For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be feared above all gods.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Chronicles 16:25
What does 1 Chronicles 16:25 mean?
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1 Chronicles 16:25
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This verse isn't just about praising God's greatness; it's about how we praise Him – "greatly to be praised" suggests a depth and intensity in our worship that matches His immense worth. The crucial, often overlooked part is the comparison: "he is to be feared above all gods," firmly placing our awe and reverence for the one true God far beyond anything else we might elevate. This isn't just a statement of His supremacy, but a call to actively reorient our worship and fear toward Him alone.
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be feared above all gods.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David has just brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem and established a place for it, marking a pivotal moment of national worship. This psalm, which David composed and delivered, is a public declaration of God's greatness and a call to worship Him as the only true God. It sets the stage for the ongoing covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing His supreme authority and the awe He deserves.
Have you ever tried to grasp something truly immense? This verse calls us to consider God's greatness, not just as a powerful leader, but as the ultimate reality.
Beyond Human Comprehension
1 Chronicles 16:25 declares, 'For great is the LORD...' This isn't just a statement of power; it speaks to His intrinsic nature, His boundless essence. Think of it like trying to measure the ocean with a teacup – human capacity struggles to contain the fullness of who God is.
God's Greatness is Absolute
His greatness isn't relative to other beings or forces. It's absolute. This truth should inspire awe and reverence. It means God is fundamentally different and infinitely superior to anything we can imagine.
God's greatness isn't meant to be passively observed. This verse calls for a dual response: overwhelming praise and profound fear.
'Greatly to be Praised'
Because God is so great, our praise should match that scale. It's not just a polite 'thank you'; it's an outpouring of adoration, acknowledging His worthiness. This praise isn't just for special occasions; it's a continuous, 'great' response to His constant presence and actions.
'Feared Above All Gods'
The word 'fear' here isn't about terror. It's about deep respect, awe, and reverence for the One who holds ultimate authority. In ancient Israel's context, this was a direct challenge to the pagan deities that demanded appeasement or were subject to human whims. True fear of the LORD means recognizing His sovereignty and aligning our lives with His will, understanding that He is the supreme being.
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Understand the original words
yare · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew word 'yare' conveys a sense of reverent awe, profound respect, and trembling adoration. It is the appropriate response of a creature to the holiness, majesty, and power of the Creator.
This psalm, which is largely the source for 1 Chronicles 16's 'song of thanksgiving,' echoes the sentiment that the LORD is supreme and worthy of awe above all other deities.
Psalm 145:3This verse beautifully expands on the greatness of the LORD and His praise, emphasizing that His greatness is unsearchable, reinforcing the idea of His supreme worthiness.
Deuteronomy 7:21This passage highlights God's incomparability and His mighty acts, showing why He should be feared and praised above any other 'gods' or powers.
Isaiah 43:10The LORD declares Himself to be God, and that there was no god formed before Him and none will exist after Him, underscoring His unique and supreme nature that warrants His greatness and praise.
This verse isn't just about praising God's greatness; it's about how we praise Him – "greatly to be praised" suggests a depth and intensity in our worship that matches His immense worth. The crucial, often overlooked part is the comparison: "he is to be feared above all gods," firmly placing our awe and reverence for the one true God far beyond anything else we might elevate. This isn't just a statement of His supremacy, but a call to actively reorient our worship and fear toward Him alone.
David has just brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem and established a place for it, marking a pivotal moment of national worship. This psalm, which David composed and delivered, is a public declaration of God's greatness and a call to worship Him as the only true God. It sets the stage for the ongoing covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing His supreme authority and the awe He deserves.
David has just brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem and established a place for it, marking a pivotal moment of national worship. This psalm, which David composed and delivered, is a public declaration of God's greatness and a call to worship Him as the only true God. It sets the stage for the ongoing covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing His supreme authority and the awe He deserves.
"For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be feared above all gods." — This verse isn't just about praising God's greatness; it's about how we praise Him – "greatly to be praised" suggests a depth and intensity in our worship that matches His immense worth. The crucia…
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Last reviewed October 2026