King James Version
What Does Psalms 148:14 Mean?
“He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.”
Psalms 148:14 · KJV
Context
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
14
He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe final verse of Psalm 148 completes the cosmic scope and transitions toward the earthly realm: 'He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.' The phrase 'exalteth the horn' (Hebrew 'vayarem keren') uses 'horn' as a biblical idiom for strength, power, and dignity. To exalt someone's 'horn' means to raise them from degradation to honor. 'Of his people' specifies that this exaltation is granted to Israel, God's covenant community. 'The praise of all his saints' (tehilah le-kol-chasidav) shifts focus from celestial praise to the praise-offering of God's covenant community. 'Saints' (chasidim) refers to those devoted to God, characterized by covenant loyalty (chesed). The final 'Praise ye the LORD' returns to the direct imperative. This verse, the transition point between heavenly cosmology (verses 1-13) and earthly praise (Psalms 149-150), asserts that God's exaltation of His people is itself an act worthy of praise. God's commitment to raise the afflicted and honor the faithful demonstrates His character and creates grounds for continued worship.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The phrase 'exalteth the horn of his people' appears in 1 Samuel 2:10, in Hannah's Song of thanksgiving for the birth of Samuel. This liturgical echo suggests continuity: God's exaltation of His people in Samuel's time is fulfilled and renewed across ages. During the exile, when Israel's 'horn' (national power) was broken, this verse maintained hope that God would restore dignity and honor. The post-exilic period witnessed gradual political subjugation (Persian, Hellenistic, Roman rule), making the promise that God would exalt His people's horn spiritually significant if not politically realized. 'All his saints' (kol-chasidav) in post-exilic Judaism referred not merely to a priestly elite but to all the covenant community. This represents a democratization of sanctity: all faithful Israelites are God's 'saints.' The verse transitions from cosmic praise to covenant community praise, establishing that God's glory is known and proclaimed through the exaltation of His faithful people. The integrity of the psalm's structure becomes clear: from heavens to earth to people, all creation participates in proclaiming God's glory.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean that 'exalting the horn of his people' is itself grounds for praising God?
- How should we understand God's exaltation of His people when political circumstances suggest otherwise?
- Why does the psalm specifically identify the praise as coming 'of all his saints' (the covenant community)?
- In what ways does God's commitment to honor His people connect to and complement His cosmic sovereignty?
- How should the promise that God 'exalteth the horn of his people' affect our understanding of our status and identity in Christ?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsוַיָּ֤רֶם1 of 12
“He also exalteth”
H7311to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
קֶ֨רֶן׀2 of 12
“the horn”
H7161a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
עַ֥ם3 of 12
“a people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לְֽכָל5 of 12
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לִבְנֵ֣י7 of 12
“even of the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִ֭שְׂרָאֵל8 of 12
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עַ֥ם9 of 12
“a people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַֽלְלוּ11 of 12
“unto him Praise”
H1984to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
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 148:14 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 148:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge