Psalms 148:11

Kings of the earth, and all people: Princes, and all Iudges of the earth. Psalms 148:11 (KJV)

“Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps.” Psalm 148 is a majestic hymn that calls upon all creation to offer praise and worship to the Lord. It celebrates the glory of God as seen in His creation and emphasizes that every part of the created order is invited to join the universal chorus of worship. Psalm 148:11 specifically focuses on two entities: dragons and the deeps.

Dragons: The term “dragons” translates the Hebrew word tannin, which denotes large sea creatures or serpents and is often rendered “sea monsters” in modern translations. In biblical poetry tannin represents powerful and awe‑inspiring elements of the natural world, emphasizing that even the most formidable creatures are called to acknowledge God’s sovereignty.

Deeps: The “deeps” refer to the profound depths of the earth, the seas, or vast waters—places such as oceanic trenches and abyssal plains that convey mystery and grandeur. By including the deeps in the call to praise, the psalmist affirms that even the hidden and immeasurable parts of creation should offer adoration to the Lord.

The overarching theme of Psalm 148 is the universal praise of God. From celestial bodies to creatures of land and sea, from kings and judges to the most obscure depths, every element is urged to proclaim the greatness of the Almighty. The inclusion of dragons and the deeps underscores the comprehensive nature of this invitation, suggesting that no part of creation, however extraordinary or concealed, is exempt from glorifying God.

In a broader sense, this passage reminds believers of God’s dominion over all creation. It encourages recognition of the natural world’s diversity as evidence of divine creative power and invites every person to participate in the universal chorus of praise for His goodness and sovereignty.