Psalms 8:1
What does Psalms 8:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 8:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 8:1 means
This verse begins with an exclamation of praise, acknowledging the supreme authority and magnificent character of God, referred to as "Jehovah, our Lord." The psalmist marvels at how God's reputation and nature are perfectly displayed and universally recognized across the entire world. The mention of God setting His "glory upon the heavens" suggests that the vastness and splendor of the cosmos are a testament to His majesty, serving as a visible declaration of His invisible attributes. This sets the tone for the entire psalm, which will explore the vast disparity between God's greatness and humanity's place in His creation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000O Jehovah, our Lord, How excellent is thy name in all the earth, Who hast set thy glory upon the heavens!
KJV
King James Version · 1611O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901O Jehovah, our Lord, How excellent is thy name in all the earth, Who hast set thy glory upon the heavens!
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949O Lord, our Lord, whose glory is higher than the heavens, how noble is your name in all the earth!
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862To the Overseer, `On the Gittith.' A Psalm of David. Jehovah, our Lord, How honourable Thy name in all the earth! Who settest thine honour on the heavens.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Unto the end, for the presses: a psalm for David.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy majesty above the heavens.
Context
This verse serves as the grand opening and theme statement for the entire psalm. It immediately establishes God's supreme glory and excellent name as the central focus. What follows is an exploration of that glory, particularly as it relates to humanity. By starting here, David sets the stage for a meditation on God's incredible power and His surprising favor toward mankind in the verses to come.
v.1This passage
v.2Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou established strength, Because of thine adversaries, That thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 57:10
For thy lovingkindness is great unto the heavens, And thy truth unto the skies.
- Philippians 3:8
Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ,
- Isaiah 26:13
O Jehovah our God, other lords besides thee have had dominion over us; but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.
- Psalms 113:2
Blessed be the name of Jehovah From this time forth and for evermore.
- Psalms 145:1
I will extol thee, my God, O King; And I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
- Psalms 72:17
His name shall endure for ever; His name shall be continued as long as the sun: And men shall be blessed in him; All nations shall call him happy.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Psalms 8
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Psalms 8.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Self-Esteem
The Bible lays a foundation for true self-esteem, rooted in our identity as God's beloved creation and recipients of His grace.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Name of God
Discover the significance and power of God’s name, revealing His character, presence, and authority in scripture.
Topic
Bible Verses About Abiding in Christ
Key scriptures reveal what it means to abide in Christ, emphasizing our continuous connection and dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.