All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "worthless idols" is a direct translation of a Hebrew word that literally means "emptiness" or "vanities." This highlights that the supposed gods of idolatry offer nothing substantial, making their worshippers ashamed when the true God's power is revealed. The verse then dramatically shifts from the shame of idolaters to a command directed at these false "gods" (likely referring to powerful spiritual beings worshipped by pagans, or even angels) to "worship him," asserting the absolute supremacy of the one true God.
All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm describes a powerful manifestation of God's presence, like a divine storm, that shakes the earth and humbles His enemies. Following this awesome display, the psalm turns to the futility of idolatry, contrasting it with the true worship due to the Lord. Immediately after this verse, the focus shifts to Zion and the daughters of Judah, who hear of God's judgments and rejoice.
Have you ever felt let down by something you trusted? The psalmist declares a dramatic showdown: idols versus the living God.
This verse paints a vivid picture of ultimate shame for those who rely on idols. The Hebrew word for 'worthless' used here suggests emptiness, vanity, and things that are ultimately a 'nothing.' Imagine putting all your hope and trust into something that can offer no real help, no true comfort, and no lasting power.
The Shame of the 'Nothing'
Idols, whether they were statues of stone, wood, or abstract concepts we pursue today, are ultimately empty. They are reflections of human ingenuity, not divine presence. When the true power and glory of God are revealed, the impotence of these 'nothings' becomes glaringly obvious. Those who boasted in them are left exposed, their pride turning to deep embarrassment.
This isn't just about ancient statues. Think about anything you might 'boast' in today – wealth, status, intellect, even relationships – if they are elevated to the place of God in your life, they become idols. When God reveals Himself, these things will not only fail to help but will bring shame if they've been wrongly prioritized.
The psalm doesn't just condemn the false; it issues a stunning command directed at powerful beings. What does this mean for us?
The verse culminates with the powerful declaration: 'worship him, all you gods!' This isn't a hesitant suggestion; it's an authoritative summons. The word 'gods' here is fascinating and has been understood in a few ways:
The True God's Supremacy
Ask a follow-up
Many scholars believe 'gods' refers to the false deities of the nations. The psalmist is essentially saying that all the pagan gods, when confronted with the true God's reign, should fall down and acknowledge His absolute supremacy. Their power is a sham; His is absolute.
A Divine Council and Angels
Others suggest it refers to heavenly beings, perhaps a divine council or angels. The New Testament, particularly Hebrews 1:6, quotes this verse applying it to angels being commanded to worship Jesus. This broadens the scope: not only human worshippers of idols are called to account, but all created spiritual authorities must acknowledge the Creator's ultimate authority.
The Ultimate Call
Regardless of the specific interpretation of 'gods,' the core message is the same: God's reign is universal. Every power, seen and unseen, created or false, must ultimately bow before the true God. This verse is a cosmic declaration of His undisputed sovereignty.
Understand the original words
elil · Hebrew Noun
A derogatory term for idols; it means 'nothingness,' 'vanity,' or that which is empty and devoid of actual power.
Psalm 97 was likely written during a time of significant tension between Israel's exclusive worship of Yahweh and the surrounding idolatrous nations, possibly during or after the Babylonian exile. The verse's powerful declaration against idol worship and its call for all 'gods' to worship Him speaks to the ultimate sovereignty of God over all creation and all spiritual powers, a truth powerfully re-echoed in the New Testament's proclamation of Jesus Christ's divine authority.
c. 8th Century BC
Assyrian and Babylonian Exile
The rise of powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon led to the deportation of many Israelites, exposing them to various polytheistic and idolatrous cultures. This context highlights the stark contrast between Israel's monotheism and the surrounding pagan practices.
c. 6th Century BC
Babylonian Exile and Return
Following the destruction of Jerusalem, many Judeans were exiled to Babylon, a center of idolatry. The return from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple underscored the importance of pure worship and the rejection of idols.
c. 2nd Century BC
Hellenistic Period and Idolatry
During the Hellenistic period, Greek culture and its pantheon of gods heavily influenced the region. This era saw a heightened tension between Jewish monotheism and the pervasive idolatry of the surrounding nations.
c. 1st Century AD— this verse
Roman Empire and Emperor Worship
The Roman Empire enforced emperor worship, demanding divine honors for the ruling Caesars. This created significant conflict for Jews and early Christians who refused to offer such worship, emphasizing their allegiance to God alone.
c. 1st-2nd Century AD
Early Christian Witness
The New Testament, particularly the writings of Paul and the author of Hebrews, quotes and applies Psalm 97:7 to Jesus Christ, calling for all beings, including angels, to worship Him. This signifies the ultimate triumph of Christ over all earthly and spiritual powers that claim divine authority.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Psalm 97:7, describing idolaters casting their worthless idols to the moles and bats when the Lord establishes His reign.
Isaiah 45:20This verse speaks of the futility of idols and calls on 'those who carry about their wooden idols and pray to a god that cannot save' to come to their senses, mirroring the shame and confusion of idolaters in Psalm 97:7.
Jeremiah 10:14Similar to Psalm 97:7, this verse highlights the emptiness of idols, stating that 'every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols,' and that these idols are 'worthless' and 'things of mockery.'
Hebrews 1:6This New Testament passage directly quotes and applies Psalm 97:7, commanding all the angels of God to worship Jesus, thereby confirming the supreme deity of Christ over all 'gods' and spiritual beings.
Revelation 9:20This passage describes the ongoing persistence of idolatry even in the face of divine judgment, showing that the 'rest of mankind' who were not killed by the plagues 'did not repent of the works of their hands, nor did they stop worshipping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which neither see nor hear nor walk.'
clarkePsalms 97:7: "Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods."
Confounded be fell they - Rather, They shall be confounded that boast themselves in idols. There is a remarkable play on the letters here, המתהללים hammithhalelim, who move like madmen; referring to the violent gestures practiced in idolatrous rites. Of idols - באלילים baelilim, in vanities, emptinesses; who "make much ado about nothing," and take a mad and painful pleasur…
pulpitPsalms 97:7: "Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods."
Verse 7. - Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols. Professor Cheyne transposes this verse and the next, but without any necessity. It is quite natural that the effect of the theophany on God's enemies should be noted first. The effect is that they are "confounded," or rather, covered with shame. The display of real Divine power makes…
The phrase "worthless idols" is a direct translation of a Hebrew word that literally means "emptiness" or "vanities." This highlights that the supposed gods of idolatry offer nothing substantial, making their worshippers ashamed when the true God's power is revealed. The verse then dramatically shifts from the shame of idolaters to a command directed at these false "gods" (likely referring to powerful spiritual beings worshipped by pagans, or even angels) to "worship him," asserting the absolute supremacy of the one true God.
This psalm describes a powerful manifestation of God's presence, like a divine storm, that shakes the earth and humbles His enemies. Following this awesome display, the psalm turns to the futility of idolatry, contrasting it with the true worship due to the Lord. Immediately after this verse, the focus shifts to Zion and the daughters of Judah, who hear of God's judgments and rejoice.
This psalm describes a powerful manifestation of God's presence, like a divine storm, that shakes the earth and humbles His enemies. Following this awesome display, the psalm turns to the futility of idolatry, contrasting it with the true worship due to the Lord. Immediately after this verse, the focus shifts to Zion and the daughters of Judah, who hear of God's judgments and rejoice.
"All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!" — The phrase "worthless idols" is a direct translation of a Hebrew word that literally means "emptiness" or "vanities." This highlights that the supposed gods of idolatry offer nothing substantial, mak…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026