For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse declares God is "above all gods," but the crucial insight is that this isn't just a statement of superiority; it acknowledges that the nations did worship other gods, and frames the Lord's greatness in contrast to these existing, though false, deities. This highlights that God's greatness isn't just abstract; it's demonstrated by His power over everything else, including the objects of pagan worship.
For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a larger call to praise the Lord, building on the previous verses that exhort the people to "praise the name of the LORD." Here, the Psalmist declares why they should praise Him, grounding the worship in the profound knowledge of God's greatness and supreme authority over all other perceived deities. This declaration sets the stage for the following verses, which will detail specific examples of God's mighty acts in creation and history, demonstrating this very greatness.
We often think of God's greatness in terms of raw power, but Psalm 135:5 points to something deeper. What makes our Lord truly great?
The psalmist declares, "I know that the LORD is great." This isn't just a statement of fact; it's a personal conviction born from experience. This greatness isn't limited to divine power, though that's certainly part of it. It encompasses His perfections – His wisdom, faithfulness, grace, and goodness.
Think about it: His greatness is evident in creation, in the ongoing care of His world (providence), and most profoundly, in His redemptive work.
His greatness is not just a force, but a character. It's this multifaceted greatness that is the foundation for praise.
The verse boldly proclaims our Lord is 'above all gods.' What does this mean when we consider the 'gods' of the ancient world and even today?
The phrase 'above all gods' is a powerful declaration of the LORD's uniqueness and supremacy. It's crucial to understand that the psalmist isn't validating the existence of these other 'gods' as equals. Instead, he's contrasting the one true God with the idols and false deities worshipped by surrounding nations.
These 'gods' were often creations of human hands or personifications of natural forces. The LORD, however, is the Creator and Sustainer of all existence. He is above kings, angels, and any other power that humans might exalt.
This declaration serves a vital purpose: it calls God's people to remain steadfast in their exclusive worship of Him, recognizing that all other claims to divinity are ultimately empty.
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Understand the original words
gadol · Hebrew Adjective
Denotes God’s vastness, majesty, power, and superiority. He is incomparable in authority and sovereign over all creation.
Adonai · Hebrew Noun
A title indicating authority, mastery, and ownership. When applied to God, it acknowledges His supreme reign over all existence.
elohim · Hebrew Noun
Refers to any power, entity, or object worshipped as divine. The Bible asserts that while these exist in the minds of worshippers or as spiritual powers, they are nothing compared to the one true Creator God.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His eternal self-existence and His faithfulness to His people. It signifies the One who reveals Himself and enters into a relationship with humanity.
shamayim · Hebrew Noun
The vast expanse above the earth, often viewed as the dwelling place of God’s glory and the center of His sovereign rule over creation. It signifies the spiritual realm that transcends the physical limitations of the earth.
This psalm resonates deeply when understood against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile. The Israelites, surrounded by the powerful gods and empires of Mesopotamia, were forced to confront the reality of their own God's greatness and sovereignty, even in defeat and displacement.
c. 1400 BC
Israel's Exodus and Covenant
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt, establishing them as His chosen people through a covenant at Mount Sinai. This event forms the foundation of their identity and their unique relationship with Yahweh.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Monarchy Established
King David unifies the tribes of Israel and establishes Jerusalem as the capital. This period solidifies Israel's national identity and their worship of Yahweh as the supreme King.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, scattering its people. This event serves as a stark warning against idolatry and unfaithfulness to Yahweh.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling many Israelites. This catastrophic event challenges the people's faith and understanding of God's power amidst foreign gods.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus's Edict and Return from Exile
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, conquers Babylon and allows the exiled Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks a turning point, reaffirming Yahweh's sovereignty.
This passage directly states that 'our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases,' echoing the Psalmist's confidence in the Lord's greatness and sovereignty above all other powers.
Exodus 18:11This verse explicitly declares that 'now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods,' showing a similar realization of God's supreme authority, especially after witnessing His mighty acts.
Isaiah 44:24-26This prophecy highlights the Lord as the one who made everything and frustrated the signs of the false prophets, demonstrating His unique power and authority over all that is called 'god' or created.
1 Corinthians 8:5-6This New Testament passage acknowledges that while there may be things called 'gods,' even in heaven or on earth, for believers there is only one God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, reinforcing the singular supremacy of the God of Israel.
Philippians 2:9-11This text describes the exaltation of Jesus Christ by God to the highest name, so that every knee should bow and every tongue confess Him as Lord, illustrating the ultimate authority and lordship the Father has given to His Son, who is above all gods.
clarkePsalms 135:5: "For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods."
The Lord is great - Unlimited in his power: another reason. Is above all gods - Every class of being, whether idolized or not; because he is the Fountain of existence. This is a fifth reason.
poolePsalms 135:5: "For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods."
Above all that are called gods, or worshipped as gods by the heathen people. And therefore seeing they commonly praise and extol their idols, it becometh you not to be silent as to the praises of your God.
The verse declares God is "above all gods," but the crucial insight is that this isn't just a statement of superiority; it acknowledges that the nations did worship other gods, and frames the Lord's greatness in contrast to these existing, though false, deities. This highlights that God's greatness isn't just abstract; it's demonstrated by His power over everything else, including the objects of pagan worship.
This verse is part of a larger call to praise the Lord, building on the previous verses that exhort the people to "praise the name of the LORD." Here, the Psalmist declares why they should praise Him, grounding the worship in the profound knowledge of God's greatness and supreme authority over all other perceived deities. This declaration sets the stage for the following verses, which will detail specific examples of God's mighty acts in creation and history, demonstrating this very greatness.
This verse is part of a larger call to praise the Lord, building on the previous verses that exhort the people to "praise the name of the LORD." Here, the Psalmist declares why they should praise Him, grounding the worship in the profound knowledge of God's greatness and supreme authority over all other perceived deities. This declaration sets the stage for the following verses, which will detail specific examples of God's mighty acts in creation and history, demonstrating this very greatness.
"For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps." — The verse declares God is "above all gods," but the crucial insight is that this isn't just a statement of superiority; it acknowledges that the nations did worship other gods, and frames the Lord'…
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Last reviewed October 2026