King James Version

What Does Psalms 138:6 Mean?

Psalms 138:6 in the King James Version says “Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 138 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 138:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Read Psalms 138 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. This verse presents a profound paradox: the transcendent, exalted God relates inversely to human pride—drawing near to the humble while keeping distance from the proud. This theological principle appears throughout Scripture and stands radically opposed to human hierarchical thinking.

"Though the LORD be high" (כִּי־רָם יְהוָה/ki-ram Yahweh) acknowledges God's transcendence, His exalted position above all creation. Ram means high, exalted, lifted up. Isaiah 6:1 describes seeing "the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up." God's highness encompasses His sovereignty, holiness, power, and transcendence—He is infinitely above creation, completely other, supreme over all.

"Yet hath he respect unto the lowly" (וְשָׁפָל יִרְאֶה/veshafal yireh) introduces the paradox. Shafal means low, humble, afflicted, poor in spirit. Raah means to see, regard, look upon with favor. The high God regards, notices, cares for, elevates those who are low. This isn't merely awareness but favorable attention—God looks upon the humble with compassion and grace.

This echoes the Magnificat (Luke 1:52): "He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree." God's economy inverts human hierarchy. While worldly systems elevate the powerful and ignore the weak, God exalts the humble and resists the proud.

"But the proud he knoweth afar off" (וְגָבֹהַּ מִמֶּרְחָק יְיֵדָע/vegavo'ah mimerchaq yeda) presents the contrasting reality. Gavo'ah means high, haughty, proud—those who exalt themselves. Mimerchaq means from a distance, afar off. God knows (yada) the proud but from distance—not intimate covenant knowledge but removed awareness. While drawing near to the humble, God maintains distance from the proud. Pride creates separation from God; humility creates intimacy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This theological principle—God exalting the humble and opposing the proud—runs throughout biblical history. God chose Israel not because they were great but because they were small (Deuteronomy 7:7). He chose David, the youngest son tending sheep, to be king over his older brothers (1 Samuel 16:7). He used Gideon's reduced army of 300 to defeat Midian so Israel couldn't boast in their own strength (Judges 7:2).

Proverbs repeatedly warns against pride: "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). "The LORD will destroy the house of the proud" (Proverbs 15:25). "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD" (Proverbs 16:5).

Conversely, Scripture celebrates humility. "The humble shall see this, and be glad" (Psalm 69:32). "The LORD lifteth up the meek" (Psalm 147:6). Isaiah 57:15 declares: "Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity...I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit."

Jesus embodied this principle, describing Himself as "meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). His Beatitudes begin: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). James 4:6 quotes this psalm's principle: "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." 1 Peter 5:5 repeats it: "God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."

Church history demonstrates this pattern. God used uneducated fishermen to transform the Roman Empire. He used Augustine, broken by moral failure, to become the church's greatest theologian. He used Luther, a struggling monk, to reform the church. He uses the weak to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between healthy humility and unhealthy low self-esteem, and how does Scripture distinguish between them?
  2. Why does God 'know the proud from afar off'—what is it about pride that creates distance from God?
  3. How does Jesus as both 'high and lifted up' (John 12:32) and 'meek and lowly' (Matthew 11:29) embody the paradox of this verse?
  4. In what areas of life might believers be tempted toward pride, and how can we cultivate genuine humility?
  5. How should this principle that God regards the lowly shape the church's ministry priorities and treatment of marginalized people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּי1 of 8
H3588

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

רָ֣ם2 of 8

“be high”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

יְ֭הוָה3 of 8

“Though the LORD”

H3068

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

וְשָׁפָ֣ל4 of 8

“unto the lowly”

H8217

depressed, literally or figuratively

יִרְאֶ֑ה5 of 8

“yet hath he respect”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְ֝גָבֹ֗הַּ6 of 8

“but the proud”

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

מִמֶּרְחָ֥ק7 of 8

“afar off”

H4801

remoteness, i.e., (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar

יְיֵדָֽע׃8 of 8

“he knoweth”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 138:6 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 138:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 113:5-61 Samuel 2:7-8Isaiah 57:15Proverbs 3:34James 4:6Isaiah 66:2

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