King James Version
What Does Psalms 148:11 Mean?
“Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:”
Psalms 148:11 · KJV
Context
9
Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
10
Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: flying: Heb. birds of wing
11
Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
12
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
13
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. excellent: Heb. exalted
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryKings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: The psalm's summons climaxes with humanity, specifically addressing political leadership. The Hebrew pairs rulers and subjects: "kings of the earth" (malkhei-eretz, מַלְכֵי־אֶרֶץ) and "princes" (sarin, שָׂרִים, leaders or officials), alongside "all people" (vekhol le'ummim, וְכָל־לְאֻמִּים, all nations/peoples) and "all judges of the earth" (vekhol shophetei aretz, וְכָל־שֹׁפְטֵי אָרֶץ).
This is politically subversive. Earthly rulers often demand worship, claiming divine status (Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Roman emperors). The psalmist declares even the most powerful monarchs are themselves worshipers, subordinate to Yahweh. Psalm 2:10-12 warns kings: "Be wise... Kiss the Son, lest he be angry." Daniel 4 records Nebuchadnezzar's humbling, forced to acknowledge "the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men" (Daniel 4:25, 32).
The inclusion of "all judges" emphasizes accountability—those who render verdicts will themselves be judged. Romans 13:1 declares "there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." Earthly authority is delegated, not inherent. Revelation 19:16 depicts Christ as "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS"—every earthly throne is subject to His ultimate kingship. Political leaders who refuse to worship God face judgment; those who acknowledge Him fulfill their created purpose.
This is politically subversive. Earthly rulers often demand worship, claiming divine status (Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Roman emperors). The psalmist declares even the most powerful monarchs are themselves worshipers, subordinate to Yahweh. Psalm 2:10-12 warns kings: "Be wise... Kiss the Son, lest he be angry." Daniel 4 records Nebuchadnezzar's humbling, forced to acknowledge "the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men" (Daniel 4:25, 32).
The inclusion of "all judges" emphasizes accountability—those who render verdicts will themselves be judged. Romans 13:1 declares "there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." Earthly authority is delegated, not inherent. Revelation 19:16 depicts Christ as "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS"—every earthly throne is subject to His ultimate kingship. Political leaders who refuse to worship God face judgment; those who acknowledge Him fulfill their created purpose.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Israel's history involved interaction with many kingdoms—Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome. Some rulers showed respect for Yahweh (Cyrus, who decreed temple rebuilding); others persecuted His people (Antiochus Epiphanes). Post-exilic Judaism lived under foreign rule (Persian, then Greek, then Roman), making this call for kings to worship Yahweh particularly poignant—it asserted that even Gentile rulers owed allegiance to Israel's God. This anticipates the Great Commission's call to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19) and prophecies of nations streaming to Zion (Isaiah 2:2-3).
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse challenge contemporary ideas about separation of church and state or religion's role in public life?
- What does it mean for political leaders today to 'praise the LORD,' and how should Christians pray for those in authority?
- In what ways does recognizing Christ as 'King of kings' affect how believers relate to earthly governments and legal systems?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsוְכָל3 of 8
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְכָל6 of 8
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שֹׁ֥פְטֵי7 of 8
“and all judges”
H8199to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
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 148:11 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 148:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge