Psalms 89:7

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 89:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “A God very terrible in the council of the holy ones, And to be feared above all them that are round about him?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

A God very terrible in the council of the holy ones, And to be feared above all them that are round about him?
Psalms 89:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 89

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7A God very terrible in the council of the holy ones, And to be feared above all them that are round about him?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, etc.] Which Jarchi and Kimchi understand of angels again, and render it “God is to be feared in the great assembly of them”; for they are a very large number, even an innumerable company, in and by whom the Lord is feared and worshipped, (<581221>Hebrews 12:21 <660511>Revelation 5:11 7:11,12), but rather an assembly or congregation of holy men are designed: it is the duty of such to assemble together publicly for religious worship; they ought to do it on account of the Lord, who requires it, and encourages it by his presence, he has promised; on the account of themselves, it being for their profit and pleasure; and on the account of…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“God is greatly to be feared - There is that in him which is suited to fill the mind with solemn feelings, and this is a proper state of mind with which to come before him. Nature teaches us that God should be approached with awe; and all the teachings of revelation confirm this. His power is to be feared; his justice is to be feared; his holiness is to be feared; and there is much also in his goodness, his benevolence, his mercy, to fill the mind with solemn emotions. In the assembly of the saints - The assembly of the holy; the assembly that is convened for his worship. The reference here may be either to worshippers on earth or in heaven. Wherever, and whenever, in this world or in other…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Feared - With a fear of reverence. Saints - The whole society of angels. All that - That encompass his throne. Psalms 89:8”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Psa 76:7-11; Lev 10:3; Isa 6:2-7, Isa 66:2; Jer 10:7, Jer 10:10; Mat 10:28; Luk 12:4, Luk 12:5; Act 5:11; Heb 12:28, Heb 12:29; Rev 15:3, Rev 15:4 Psalms 89:8”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification