King James Version

What Does Psalms 95:3 Mean?

Psalms 95:3 in the King James Version says “For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 95 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.”

Psalms 95:3 · KJV

Context

1

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

2

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. come: Heb. prevent his face

3

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

4

In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. In: Heb. In whose the strength: or, the heights of the hills are his

5

The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. The sea: Heb. Whose the sea is

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse establishes God's superiority within the cosmos through explicit theological declaration. 'For the LORD is a great God' employs the word 'gadol' (great), indicating supremacy in power, authority, and dignity. The emphasis 'and a great King above all gods' makes a twofold claim: first, that God is king (ruler and sovereign), and second, that He is exalted above all other gods. This declares not merely monotheism but explicit supremacy over any claims rival powers might make. The phrase 'above all gods' acknowledges the existence of other deities in the religious landscape of the ancient world (whether understood as demon powers, false gods, or merely the gods worshipped by other nations) while asserting their absolute subordination. The 'For' (Hebrew 'ki') suggests this verse provides the theological rationale for the worship commands of verses 1-2: we worship the Lord with such intensity because He is uniquely great and supremely authoritative. This verse functions as a doctrinal anchor, establishing God's absolute sovereignty as the foundation for corporate praise.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse reflects Israel's theology during periods when they were surrounded by nations claiming divine authority for their own gods. In the ancient Near East, each nation understood its god as supreme and called its king the god's representative. Israel's declaration that YHWH was 'great' and 'above all gods' was countercultural. The language parallels declarations in Exodus 15:11 ('Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods?') and throughout the Psalms (Psalm 86:8, 89:6-8). During the Babylonian exile, when Marduk was proclaimed supreme in Babylon and Israel's Temple lay in ruins, such affirmations of YHWH's supremacy would have sustained faith. In the post-exilic period, when Jews lived under Persian rule and later Greek rule, this declaration maintained theological identity and religious confidence despite political subjugation. The phrase echoes the second commandment (Exodus 20:3) and theological statements throughout Deuteronomy that assert YHWH's exclusivity and supremacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean theologically to assert that God is 'great' and 'king above all gods' in a world that claims many sources of power and authority?
  2. How should the declaration of God's supremacy affect our willingness to worship Him alone rather than offering allegiance to competing authorities?
  3. In what ways does recognizing God as 'great' challenge human pride and the tendency to elevate human accomplishment or wisdom?
  4. How does this verse provide rational and theological foundation for the passionate worship commanded in the preceding verses?
  5. What does 'great King' imply about God's authority to govern our lives and demand our allegiance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כִּ֤י1 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵ֣ל2 of 9

“God”

H410

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

גָּ֝ד֗וֹל3 of 9

“and a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 9

“For the LORD”

H3068

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

וּמֶ֥לֶךְ5 of 9

“King”

H4428

a king

גָּ֝ד֗וֹל6 of 9

“and a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

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)

אֱלֹהִֽים׃9 of 9

“above all gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 95:3 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 95:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 96:4Jeremiah 10:6-7Psalms 145:3Psalms 97:9Psalms 135:5Exodus 18:11

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