King James Version

What Does Psalms 24:10 Mean?

Psalms 24:10 in the King James Version says “Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Psalms 24:10 · KJV


Context

8

Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

9

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

10

Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The question repeats—'Who is this King of glory?'—intensifying anticipation. The answer: 'The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.' 'LORD of hosts' (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's command over heavenly armies. Reformed theology sees divine sovereignty: God commands all powers—angelic, earthly, cosmic—and His glory fills all creation. The 'Selah' calls for contemplative pause, inviting meditation on this majestic truth.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The title 'LORD of hosts' originated in Israel's holy war tradition, emphasizing that earthly armies succeeded only as God commanded heavenly forces. This title assured Israel that visible military strength mattered less than invisible divine power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the title 'LORD of hosts' comfort you in spiritual warfare?
  2. What does it mean that the King of glory commands all heavenly armies?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
מִ֤י1 of 11
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

ה֣וּא2 of 11
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

זֶה֮3 of 11
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

מֶ֖לֶךְ4 of 11

Who is this King

H4428

a king

הַכָּב֣וֹד5 of 11

of glory

H3519

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

יְהוָ֥ה6 of 11

The LORD

H3068

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

צְבָא֑וֹת7 of 11

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

ה֤וּא8 of 11
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מֶ֖לֶךְ9 of 11

Who is this King

H4428

a king

הַכָּב֣וֹד10 of 11

of glory

H3519

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

סֶֽלָה׃11 of 11

Selah

H5542

suspension (of music), i.e., pause


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 24:10 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 24:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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