Answer
Psalm 138 is a song of wholehearted praise and thanksgiving written by King David to the Lord for His wonderful salvation. Depending on the Bible translation, David seems to suggest in verse 2 that God holds His Word above His name:
“I will worship toward Your holy temple,
And praise Your name
For Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word above all Your name” (NKJV).
According to Bible scholars, the wording found in the ASV, KJV, and NKJV of Psalm 138:2 (“For You have magnified Your word above all Your name”) is problematic and debatable. In this passage, His Word refers to God’s solemn promises in Scripture. God’s Word reveals His divine oaths (Isaiah 55:11; Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 8:56) and His holy nature—His “lovingkindness” or “unfailing love” (NIV) and “truth” or “faithfulness” (NIV). Through the Word of God, believers learn who He is and all He has promised to us.
His name in this verse denotes God’s reputation and holy character. The original literal significance of His name is “himself revealed.” Throughout the Bible, God is closely associated with “the Name” (Leviticus 24:10–16; 2 Samuel 6:2; Acts 5:41; 3 John 1:7). God’s name is representative of His person (2 Samuel 6:2) and reflective of His presence (Deuteronomy 12:5–7; 1 Chronicles 13:6; Psalm 20:1). God’s fame or reputation is also revealed through His trustworthy actions (Psalm 136:1–26). Thus, His name—all that God has revealed about who He is—is exalted above all things (Nehemiah 9:5; Psalm 8:1; 148:13; Philippians 2:9; Ephesians 1:21). God’s name is sovereign and supreme (Isaiah 26:13; Psalm 29:2).
God holds His Word above His name, then, can only mean that God, because of His unfailing love and faithfulness, keeps His Word. God’s promises are trustworthy; they come true. David confirms the line’s meaning in the following verse: “As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength” (Psalm 138:3, NLT). God answers David’s prayers.
God’s Word holds true and never fails: “The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145:13; see also Numbers 23:19; Romans 4:21; Hebrews 10:23). His Word is consistent with His revealed self. In the NLT, the last line of Psalm 138:2 is, “Your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.” The NIV has, “For you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame.” The ESV says, “For you have exalted above all things your name and your word.” The TEV reads, “You have shown that your name and your commands are supreme.”
David endured many troubles, trials, and afflictions (Psalm 25:18; 37:32–33; 40:12–15; 119:107), but he experienced the Lord’s salvation and deliverance through them all (Psalm 40:2–10; 109:31). In 2 Samuel 7:12–17, God made a covenant with David that his house and his throne would endure forever. That divine promise was ultimately and eternally fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who descended from David’s bloodline (Luke 1:26–33).
God holds His Word above His name means that God is as good as His Word, and His Word is as good as He Himself. The two are exalted above everything else.
