King James Version

What Does Psalms 96:6 Mean?

Psalms 96:6 in the King James Version says “Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 96 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.”

Psalms 96:6 · KJV

Strength

Context

4

For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.

5

For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

6

Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7

Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

8

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. due: Heb. of his name

Read Psalms 96 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. This verse describes the visible manifestation of God's presence in four paired attributes. "Honour and majesty" (hod ve-hadar, הוֹד־וְהָדָר) are royal terms describing splendor, glory, and majestic dignity. Hod (הוֹד) conveys radiant splendor; hadar (הָדָר) suggests ornamental beauty and magnificence. These qualities are "before him" (lephanav, לְפָנָיו), in His presence—God's glory radiates from His being.

"Strength and beauty" (oz ve-tiph'eret, עֹז וְתִפְאֶרֶת) are parallel attributes. Oz (עֹז) means might, power, and fortitude—God's invincible strength. Tiph'eret (תִּפְאֶרֶת) means beauty, glory, or splendor—not merely aesthetic beauty but the radiance of perfect being. These dwell "in his sanctuary" (bemiqdash, בְּמִקְדָּשׁוֹ), God's dwelling place—whether the tabernacle/temple or (ultimately) His heavenly throne room.

The verse refutes pagan notions of weak gods requiring human help or ugly idols representing divine power. Israel's God combines strength with beauty, power with holiness. This anticipates John's vision of the heavenly throne room (Revelation 4-5) where God's glory, power, and beauty overwhelm all worshipers. In Christ, believers become God's sanctuary (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19), temples where His strength and beauty dwell.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Jerusalem temple was designed to reflect God's glory—gold, precious stones, intricate craftsmanship, and the shekinah glory filling the Most Holy Place (1 Kings 8:10-11). Yet Psalm 96 calls all nations to worship, anticipating the gospel age when God's sanctuary wouldn't be localized in Jerusalem but present wherever believers gather (Matthew 18:20) and ultimately encompass new creation (Revelation 21:3, 22). Solomon acknowledged this truth even when dedicating the temple: "the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?" (1 Kings 8:27).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do strength and beauty together characterize God in ways that neither attribute alone could capture?
  2. What does it mean that believers are now God's sanctuary where His strength and beauty dwell?
  3. How should worship services reflect the honour, majesty, strength, and beauty of the God being worshiped?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הוֹד1 of 6

“Honour”

H1935

grandeur (i.e., an imposing form and appearance)

וְהָדָ֥ר2 of 6

“and majesty”

H1926

magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor

לְפָנָ֑יו3 of 6

“are before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עֹ֥ז4 of 6

“him strength”

H5797

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

וְ֝תִפְאֶ֗רֶת5 of 6

“and beauty”

H8597

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

בְּמִקְדָּשֽׁוֹ׃6 of 6

“are in his sanctuary”

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

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 96:6 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 96:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 63:2-31 Chronicles 16:27Psalms 104:1Psalms 29:1-22 Peter 1:16-17Psalms 93:1

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 96 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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