Old Testament
Psalms 138:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Though the LORD is high, yet he has respect to the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.
Compare translations
Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
What Psalms 138:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the nature of God as both exalted and approachable. Despite His greatness and authority, God pays attention to those who are humble and lowly in spirit. This suggests that humility is valued in His eyes. In contrast, the proud, who may think highly of themselves, are distanced from God. This distance is not just physical but also relational; pride creates barriers between individuals and God. The verse reassures the humble that they are seen and valued by God, while serving as a warning to the proud about the consequences of their arrogance. It emphasizes that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility, and that He is always ready to lift up those who recognize their need for Him. This duality of God's nature—being high yet caring for the lowly—encourages believers to cultivate humility and seek a close relationship with God.
How to apply Psalms 138:6 to your life
To apply this verse, focus on cultivating humility in your daily life. Recognize your dependence on God and seek to serve others rather than elevate yourself. Remember that God values a humble heart and is always near to those who are lowly in spirit.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 138:6
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 138:6
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 138:6 mean?
Psalms 138:6 means that although God is exalted and powerful, He pays attention to those who are humble and lowly in spirit. It contrasts the humble, who are valued by God, with the proud, who are distanced from Him.
What is the meaning of humility in Psalms 138:6?
In Psalms 138:6, humility refers to recognizing one's dependence on God and having a modest view of oneself. The verse emphasizes that God respects and draws near to those who are humble.
How does Psalms 138:6 relate to pride?
Psalms 138:6 shows that pride leads to separation from God. The verse suggests that those who are proud may think highly of themselves, but God knows them from afar, indicating a lack of closeness.
What can I learn from Psalms 138:6?
From Psalms 138:6, you can learn the importance of humility in your relationship with God. It encourages you to cultivate a humble heart and to serve others, knowing that God values those who are lowly in spirit.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.