Psalms 138:2 Meaning and Explanation
“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist worships God in the temple, praising His covenant faithfulness and His exalted word.
The Context of Psalms 138:2
Worship in the temple, praising God's faithfulness and the reliability of His word.
What Does Psalms 138:2 Mean?
The temple represents God's dwelling place and the center of worship in Israel. The psalmist positions himself toward this holy place while offering praise centered on two attributes: God's lovingkindness (the faithful love of a covenant keeper) and His truth (reliability and consistency). These are the qualities the psalmist has experienced directly.
The final clause affirms that God has exalted His word—His promises and commands—above even His own name. This emphasizes God's absolute commitment to keeping His word. A person's name represents their character and honor; when God puts His word above His name, He stakes His entire reputation on fulfilling what He has spoken.
Psalms 138:2 in the Original Language
hesed (חֶסֶד), 'lovingkindness' — covenantal love and loyal devotion that endures
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 138:2
What does Psalms 138:2 mean?
The psalmist worships God in the temple, praising His covenant faithfulness and His exalted word.
What is the context of Psalms 138:2?
Worship in the temple, praising God's faithfulness and the reliability of His word.