Psalms 136:3 · Bible study
Psalms 136:3 Commentary: Lord of Lords
Hebrew · 8 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Explore Psalm 136:3 where God is called Lord of lords. Find commentary, historical context, and connection to Christ in Revelation.
Research Summary
- Meaning: A call to give thanks to God as the supreme ruler over all, because His covenant love never ends.
- Key words: “Lord of lords” (Adonei ha-adonim), absolute sovereignty; “lovingkindness” (chesed), covenant loyalty; “forever” (olam), perpetual duration.
- Main debate: Whether the title directly refers to Christ in the Old Testament or is applied to Him later in Revelation.
- Theological theme: God’s sovereign rule is always exercised in covenant mercy.
- Best use: As a liturgical response of praise, reminding believers that God’s love outlasts every human power.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His loving devotion endures forever.
WEB World English Bible 2000
Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his loving kindness endures forever;
KJV King James Version 1769
O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
Oh give thanks unto the Lord of lords; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
Give ye thanks to the Lord of lords, For to the age is His kindness.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
Give thanks unto the Lord of lords, for his loving-kindness [endureth] for ever.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
For there they that led us into captivity required of us the words of songs. And they that carried us away, said: Sing ye to us a hymn of the songs of Sion.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Alabad al Señor de los señores, porque para siempre es su misericordia.
Agradecei ao SENHOR dos senhores; porque sua bondade dura para sempre.
Louez le Seigneur des seigneurs,
Danket dem HERRN aller Herren, denn seine Güte währet ewiglich,
Looft den Heere der heren; want Zijn goedertierenheid is in der eeuwigheid.
Celebrate li Signor dei signori, perché la sua benignità dura in eterno.
Wysławiajcież Pana nad panami; albowiem na wieki miłosierdzie jego;
Там пленившие нас требовали от нас слов песней, и притеснители наши — веселья: "пропойте нам из песней Сионских".
你們要稱謝 萬主 之主，因 他的慈愛 永遠長存。
O give praise to the Lord of lords: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Psalms 136:3
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
The supplied commentators agree that this verse exalts God as the supreme ruler over all earthly authorities. Barnes states that “Lord of lords” means “the Lord or Ruler of all in authority, all kings, princes, rulers.” Keil and Delitzsch trace the phrase directly to Deuteronomy 10:17, showing the psalmist drew from the Torah. Gill and Barnes both note that this title is applied to the Messiah in Revelation 19:16, linking the Old Testament praise to New Testament Christology. The unanimous point across Calvin, Matthew Henry, and Lange is that the repeated refrain “for his mercy endureth for ever” grounds the praise in God’s character, not just His power. Calvin emphasizes that this refrain teaches us that every benefit we receive is a gift of God’s free grace. The consensus is that God is supreme over all lords, and His covenant loyalty (chesed) is the foundation for all thanksgiving.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Old Testament context: The phrase is taken from Deuteronomy 10:17 and refers to God's supremacy over Israel's judges and foreign kings.
- Christological application: Barnes and Gill point to Revelation 19:16, where Jesus is called 'King of kings and Lord of lords,' connecting the title to the Messiah.
What is clear: God is absolutely sovereign over all rulers, and His covenant loyalty (chesed) never fails.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning of 'Lord of lords' | Christians agree the title affirms God's supreme authority over all earthly rulers. | Some (e.g., Barnes, Gill) see a direct reference to Christ; others see an Old Testament affirmation later applied to Christ in Revelation. |
| Christological interpretation | The title is used of Christ in Revelation 17:14 and 19:16, showing Christ shares divine sovereignty. | Whether the psalmist intended this as a direct prophecy or whether it is a later apostolic application. |
| Nature of God's mercy (chesed) | God's mercy is steadfast, covenantal, and everlasting. | Some traditions emphasize God's fidelity to Israel; others extend it to all humanity through Christ. |
| Relationship to Deuteronomy | The phrase is drawn from Deuteronomy 10:17. | Limited: some argue the psalm emphasizes God's kingship over Israel specifically, while others see it as universal. |
Historical & Cultural Context
This psalm belongs to the Jewish tradition known as the “Great Hallel,” a set of praise songs used during festivals like Passover. The phrase “Lord of lords” (Adonei ha-adonim) comes from Deuteronomy 10:17, where God is described as “God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome.” The psalmist arranges three opening verses, each addressing God by a different title: Yahweh (the covenant name), Elohim (God of gods), and Adonai (Lord of lords). This progression moves from personal relationship to universal supremacy. The refrain “for his lovingkindness endures forever” appears after every line, likely spoken or sung by the congregation in response to a leader. The Hebrew word chesed (lovingkindness) carries the weight of covenantal loyalty, God’s steadfast commitment to His people. The verses that follow trace His mighty acts from creation through the exodus and conquest, all framed by this refrain. The constant repetition trains worshippers to see every act of God, from making the sun to defeating kings, as an expression of enduring mercy. The psalm ends by returning to the call to give thanks “to the God of heaven,” closing the circle of praise.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for this verse. The Hebrew text of Psalm 136:3 is stable across manuscript traditions.
Reception History
Jews have used this psalm as part of the “Great Hallel” during festivals like Passover, reciting it as a communal song of deliverance. Early Christian writers applied the title “Lord of lords” directly to Jesus, seeing it fulfilled in His resurrection and exaltation. Medieval liturgy incorporated it into the daily office, and Reformation-era commentators like Calvin and Matthew Henry used it to teach God’s sovereignty and mercy. Across traditions, the verse has been sung as a refrain that grounds worship in God’s unchanging character.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Supreme Sovereignty of God, He is Lord of lords, ruler over all earthly authorities.
- The Steadfast Mercy of God, His lovingkindness (chesed) endures forever; every act flows from covenant loyalty.
- The Summons to Thankful Praise, We are called to give thanks, not once but repeatedly, as a community.
Five-point outline
- Recognize God’s authority over all rulers (Lord of lords).
- Remember His covenant loyalty, chesed that never fails.
- Recount His mighty works, creation, redemption, provision.
- Respond with persistent praise, the antiphonal structure teaches continual gratitude.
- Rejoice in Christ, the Lord of lords, Revelation 19:16 confirms this title for Jesus.
Illustration hooks
- The difference between a president and a king who has no higher authority; God is the ultimate authority over every government and power.
- A promise that never expires, like a perpetual covenant bond. God’s mercy is not a temporary feeling but an eternal commitment.
- The experience of a child feeling safe because their parent is in charge. Similarly, knowing God is Lord over all gives security even when human leaders fail.
Questions your congregation is asking
- If God is Lord of lords, why do evil rulers seem to have so much power?
- How is a psalm like this relevant to my daily struggles with work, family, and worry?
- Does calling God “Lord of lords” mean other “lords” exist, and how should we understand them?
Leading a Discussion
This verse calls us to consider who God is, the supreme Lord above all earthly authorities, and His enduring, covenant love. As you study it together, think about what it means for your trust in God’s sovereignty and your response of gratitude.
Discussion questions
- Why does the psalmist repeat the phrase “for his lovingkindness endures forever” after every line? What effect does this have on the reader?
- What does it mean for God to be called “Lord of lords”? How is this different from simply saying “God is powerful”?
- In what ways did the people of Israel experience God’s mercy through the events listed later in this psalm (creation, exodus, conquest)?
- How does this title connect to Jesus Christ in the New Testament? Read Revelation 17:14 and 19:16.
- How does the certainty that God is supreme over all rulers affect how we pray for those in authority?
- The Hebrew word chesed implies covenant faithfulness. How have you seen God’s chesed in your own life this week?
- The psalm is a call to give thanks. What is one specific thing you can thank God for today, rooted in His character as Lord of lords?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| I Timothy 6:15 | which at the right time he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords. |
| Revelation of John 17:14 | These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with him are called, chosen, and faithful.” |
| Revelation of John 19:16 | He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes reads the title "Lord of lords" as a claim that Christ is supreme over every human ruler, king, or magistrate, which he takes as proof of Christ's divinity. The praise then rests on the mercy of this same divine Ruler, who is kind and benevolent toward those in authority and through them to all people.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin emphasizes that failing to praise God for each specific benefit is essentially robbing Him of what is owed. He notes the repeated mention of mercy is meant to teach that everything we receive from God is a free and unearned gift.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator presents this verse as a direct summons to give thanks, specifically to the one who never slumbers nor sleeps. The distinctive emphasis falls on God as the keeper of Israel, grounding the call to gratitude in his constant, watchful care over his people.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
Praise ye the Lord of lordes: for his mercie endureth for euer:
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill identifies the title "Lord of lords" as applying specifically to the Messiah, not just to God the Father. He sees Christ as the supreme ruler over earthly kings, who reign by His authority and are accountable to Him. The enduring mercy is shown in God's control over rulers, inclining them to favor His people and restraining oppressors.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil and Delitzsch show that this psalm draws heavily on Deuteronomy, borrowing phrases like God of gods and strong outstretched arm directly from that book. They also note rare word choices, such as the plural lights instead of the usual luminaries, and a unique form of the word for dominions.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry observes that Scripture urges us to give thanks more earnestly than to pray or repent, because thanksgiving is the most pleasant exercise of religion and the work of heaven. He stresses that our thanks must be directed entirely to God's glory, not to our own praise.