King James Version
What Does Psalms 57:11 Mean?
“Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.”
Psalms 57:11 · KJV
Context
9
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
10
For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
11
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe repetition of verse 5 as the psalm's conclusion creates an inclusio, framing the entire composition with doxology. This structure teaches that proper response to deliverance is not self-congratulation but ascribing glory to God. The progression from David's plight (v.1-4) through deliverance (v.6) to praise (v.7-11) models the structure of redemptive history itself.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This refrain's repetition would aid congregational worship, allowing the assembly to join David's testimony. The Psalter's liturgical function means individual experience becomes communal worship, as Israel corporately identifies with David's trials and deliverances.
Reflection Questions
- How does your testimony of God's faithfulness serve the broader church community?
- What does the repetition of doxology teach about worship's centrality in the believer's life?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsר֣וּמָה1 of 8
“Be thou exalted”
H7311to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
עַל2 of 8
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שָׁמַ֣יִם3 of 8
“above the heavens”
H8064the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
אֱלֹהִ֑ים4 of 8
“O God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
עַ֖ל5 of 8
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל6 of 8
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כְּבוֹדֶֽךָ׃8 of 8
“let thy glory”
H3519properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
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 57:11 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 57:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge