King James Version

What Does Psalms 138:5 Mean?

Psalms 138:5 in the King James Version says “Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 138 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 138:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD. This verse continues describing the universal worship anticipated in v. 4, specifying that kings won't merely praise grudgingly but will "sing" (yashiru, יָשִׁירוּ)—joyful, exuberant expression. Shir (שִׁיר) means "to sing," often in context of worship or celebration. Singing represents heartfelt, voluntary, enthusiastic praise, not coerced acknowledgment. Former opponents of God become glad worshipers.

"In the ways of the LORD" (be-darkhei YHWH, בְּדַרְכֵי יְהוָה) describes what they sing about. Derekh (דֶּרֶךְ, "way") refers to God's actions, methods, character, and revealed will—how He operates in history. The plural "ways" encompasses multiple aspects: His providence, justice, mercy, faithfulness, wisdom. Kings who once walked their own ways now celebrate God's ways as superior. This recalls Moses's request: "shew me now thy way" (Exodus 33:13) and Israel's confession: "thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary" (Psalm 77:13).

"For great is the glory of the LORD" (ki-gadol kevod YHWH, כִּי־גָדוֹל כְּבוֹד יְהוָה) provides the reason for singing. Ki (כִּי, "for, because") introduces explanatory clause. Gadol (גָּדוֹל, "great") emphasizes magnitude, excellence, supremacy. Kevod (כָּבוֹד, "glory") is God's weighty, majestic, visible splendor—His revealed character and presence. The greatness of God's glory surpasses all earthly glory, rendering kings' glory trivial by comparison. When kings recognize God's superior glory, their appropriate response is worship. Paul echoes this: "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The ancient Near Eastern context makes this vision revolutionary. Kings in that world claimed divine status or at minimum supreme authority—pharaohs were gods incarnate, Mesopotamian rulers were gods' representatives, Persian shahs held absolute power. The concept of all kings submitting to Yahweh and singing His praise contradicted contemporary royal ideology. Yet biblical prophets consistently proclaimed Yahweh's supremacy over all earthly powers (Psalm 2:10-12, 47:2, 7-9, 96:10, 99:1-2). Daniel demonstrated this when Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged "the God of heaven" as supreme (Daniel 4:34-37). The Book of Revelation depicts this eschatologically: "the kings of the earth" bring their glory into the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:24), having abandoned rebellion for worship. History's trajectory moves toward universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'sing in the ways of the LORD,' and how is this different from merely acknowledging God's existence?
  2. How does recognizing the greatness of God's glory relativize earthly power, success, and human glory?
  3. What will it be like when all earthly authorities joyfully worship God, and how does this future hope impact Christian engagement with political powers now?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְ֭יָשִׁירוּ1 of 7

“Yea they shall sing”

H7891

to sing

בְּדַרְכֵ֣י2 of 7

“in the ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

יְהוָֽה׃3 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

כִּֽי4 of 7
H3588

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

גָ֝ד֗וֹל5 of 7

“for great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

כְּב֣וֹד6 of 7

“is the glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יְהוָֽה׃7 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 138:5 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 138:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 4:11Psalms 21:5Revelation 7:12Revelation 5:12-14Isaiah 6:1-3Malachi 1:11

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