 9 | Psalms 89:14 | Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and faithfulness go before You. |
| 10 | Revelation 20:11 | Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. |
Psalms 47:8 Summary
[God is the ruler of all nations and people, and He sits on a throne that is perfect and holy, as we see in Psalms 47:8. This means that He is in control of everything, and we can trust Him to do what is right, just like it says in Psalms 119:137. We can look to verses like Jeremiah 29:11 for comfort, knowing that God has good plans for us, and we can submit to His authority, knowing that He is working all things together for our good, as Romans 8:28 reminds us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God reigns over the nations?
This means that God is the supreme ruler of all nations and peoples, as stated in Psalms 47:8, and is echoed in verses like Psalms 103:19, which says that God's sovereignty is over all.
Is God's throne mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?
Yes, God's throne is mentioned in several places, including Isaiah 6:1 and Ezekiel 1:26, which describe the throne of God in vivid detail, emphasizing His power and majesty.
How can we apply the concept of God's reign in our daily lives?
We can apply this concept by recognizing God's authority over all aspects of our lives, and submitting to His will, as taught in Romans 12:1-2, and seeking to honor Him in all we do.
What is the significance of God's throne being described as 'holy'?
The description of God's throne as 'holy' emphasizes God's perfect nature and separation from sin, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45, which reminds us of the importance of seeking holiness in our own lives.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to me, personally, that God reigns over the nations, and how should this truth shape my prayers and expectations?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and submit to God's reign in my own life, and what areas of my life may need to come under His authority?
- How does the image of God seated on His holy throne impact my understanding of His power and majesty, and how can I worship Him more fully in light of this?
- What are some ways that I can partner with God's reign in the nations, and how can I be a part of His plan to bring all things under His authority?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 47:8
God reigneth over the Heathen,.... He reigned over Israel under the former dispensation, and now he reigns over the Gentiles under the Gospel dispensation; as appears by the numerous instances of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 47:8
God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 47:8
Over the heathen, i.e. over all heathen nations, as being the King of all the earth, ; which was not true in David’ s time, but; was fulfilled by Christ. God sitteth upon the throne, to wit, as Judge and King, exercising dominion, or reigning, as he now said; this being only another expression of the same thing. And this holy throne is either, 1. The ark, upon which God was said to sit to govern the Israelites. Or rather, 2. Heaven; which is oft called God’ s throne, , whence God is said to behold and to rule all nations; of which general dominion of God he here speaks. And here Christ sits at his Father’ s right hand for that purpose.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 47:8
Psalms 47:8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.Ver. 8. God reigneth over the heathen] This is his universal kingdom, whereof before, Psalms 47:7, and yet never can too much be said of it. God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness] He is in a special manner King of his Church, as Ahasuerus was of his Esther, called his throne, Exodus 17:16 (because the hand upon the throne of the Lord, that is, Amalek’ s hand upon the Church, as some interpret it). His throne of glory, Jeremiah 14:21; and here the throne of his holiness, because Christ (who is called God so many times in this psalm) loved the Church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it, and so present it to himself a glorious Church, Ephesians 5:25-27.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 47:8
Verse 8. God reigneth over the heathen] Though this is literally true in God's universal dominion, yet more is here meant. God reigns over the heathen when, by the preaching of the Gospel, they are brought into the Church of Christ. God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.] He is a holy God; he proclaims holiness. His laws are holy, he requires holiness, and his genuine people are all holy. The throne of his holiness is the heaven of heavens; also the temple at Jerusalem; and, lastly, the hearts of the faithful.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 47:8
8, 9. The final realisation of Jehovah’s sovereignty over the world.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 47:8
God reigneth over the heathen - Over the “nations;” not over the “heathen” in the sense in which that term is understood now.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 47:8
8. God reigneth over… heathen—âåéí, (goyim,) Gentiles, heathen nations, and in Psalms 47:2; Psalms 47:8, “king over all the earth”—Psalms 47:4, “peoples.” This Jehovistic reign was fully vindicated
Sermons on Psalms 47:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Triology of Intercession by Wesley Duewel | In this sermon, Bob begins by recounting the story of Jacob's dream of a ladder reaching to heaven. He emphasizes that being a child of God is not simply about being a member of a |
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The Kingdom of God (2 of 2) by Paul Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that man is not in control of his own path, as stated in Jeremiah. The speaker highlights the inability of fles |
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Four Things This Generation Must Hear by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for churches to focus on the mission and message of God rather than getting caught up in proving their own views. He highlights the |
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The Message of 1 Samuel by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound themes in 1 Samuel, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the human response to His reign. He illustrates how God adapts His methods through th |
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Our Captain-Leader, the Lord Our Lover by Anne Dutton | Anne Dutton preaches about the obstacles in building the spiritual temple and the glory of the gospel church, emphasizing that the work is of God and will prosper despite hindrance |
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I Chronicles 16:31 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the sovereignty of God in his sermon 'The Lord Reigneth,' illustrating the evidence of His reign through the universe, nature, and the intricate designs of c |
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Omnipotence of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three propositions about God's power. The first proposition is that God has power, which is evident in the creation of the world. The preache |