For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm uses "terrible" not to describe God as frightening or mean, but to convey His awe-inspiring majesty that demands reverence and recognition. This "terrible" nature makes Him a king "over all the earth," signifying His supreme authority and the rightful object of universal awe.
For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm bursts forth as a triumphant declaration following a significant divine victory. The preceding verses call all peoples to celebrate God, and this verse provides the reason: God is the Most High, awe-inspiring and sovereign ruler over the entire earth, not just Israel. It emphasizes His supreme authority and power, setting the stage for a universal recognition of His kingship.
The psalmist calls God 'the Most High.' What does this title reveal about God's unique position and why should it evoke awe in us?
The phrase "Most High" (El Elyon in Hebrew) immediately sets God apart. It emphasizes His supreme authority and transcendence, meaning He is far above all other powers, earthly rulers, or even spiritual beings.
This isn't just a title; it's a declaration of His unmatched sovereignty. He isn't just a king; He is the ultimate, supreme ruler. This should inspire a healthy fear – not a cowering terror, but a deep reverence and awe that acknowledges His greatness and our place before Him.
The verse declares God is 'a great King over all the earth.' What does this universal reign mean for His people and for the world?
This isn't just about God's power; it's about His reign. He isn't a distant ruler but an active King governing the entire globe. His dominion isn't limited to one nation or region; it encompasses every nation, tribe, and tongue.
This means His justice, His love, and His authority extend everywhere. For believers, it’s a source of immense comfort and security – our King is in charge, everywhere. For those who don't yet know Him, it's a call to recognize His sovereign claim over their lives.
Understand the original words
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YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel; it signifies His eternal existence, faithfulness, and self-revelation.
elyon · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A title denoting God's supremacy, transcendence, and absolute authority over all created beings and powers.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
A posture of profound reverence, awe, and humble submission before the holiness and majesty of God.
melek · Hebrew Noun
A title emphasizing God's sovereignty, rule, and rightful dominion over all nations and creation.
Psalm 47 likely celebrates a specific, dramatic deliverance of Jerusalem, possibly from the Assyrian siege under Sennacherib. This victory would have profoundly demonstrated Yahweh's supreme power over all earthly rulers and nations, solidifying His image as a great, awe-inspiring King, not just of Israel, but of the entire world.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event caused widespread fear and shook the confidence of many in Judah's defenses and in their God.
c. 701 BC
Divine Deliverance of Jerusalem
The Assyrian army besieging Jerusalem is miraculously struck down by an angel of the LORD, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw. This event was seen as a direct act of God saving His people.
c. 6th-5th century BC
Post-Exilic Period
Following the Babylonian exile, the people of Judah returned and began to rebuild their nation and their worship. This period was marked by a renewed emphasis on God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
c. 4th century BC
Hellenistic Period Begins
The conquests of Alexander the Great brought Greek culture and influence to the region, setting the stage for future interactions and conflicts between Jewish faith and gentile powers.
This passage echoes the awe-inspiring nature of God, describing Him as 'a great God, mighty and terrible,' underscoring His supreme authority over all.
1 Chronicles 16:25This verse directly parallels Psalm 47:2, stating that the LORD is 'to be feared above all gods' and is a 'great king over all the earth,' reinforcing His universal sovereignty.
Nehemiah 9:32This prayer acknowledges God's greatness, might, and awesomeness, calling Him the 'great, mighty, and awesome God,' who keeps covenant and steadfast love, mirroring the fear and reverence due to Him.
Daniel 4:37Nebuchadnezzar's declaration that the works of God are right and His ways are just, and that He 'walks in pride' He is able to humble, highlights God's supreme power and righteous dominion over all earthly kings and kingdoms.
Revelation 19:16This passage refers to Jesus with the title 'King of kings and Lord of lords,' connecting to the idea of God being a 'great King over all the earth' and anticipating His ultimate reign and judgment.
poolePsalms 47:2: "For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth."
Most high is terrible; or, is most high (in himself, above all gods) and (which conjunction is off understood) terrible , to all his enemies. A great King over all the earth; the universal Monarch of the whole world, and not of Israel only.
clarkePsalms 47:2: "For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth."
For the Lord most high is terrible - He has insufferable majesty, and is a great King - the mightiest of all emperors, for he is Sovereign over the whole earth.
The psalm uses "terrible" not to describe God as frightening or mean, but to convey His awe-inspiring majesty that demands reverence and recognition. This "terrible" nature makes Him a king "over all the earth," signifying His supreme authority and the rightful object of universal awe.
This psalm bursts forth as a triumphant declaration following a significant divine victory. The preceding verses call all peoples to celebrate God, and this verse provides the reason: God is the Most High, awe-inspiring and sovereign ruler over the entire earth, not just Israel. It emphasizes His supreme authority and power, setting the stage for a universal recognition of His kingship.
This psalm bursts forth as a triumphant declaration following a significant divine victory. The preceding verses call all peoples to celebrate God, and this verse provides the reason: God is the Most High, awe-inspiring and sovereign ruler over the entire earth, not just Israel. It emphasizes His supreme authority and power, setting the stage for a universal recognition of His kingship.
"For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth." — The psalm uses "terrible" not to describe God as frightening or mean, but to convey His awe-inspiring majesty that demands reverence and recognition. This "terrible" nature makes Him a king "over all…
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Last reviewed October 2026