Psalm 113:5
New International Version
Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,

New Living Translation
Who can be compared with the LORD our God, who is enthroned on high?

English Standard Version
Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high,

Berean Standard Bible
Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high?

King James Bible
Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,

New King James Version
Who is like the LORD our God, Who dwells on high,

New American Standard Bible
Who is like the LORD our God, Who is enthroned on high,

NASB 1995
Who is like the LORD our God, Who is enthroned on high,

NASB 1977
Who is like the LORD our God, Who is enthroned on high,

Legacy Standard Bible
Who is like Yahweh our God, The One who sits on high,

Amplified Bible
Who is like the LORD our God, Who is enthroned on high,

Christian Standard Bible
Who is like the LORD our God — the one enthroned on high,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Who is like Yahweh our God— the One enthroned on high,

American Standard Version
Who is like unto Jehovah our God, That hath his seat on high,

Contemporary English Version
No one can compare with the LORD our God. His throne is high above,

English Revised Version
Who is like unto the LORD our God, that hath his seat on high,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Who is like the LORD our God? He is seated on his high throne.

Good News Translation
There is no one like the LORD our God. He lives in the heights above,

International Standard Version
Who is like the LORD our God, enthroned on high,

NET Bible
Who can compare to the LORD our God, who sits on a high throne?

New Heart English Bible
Who is like the LORD, our God, who has his seat on high,

Webster's Bible Translation
Who is like to the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high?

World English Bible
Who is like Yahweh, our God, who has his seat on high,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Who [is] as our God YHWH, "" He is exalting [Himself] to sit?

Young's Literal Translation
Who is as Jehovah our God, He is exalting Himself to sit?

Smith's Literal Translation
Who as Jehovah our God, lifting himself up to dwell?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Who is like the Lord, our God, who dwells on high,

New American Bible
Who is like the LORD our God, enthroned on high,

New Revised Standard Version
Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who is like to the LORD our God, who dwells on high,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Who is like LORD JEHOVAH our God, he who sits in the high place?
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Who is like unto the LORD our God, That is enthroned on high,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Who is as the Lord our God? who dwells in the high places,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The LORD Exalts the Humble
4The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens. 5Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high? 6He humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth.…

Cross References
Isaiah 40:18
To whom will you liken God? To what image will you compare Him?

Isaiah 40:25
“To whom will you liken Me, or who is My equal?” asks the Holy One.

Isaiah 46:5
To whom will you liken Me or count Me equal? To whom will you compare Me, that we should be alike?

Exodus 15:11
Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?

1 Samuel 2:2
There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God.

1 Kings 8:23
and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below, keeping Your covenant of loving devotion with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.

2 Samuel 7:22
How great You are, O Lord GOD! For there is none like You, and there is no God but You, according to everything we have heard with our own ears.

2 Chronicles 6:14
and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven or on earth, keeping Your covenant of loving devotion with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.

Nehemiah 9:6
You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all things, and the host of heaven worships You.

Job 36:22-23
Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him? / Who has appointed His way for Him, or told Him, ‘You have done wrong’?

Job 37:22-23
Out of the north He comes in golden splendor; awesome majesty surrounds Him. / The Almighty is beyond our reach; He is exalted in power! In His justice and great righteousness He does not oppress.

Psalm 86:8
O Lord, there is none like You among the gods, nor any works like Yours.

Psalm 89:6-8
For who in the skies can compare with the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD? / In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him. / O LORD God of Hosts, who is like You? O mighty LORD, Your faithfulness surrounds You.

Psalm 97:9
For You, O LORD, are Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.

Psalm 99:2
Great is the LORD in Zion; He is exalted above all the peoples.


Treasury of Scripture

Who is like to the LORD our God, who dwells on high,

like

Psalm 89:6,8
For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD? …

Exodus 15:11
Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

Deuteronomy 33:26
There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.

dwelleth.

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Dwelleth Dwelling Enthroned Exalting High Placed Seat Seated Sit Sits
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Dwelleth Dwelling Enthroned Exalting High Placed Seat Seated Sit Sits
Psalm 113
1. An exhortation to praise God for his excellence
6. For his mercy














Who is like the LORD our God
This phrase emphasizes the uniqueness and incomparability of God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, many cultures worshiped multiple gods, each with specific domains and limitations. The rhetorical question highlights the monotheistic belief that the God of Israel is unparalleled and sovereign over all creation. This theme is echoed in other scriptures, such as Exodus 15:11, "Who among the gods is like you, LORD?" and Isaiah 40:18, "To whom, then, will you compare God?" It underscores the idea that no other being possesses the attributes, power, or holiness of the LORD.

the One enthroned on high?
This phrase speaks to God's supreme authority and sovereignty. The imagery of a throne signifies rulership and majesty, common in ancient royal iconography. In biblical terms, God's throne is not just a symbol of power but also of justice and righteousness, as seen in Psalm 89:14, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne." The concept of God being "on high" suggests His transcendence and exaltation above all earthly and heavenly realms. This is further supported by Isaiah 6:1, where Isaiah sees the Lord "high and exalted, seated on a throne," and by the New Testament depiction of Christ's ascension and enthronement at the right hand of God (Hebrews 1:3). This phrase assures believers of God's ultimate control and the futility of comparing Him to any earthly power or deity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence, sovereignty, and faithfulness to His people.

2. Heaven (Enthroned on High)
Represents God's supreme authority and His position above all creation, highlighting His majesty and transcendence.
Teaching Points
God's Incomparable Nature
Reflect on the uniqueness of God, who is beyond comparison with any other being or deity. This should lead to a deeper reverence and awe in our worship.

God's Sovereignty and Authority
Recognize that God is enthroned on high, ruling over all creation. This truth should bring comfort and assurance, knowing that our lives are under His sovereign control.

Worship and Praise
Our response to God's majesty should be one of worship and praise. Consider how you can incorporate more intentional worship into your daily life, acknowledging His greatness.

Humility Before God
Understanding God's exalted position should lead us to humility. We are called to submit to His will, trusting in His perfect plan and timing.

Reflecting God's Majesty
As believers, we are called to reflect God's glory in our lives. Consider how your actions and words can demonstrate the majesty and holiness of God to those around you.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Psalm 113:5?

2. How does Psalm 113:5 inspire us to worship God's unmatched greatness daily?

3. What attributes of God in Psalm 113:5 can deepen our understanding of His nature?

4. How does Psalm 113:5 connect with Isaiah 40:18 about God's incomparable nature?

5. In what ways can we reflect God's greatness in our daily actions?

6. How can Psalm 113:5 encourage humility in acknowledging God's supreme authority?

7. How does Psalm 113:5 emphasize God's uniqueness compared to other deities in history?

8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 113:5?

9. How does Psalm 113:5 challenge our understanding of God's transcendence?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 113?

11. How are God's thoughts higher than human thoughts?

12. What defines pantheism as a belief system?

13. What are notable paradoxes found in the Bible?

14. Why do the descriptions of God’s power in Psalm 18 seem inconsistent with passages portraying His more gentle attributes (e.g., Psalm 103)?
What Does Psalm 113:5 Mean
Who is like

• The verse opens with a rhetorical question designed to awaken wonder. Scripture repeatedly asks similar questions to underscore God’s uniqueness—“Who among the gods is like You, O LORD?” (Exodus 15:11); “There is none like You, O LORD; You are great” (Jeremiah 10:6–7).

• The implied answer is “no one,” affirming that every created power, whether human or angelic, pales before Him (Isaiah 40:18; 44:7–8).

• This invitation to compare and find none equal calls us to worship rather than debate.


the LORD

• By using His covenant name, the verse points to the self-existent, promise-keeping God first revealed to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14).

• The same LORD who delivered Israel (Psalm 136:10–15) is the subject here; His past acts certify His present character.

• Because His name embodies faithfulness, we can trust that what follows—His exalted throne—rests on unchanging holiness (Malachi 3:6).


our God

• “Our” personalizes the majesty just declared. He is not a distant deity but belongs to His people by covenant (Psalm 95:7; 100:3).

• The possessive pronoun draws worshipers into relationship:

– We share in His protections (Psalm 46:1).

– We share in His promises (Deuteronomy 7:9).

• His supremacy does not cancel intimacy; it guarantees it, for only an all-powerful God can eternally secure His people (John 10:28–29).


the One enthroned on high

• The picture shifts from earth’s questions to heaven’s throne room. “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19).

• “Enthroned” signals absolute authority; “on high” stresses transcendence. Together they proclaim:

– His rule is universal (Isaiah 66:1).

– His perspective is perfect; He “looks down on the heavens and the earth” (Psalm 113:6).

• Yet the next verses reveal that this same exalted King stoops to raise the poor and needy, proving His compassion is as boundless as His sovereignty (Psalm 113:7–9).


summary

Psalm 113:5 poses a question that answers itself: no being can compare with the LORD. He is the faithful covenant God who belongs to His people, yet He reigns far above every realm. His unrivaled majesty invites humble awe, confident trust, and wholehearted worship.

Verse 5. - Who is like unto the Lord our God? (comp. Psalm 89:6; Isaiah 40:18, 25). The highest created being does not approach within anything but an immeasurable distance of God. Who dwelleth on high; or, "who sitteth enthroned on high."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Who
מִ֭י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

is like the LORD
כַּיהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-k | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

our God,
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

the One enthroned
לָשָֽׁבֶת׃ (lā·šā·ḇeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

on high?
הַֽמַּגְבִּיהִ֥י (ham·maḡ·bî·hî)
Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1361: To soar, be lofty, to be haughty


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OT Poetry: Psalm 113:5 Who is like Yahweh our God who (Psalm Ps Psa.)
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