Psalms 104:1

KJV

¶ Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

KJV (with Strong's)

Bless {H1288} the LORD {H3068}, O my soul {H5315}. O LORD {H3068} my God {H430}, thou art very {H3966} great {H1431}; thou art clothed {H3847} with honour {H1935} and majesty {H1926}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Bless ADONAI, my soul! ADONAI, my God, you are very great; you are clothed with glory and majesty,

Berean Standard Bible

Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty.

American Standard Version

Bless Jehovah, O my soul. O Jehovah my God, thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honor and majesty:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 104:1 serves as a magnificent and deeply personal overture to a grand hymn celebrating God's creative power and providential care. The psalmist initiates this profound act of worship by commanding his own soul to bless the LORD, immediately transitioning into an awe-filled declaration of God's incomparable greatness and His inherent glory, which is depicted as a majestic garment. This opening verse masterfully establishes the Creator as supremely sovereign and inherently worthy of all adoration, setting the foundational tone for the psalm's subsequent, detailed poetic exploration of divine wisdom and sustenance throughout all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 104 stands as a majestic hymn of praise, widely recognized for its profound poetic reflection on the creation account found in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). It systematically mirrors the creative acts of God, from establishing the heavens and earth to providing for all living creatures, culminating in a celebration of God's ongoing sustenance of the cosmos. This opening verse, "Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty," functions as a powerful invocation, setting the thematic framework for the entire composition. It is a personal and direct address that transitions into a declarative statement of God's transcendent nature, preparing the reader for the detailed exposition of His creative power and providential care that follows. The psalm is part of Book IV of the Psalter (Psalms 90-106), a section often characterized by themes of God's kingship, covenant faithfulness, and the universal call to worship, particularly highlighting God's dominion over all creation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during a period of established Israelite worship, Psalm 104 reflects a mature understanding of YHWH as the sole, incomparable Creator, distinct from the polytheistic creation myths prevalent in the surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures. While some scholars note thematic parallels with Egyptian hymns to the sun god Aten (e.g., the Great Hymn to Aten), the psalmist fundamentally reinterprets such motifs through a monotheistic lens, attributing all creative and sustaining power solely to the God of Israel. The imagery of God being "clothed with honour and majesty" draws upon ancient royal iconography, where a king's garments symbolized his authority, splendor, and divine right to rule. This cultural understanding would have resonated deeply with an Israelite audience, emphasizing YHWH's supreme sovereignty over all earthly and cosmic realms, far surpassing any human monarch or pagan deity, and reinforcing His unique position as the true divine King.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 104:1 introduces several foundational themes that permeate the entire psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Personal Adoration**, as the psalmist consciously directs his own soul to worship, echoing similar calls in [Psalms 103:1](/psalms/103-1 "Psalms 103:1 - A Call to Bless the Lord"). This is not a detached intellectual exercise but an engagement of one's entire being in heartfelt praise and submission. Secondly, the verse powerfully declares **God's Supreme Greatness and Transcendence**, positioning the LORD as utterly unique, immeasurable, and beyond human comprehension, a theme consistently explored throughout the prophetic books, such as [Isaiah 40](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40 - The Comfort of God's Greatness and Power"). Finally, the imagery of being "clothed with honour and majesty" highlights **Divine Glory and Sovereignty**, portraying God's inherent splendor and royal authority as intrinsic to His very being, not merely an attribute. This sets the stage for the psalm's subsequent verses, which detail how this glorious God actively sustains and governs His creation, demonstrating His ongoing dominion and providential care, a concept also deeply explored in [Nehemiah 9:6](/nehemiah/9-6 "Nehemiah 9:6 - God as Creator and Sustainer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** A primitive root, when directed from humanity to God, this verb signifies to praise, adore, or give thanks. It implies an act of bowing down, kneeling, or prostrating oneself in reverence, acknowledging God's supreme worthiness, incomparable greatness, and absolute sovereignty. It is an intentional, volitional act of the worshiper, an offering of honor and adoration rather than a request for favor, signifying a deep, reverent submission.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, God's personal, covenantal name, revealed to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM")). It emphasizes God's self-existence ("I AM"), His eternal nature, and His active presence in history, particularly in His redemptive relationship with His people. The use of YHWH here grounds the psalmist's praise in the character of the God who acts, reveals Himself, and faithfully keeps His promises, establishing a personal and covenantal relationship.
* **Clothed (Hebrew, _lâbash'_):** A primitive root meaning "to wrap around" or "to put on a garment." In this vivid anthropomorphic expression, it portrays honor and majesty not as external adornments God merely possesses, but as intrinsic qualities that are inseparable from His very being, like magnificent robes that perfectly fit and define a king. It suggests that God's glory is not something He acquires but something He inherently radiates and embodies, a constant emanation of His divine essence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Bless the LORD, O my soul."**: This opening phrase is a powerful self-exhortation, a direct address from the psalmist to his innermost being. It is a command to himself, emphasizing that true worship is not merely an external ritual but a deep, internal, and volitional engagement of one's entire person—mind, will, and emotions—in the act of praising and adoring God. It highlights the intentionality and personal commitment required for genuine worship, urging the soul to actively participate in acknowledging God's supreme worth.
* **"O LORD my God, thou art very great;"**: The psalmist shifts from self-exhortation to a direct, personal address to God, using both His covenant name ("LORD," YHWH) and a possessive, intimate term ("my God"). This declaration underscores God's immense power, infinite wisdom, and unparalleled transcendence. The phrase "very great" (Hebrew, _gadol me'od_) signifies an incomparable magnitude, asserting God's absolute uniqueness and superiority over all creation, beyond any human measure or comprehension, evoking a profound sense of awe.
* **"thou art clothed with honour and majesty."**: This vivid, anthropomorphic imagery portrays God's inherent glory and royal splendor. "Honour" (Hebrew, _hod_) conveys splendor, glory, and majestic dignity, often associated with divine or royal authority. "Majesty" (Hebrew, _hadar_) speaks of adornment, glory, and magnificence, emphasizing inherent beauty and imposing presence. The idea of God being "clothed" with these attributes suggests that they are not merely external decorations but are intrinsic to His very essence, radiating from His being like magnificent garments that perfectly adorn a sovereign king, signifying His supreme and inherent worthiness of worship and His absolute rule over all things.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 104:1 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message of divine praise. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, as the psalmist directly addresses his own "soul" ("O my soul") and then directly addresses God ("O LORD my God"). This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the listener into the psalmist's personal experience of worship and making the call to praise deeply personal. **Anthropomorphism** is vividly evident in the phrase "thou art clothed with honour and majesty," attributing human characteristics (wearing clothes) to God to describe His inherent glory in a tangible, relatable way. This vivid **Imagery** helps the reader visualize God's splendor as something visible, all-encompassing, and inseparable from His being. The verse also functions as an **Exclamation**, particularly in "thou art very great," conveying profound awe, wonder, and an uncontainable sense of God's immense scale. The overall tone is one of **Hymnic Praise**, characteristic of many psalms, setting a celebratory and reverent atmosphere from the outset, inviting the worshiper to join in the adoration of the Creator King.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 104:1 serves as a foundational declaration of God's transcendent nature and His absolute worthiness of worship. It establishes that God's greatness, honor, and majesty are not merely attributes He possesses but are integral to His very being, radiating from Him as His inherent glory. This understanding of God's intrinsic splendor provides the bedrock for all true worship, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a deep, visceral response of awe and reverence. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of God's sovereignty, as His "clothing" of honor and majesty signifies His supreme kingship over all creation, a theme that will be extensively developed throughout the rest of the psalm. It reminds us that our praise is a fitting and necessary response to the incomparable reality of who God is, acknowledging His unique position as Creator and Sustainer of all.

* [Psalms 103:1](/psalms/103-1 "Psalms 103:1 - A Personal Call to Worship")
* [Isaiah 6:1-3](/isaiah/6-1-3 "Isaiah 6:1-3 - Vision of God's Glory in the Temple")
* [Revelation 4:8-11](/revelation/4-8-11 "Revelation 4:8-11 - Heavenly Worship of the Creator")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 104:1 is a profound invitation for every believer to engage in intentional and heartfelt worship. The psalmist's self-exhortation, "Bless the LORD, O my soul," reminds us that praise is not always a spontaneous emotion but often a deliberate act of the will, a command we give to our innermost being. In a world that often seeks to diminish God or confine Him to a small corner of our lives, this verse compels us to lift our gaze and truly contemplate His "very great" nature, His inherent "honour and majesty." Such contemplation cultivates a deep sense of awe and reverence, reorienting our priorities and reminding us of God's supreme authority over all things, including our own lives. When we grasp the immensity of the God who is "clothed with honour and majesty," our trust in His power and provision is strengthened, and our worship becomes a more authentic and transformative experience, flowing from a recognition of His incomparable worth and His active presence in our world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for *your* soul to "bless the LORD" today, beyond mere words or routine?**
* **How does contemplating God's "very great" nature impact your daily concerns, anxieties, and sense of purpose?**
* **In what practical ways can you more intentionally acknowledge God's "honour and majesty" in your personal worship and daily life?**
* **How might a deeper understanding of God's inherent glory shape your trust in His sovereignty and His unfailing provision for your life?**

### FAQ

**Why does the psalmist address his own soul ("O my soul")?**

Answer: The psalmist addresses his own soul to emphasize the deeply personal and volitional nature of true worship. It's an internal command, a self-exhortation, indicating that worship is not merely an external ritual or an intellectual exercise, but a deliberate act that engages one's entire being—mind, will, and emotions. It highlights the psalmist's intentionality in directing his innermost self to praise God, recognizing that genuine adoration must flow from the heart and be a conscious choice. This self-address is a common literary device in the Psalms, seen also in [Psalms 103:1](/psalms/103-1 "Psalms 103:1 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul"), demonstrating a conscious effort to stir oneself to worship.

**What does it mean for God to be "clothed with honour and majesty"?**

Answer: This is an anthropomorphic expression, using human imagery to describe divine attributes. It means that honor and majesty are not merely external adornments that God puts on or takes off, but are intrinsic to His very essence. Like a king's royal robes that signify his inherent authority and splendor, God's "clothing" of honor and majesty signifies that these qualities are inseparable from His being. They radiate from Him constantly, demonstrating His inherent glory, supreme dignity, and sovereign rule over all creation. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for God's inherent, majestic glory, emphasizing that His splendor is not acquired but is eternally His, as also described in [Psalms 93:1](/psalms/93-1 "Psalms 93:1 - The Lord Reigns, Clothed with Majesty").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 104:1, with its profound declaration of God's greatness, honor, and majesty, finds its ultimate and most vivid fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While the psalm extols the Creator God, the New Testament reveals that it is through Christ that all things were created and are sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Jesus is the very "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Supremacy of Christ")), perfectly embodying the "honour and majesty" that the psalmist attributes to God. In Him, the invisible God is made visible ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")), and His glory is fully revealed, not just in creation, but supremely in His redemptive work on the cross and His triumphant resurrection. Therefore, when we "bless the LORD" with our souls, we do so in light of the One who perfectly reveals God's greatness and through whom we have access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Our worship of the great and majestic God is now inextricably linked to our adoration of the Lamb who was slain, for He shares in the Father's honor and majesty, receiving all glory and dominion ([Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12-13 "Revelation 5:12-13 - Worthy is the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 103:22

Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Psalms 145:3

Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness [is] unsearchable.

Psalms 96:6

Honour and majesty [are] before him: strength and beauty [are] in his sanctuary.

Isaiah 59:17

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Psalms 93:1

¶ The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, [wherewith] he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

Psalms 104:35

Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalms 103:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name.