King James Version

What Does Psalms 138:4 Mean?

Psalms 138:4 in the King James Version says “All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 138 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.”

Psalms 138:4 · KJV

Context

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.

3

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

4

All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

5

Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.

6

Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

Read Psalms 138 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth. This verse transitions from David's personal testimony (vv. 1-3) to prophetic vision of universal worship. The scope expands dramatically: "all the kings of the earth" (kol-malkhei-eretz, כָּל־מַלְכֵי־אָרֶץ) encompasses every nation's leadership, not just Israel's king. Kol (כָּל, "all") emphasizes totality—no exception, no rival remaining. This anticipates messianic prophecies where nations stream to Zion (Isaiah 2:2-4, Micah 4:1-3) and kings bow before Messiah (Psalm 72:10-11, Isaiah 60:3).

"Shall praise thee, O LORD" (yodukha YHWH, יוֹדוּךָ יְהוָה) uses yadah (יָדָה), meaning "to thank, praise, confess." Kings who currently ignore or oppose God will acknowledge Him publicly. YHWH (יְהוָה)—the covenant name—emphasizes that these pagan kings will recognize Israel's God specifically, not merely generic deity. This represents triumph of God's purposes: those who knew Him not will worship Him (Isaiah 55:5).

"When they hear the words of thy mouth" (ki shamu imrei-phikha, כִּי שָׁמְעוּ אִמְרֵי־פִיךָ) identifies what prompts their praise. Shama (שָׁמַע, "hear") implies not just auditory reception but understanding and response—they hear and believe. Imrei (אִמְרֵי, "words") are God's spoken revelations. Peh (פֶּה, "mouth") anthropomorphically represents God's direct communication. Kings will praise God when they encounter His revealed word—promises fulfilled, prophecies accomplished, character displayed through His actions in history. The gospel itself is "the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16) that brings nations to faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's vision reflects God's promise to Abraham that "in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 12:3). Throughout Israel's history, Gentiles occasionally came to faith in Yahweh—Rahab (Joshua 2), Ruth (Ruth 1:16), Naaman (2 Kings 5:15), the Ninevites (Jonah 3:5-10). These were preview instances of eventual widespread Gentile inclusion. Prophets expanded this vision: Isaiah foresaw nations streaming to God's house (Isaiah 2:2-3), Gentiles seeking the Lord (Isaiah 11:10), kings seeing and arising (Isaiah 49:7), and the Servant bringing salvation to earth's ends (Isaiah 49:6). The psalm's confidence that kings will praise God reflects covenant certainty—God will accomplish His purposes globally, not just nationally. The New Testament records this beginning fulfillment as the gospel spreads to Gentile nations (Acts 13:47-48, Romans 15:9-12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the vision of 'all kings of earth' praising God challenge nationalistic or ethnocentric views of God's purposes?
  2. What 'words of God's mouth' have you heard that prompted praise, and how can you share these with others who don't yet know Him?
  3. How does this verse encourage missionaries and evangelists working in nations where Christianity is currently marginal or opposed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
יוֹד֣וּךָ1 of 9

“shall praise”

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

יְ֭הוָה2 of 9

“thee O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כָּל3 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַלְכֵי4 of 9

“All the kings”

H4428

a king

אָ֑רֶץ5 of 9

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּ֥י6 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁ֝מְע֗וּ7 of 9

“when they hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אִמְרֵי8 of 9

“the words”

H561

something said

פִֽיךָ׃9 of 9

“of thy mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 138:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 138:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 102:15Psalms 72:11Psalms 22:27Psalms 22:22Isaiah 60:3-5Isaiah 60:16

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