King James Version

What Does Psalms 89:7 Mean?

Psalms 89:7 in the King James Version says “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 89 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.”

Psalms 89:7 · KJV

Context

5

And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.

6

For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?

7

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

8

O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?

9

Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.

Read Psalms 89 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints (אֵל נַעֲרָץ בְּסוֹד־קְדֹשִׁים רַבָּה)—Na'aratz (feared, held in awe) describes reverent dread before God's holiness within the sod (council, secret assembly) of qedoshim (holy ones). This may refer to the heavenly court or to Israel's worship assemblies. And to be had in reverence of all them that are about him (וְנוֹרָא עַל־כָּל־סְבִיבָיו)—Nora (awesome, dreadful) extends to all who surround His throne.

True worship balances intimacy with reverence. While God invites us near through covenant love (hesed), His holiness remains terrifying. Isaiah 6:1-5 captures this—seraphim cover themselves in God's presence, crying 'Holy, holy, holy.' Hebrews 12:28-29 commands we serve God 'with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.' The modern church often loses this balance, emphasizing intimacy without the trembling awe due to infinite majesty.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'assembly of the saints' connects to Israel's covenant community gathered for worship at the tabernacle/temple. God's manifest presence (Shekinah glory) made these encounters both inviting and terrifying—the same God who dwelt among His people also consumed Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2) for irreverent approach.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you cultivate both intimacy with God and appropriate fear/reverence in your prayer and worship?
  2. In what ways might contemporary worship have lost the element of reverent fear? How can it be recovered?
  3. How does Jesus as our High Priest enable bold approach (Hebrews 4:16) while maintaining God's awesome holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אֵ֣ל1 of 9

“God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

נַ֭עֲרָץ2 of 9

“to be feared”

H6206

to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass

בְּסוֹד3 of 9

“in the assembly”

H5475

a session, i.e., company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret

קְדֹשִׁ֣ים4 of 9

“of the saints”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

רַבָּ֑ה5 of 9

“is greatly”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וְ֝נוֹרָ֗א6 of 9

“and to be had in reverence”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

עַל7 of 9
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל8 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

סְבִיבָֽיו׃9 of 9

“of all them that are about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 89:7 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 89:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 47:2Psalms 76:7-11Hebrews 12:28-29Jeremiah 10:7Luke 12:4-5Matthew 10:28

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