For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While the verse declares the Lord is "great" and "greatly to be praised," it subtly highlights that He is also "to be feared above all gods." This isn't just about reverence; it points to the absolute nullity of anything else claiming divinity, contrasting true greatness with the ultimate emptiness of idols.
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm calls for a "new song" of praise to the LORD as King, but not just for Israel; it's for all the earth. The focus is on God's universal supremacy, contrasting His greatness with the worthlessness of idols. The verses that follow will explain why He is worthy of such praise, highlighting His creative power and the majesty evident in His presence.
The psalm declares God is 'great' and 'greatly to be praised.' What does this mean for us today? It's more than just acknowledging His power; it's about understanding the depth of His being.
A Greatness Beyond Measure
The verse begins with a powerful declaration: "For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised." This isn't just a statement of fact; it's an invitation to a profound realization. God's greatness isn't comparable to anything we experience in the created world. It's infinite, encompassing all His attributes – His power, wisdom, love, and holiness.
The Response of Praise
Because of this immeasurable greatness, God is "greatly to be praised." Our praises, no matter how fervent, can never fully capture or express who He is. Yet, we are called to offer them anyway. This isn't about our ability to measure up, but about our willing hearts responding to His glory. It means our worship should be enthusiastic, abundant, and unreserved.
The psalm contrasts the LORD with 'all gods.' What does this tell us about where our ultimate fear and reverence should lie?
Above All Falsehood
When the verse says God "is to be feared above all gods," it's a radical statement in a world filled with competing devotions. The gods of the nations, the commentary reminds us, are often described as "vanities" or "nothings." They are empty, powerless, and ultimately unreal.
Singular Devotion
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True fear – a reverential awe – belongs only to the LORD. He is the Creator of the heavens and earth, the sovereign King of all. To place our ultimate fear or trust in anything else – be it idols, human achievements, or even our own strength – is to be deeply mistaken. This verse calls us to a singular, focused devotion, recognizing that only the LORD is truly worthy of our deepest reverence and awe.
Understand the original words
yare · Hebrew Verb
A reverential, deep awe and trembling respect for God's holiness and power, leading to obedience and worship.
elil · Hebrew Noun
A term used in the Old Testament for pagan deities, emphasizing their lack of reality, power, or existence compared to the one true God.
shamayim · Hebrew Noun
The physical universe and the celestial realms, serving as evidence of God's creative power, order, and sovereignty over all space.
Psalm 96 was likely composed or adapted during the post-exilic period. The memory of the Babylonian exile and the stark contrast between Yahweh and the impotent gods of the nations would have made the declaration of Yahweh's unparalleled greatness and might particularly powerful and relevant.
c. 9th-8th century BC
Assyrian Empire's height
The powerful Assyrian empire dominated the ancient Near East, often subjugating Israel and Judah. Their pantheon of gods was vast, and their military might instilled fear.
c. 8th century BC
Prophetic warnings to Israel and Judah
Prophets like Isaiah delivered messages of judgment and hope, warning against idolatry and foreign alliances, and emphasizing Yahweh's unique sovereignty.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and destruction of Northern Kingdom
The Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel, exiling its people. This event served as a stark warning to the Southern Kingdom of Judah about the consequences of unfaithfulness to Yahweh.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's invasion of Judah
The Assyrian king Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem. The city was miraculously spared, reinforcing the belief in Yahweh's protective power over His people.
605 BC
First deportation to Babylon
Under Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonians began deporting Judeans, including some of the elite. This marked the start of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, scattering the remaining population. This was a devastating blow to Israel's national and religious life.
c. 5th century BC— this verse
Post-Exilic Period and Temple Rebuilding
After returning from exile, the Jewish people rebuilt the Temple and re-established their community under Persian rule. This period saw a renewed emphasis on Yahweh's covenant and distinctiveness from surrounding nations.
This psalm echoes Psalm 96:4, stating 'great is the LORD and greatly to be praised' in the 'city of our God,' highlighting God's greatness and the praise due to Him.
Deuteronomy 7:21This passage warns against fearing other gods, just as Psalm 96:4 declares the LORD is to be feared above all gods, emphasizing His unique power and sovereignty.
1 Corinthians 8:4This New Testament passage directly contrasts the 'nothing' nature of idols with the one true God, resonating with Psalm 96:4's assertion that the Lord is to be feared above all 'gods' (who are later called 'idols' or 'vanities').
Isaiah 42:10This prophetic call to sing a 'new song' to the LORD, who is praised for His glory, parallels the spirit of Psalm 96 which also calls for a new song to celebrate God's greatness and kingship.
Romans 8:19-22This passage speaks of creation eagerly waiting for its own liberation, a concept that aligns with the broader theme of Psalm 96 where all of creation is called to praise the LORD, its sovereign King.
bensonPsalms 96:4: "For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods."
Psalm 96:4-6 . For the Lord — Hebrew, Jehovah, is great — Infinite in his nature and attributes; and greatly to be praised — All our most exalted praises fall infinitely short of his greatness. He is to be feared above all gods — The gods of the heathen, as the next words expound it. For all the gods of the nations are idols — Or, nothing, as they are called 1 Corinthians 8:4 ; 1 Corinthians 10:1…
clarkePsalms 96:4: "For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods."
He is to be feared above all gods - I think the two clauses of this verse should be read thus: - Jehovah is great, and greatly to be praised. Elohim is to be feared above all. I doubt whether the word אלהים Elohim is ever, by fair construction, applied to false gods or idols. The contracted form in the following verse appears to have this meaning.
While the verse declares the Lord is "great" and "greatly to be praised," it subtly highlights that He is also "to be feared above all gods." This isn't just about reverence; it points to the absolute nullity of anything else claiming divinity, contrasting true greatness with the ultimate emptiness of idols.
This psalm calls for a "new song" of praise to the LORD as King, but not just for Israel; it's for all the earth. The focus is on God's universal supremacy, contrasting His greatness with the worthlessness of idols. The verses that follow will explain why He is worthy of such praise, highlighting His creative power and the majesty evident in His presence.
This psalm calls for a "new song" of praise to the LORD as King, but not just for Israel; it's for all the earth. The focus is on God's universal supremacy, contrasting His greatness with the worthlessness of idols. The verses that follow will explain why He is worthy of such praise, highlighting His creative power and the majesty evident in His presence.
"For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens." — While the verse declares the Lord is "great" and "greatly to be praised," it subtly highlights that He is also "to be feared above all gods." This isn't just about reverence; it points to the absolut…
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Last reviewed October 2026