Psalms 89:8
What does Psalms 89:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 89:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 89:8 means
Psalm 89:8 extols Yahweh as the incomparable God of Armies, a title emphasizing His sovereign power and unmatched strength over all creation, including celestial and earthly forces. The rhetorical question, "who is a mighty one like you, Yah?" highlights His uniqueness and supremacy; there is no equal to His might. The verse also affirms God's absolute faithfulness, portraying it as an encompassing attribute that surrounds Him, implying His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His people. This faithfulness is not merely a characteristic but an intrinsic part of His being, providing security and reliability to those who trust in Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000O Jehovah God of hosts, Who is a mighty one, like unto thee, O Jehovah? And thy faithfulness is round about thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901O Jehovah God of hosts, Who is a mighty one, like unto thee, O Jehovah? And thy faithfulness is round about thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949O Lord God of armies, who is strong like you, O Jah? and your unchanging faith is round about you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862O Jehovah, God of Hosts, Who <FI>is<Fi> like Thee--a strong Jah? And Thy faithfulness <FI>is<Fi> round about Thee.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou hast set our iniquities before thy eyes: our life in the light of thy countenance.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah,God of hosts, who is like unto thee, the strong Jah? And thy faithfulness is round about thee.
Context
This verse is part of a broader psalm of praise and lament by Ethan the Ezrahite. Immediately preceding Psalm 89:8, the psalm celebrates God's covenant with David, His creation power, and His majestic rule over the cosmos. Verses 5-7 describe the heavens praising God's wonders and the holy ones (angels) acclaiming His might, setting the stage for verse 8's direct address to Yahweh. Following verse 8, the psalm continues to elaborate on God's dominion over the sea and His righteous reign, further developing the theme of His incomparable power and faithfulness in creation and in His covenant relationship with David. The verse serves as a pivotal point, transitioning from general praise to more specific attributes of God's character.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 89:13
Thou hast a mighty arm; Strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.
- Isaiah 28:22
Now therefore be ye not scoffers, lest your bonds be made strong; for a decree of destruction have I heard from the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, upon the whole earth.
- Isaiah 40:25
To whom then will ye liken me, that I should be equal to him? saith the Holy One.
- 1 Samuel 2:2
There is none holy as Jehovah; For there is none besides thee, Neither is there any rock like our God.
- Psalms 84:12
O Jehovah of hosts, Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
- Deuteronomy 32:31
For their rock is not as our Rock, Even our enemies themselves being judges.
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