King James Version

What Does Psalms 24:8 Mean?

Psalms 24:8 in the King James Version says “Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 24:8 · KJV


Context

6

This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. O Jacob: or, O God of Jacob

7

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

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 'Who is this King of glory?' receives the answer: 'The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.' This depicts Yahweh as divine warrior who defeats enemies and enters His city triumphant. Reformed theology sees Christological significance: Jesus' ascension after defeating sin, death, and Satan fulfills this imagery. Christ is the King of glory entering heaven's gates, having won the decisive battle at Calvary (Col. 2:15).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This may have been sung antiphonally as the Ark of the Covenant entered Jerusalem (2 Sam. 6) or during festival processions. The gates of Jerusalem represented entry into God's presence, while the question-answer format created dramatic liturgical effect.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing Jesus as the 'LORD mighty in battle' shape your understanding of His work?
  2. What battles has Christ won on your behalf that you could not win yourself?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
מִ֥י1 of 10
H4310

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

זֶה֮2 of 10
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

מֶ֤לֶךְ3 of 10

Who is this King

H4428

a king

הַכָּ֫ב֥וֹד4 of 10

of glory

H3519

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

יְ֝הוָ֗ה5 of 10

The LORD

H3068

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

עִזּ֣וּז6 of 10

strong

H5808

forcible; collectively and concretely, an army

גִּבּ֥וֹר7 of 10

and mighty

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

יְ֝הוָ֗ה8 of 10

The LORD

H3068

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

גִּבּ֥וֹר9 of 10

and mighty

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

מִלְחָמָֽה׃10 of 10

in battle

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)


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 24:8 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 24:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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