Psalms 111:1

KJV

¶ Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with [my] whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and [in] the congregation.

KJV (with Strong's)

Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}. I will praise {H3034} the LORD {H3068} with my whole heart {H3824}, in the assembly {H5475} of the upright {H3477}, and in the congregation {H5712}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Halleluyah! I will wholeheartedly give thanks to ADONAI in the council of the upright and in the assembly.

Berean Standard Bible

Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.

American Standard Version

Praise ye Jehovah. I will give thanks unto Jehovah with my whole heart, In the council of the upright, and in the congregation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 111:1 serves as a grand overture to a psalm dedicated entirely to the praise of Yahweh, establishing the psalmist's profound commitment to extolling God for His magnificent works and righteous character. It encapsulates both a universal call to worship and a deeply personal vow of wholehearted devotion, emphasizing that true praise is expressed both intimately within the community of the upright and broadly within the larger congregation of God's people. This verse sets the stage for a detailed recounting of God's faithfulness and power, inviting all to join in the adoration of the one true God, laying a foundational principle for genuine worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 111 stands as the inaugural psalm in a collection known as the "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 111-118), characterized by their opening or closing imperative, "Praise ye the LORD." This places it firmly within a liturgical framework, indicating its intended use in communal worship settings. A distinctive feature of Psalm 111, shared with Psalm 112, is its **acrostic** structure in the original Hebrew. Each successive line, or half-line, commences with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This sophisticated poetic device not only facilitated memorization but also symbolized completeness and divine order, suggesting that every facet of God's character and works, from aleph to tav, is comprehensively worthy of praise. The verses immediately succeeding [Psalms 111:1](/psalms/111-1 "Psalms 111:1 - Praise for God's Works") proceed to elaborate on the "great works of the LORD" (cf. [Psalms 111:2](/psalms/111-2 "Psalms 111:2 - God's Great Works")), providing the specific and compelling reasons for the profound praise declared in this opening verse. The psalm then systematically unfolds these works, culminating in a declaration of God's enduring righteousness and covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, functioning as the hymnbook of ancient Israel, deeply reflect the religious and social fabric of a covenant people. Public worship, conducted in the Tabernacle, Temple, or later in synagogues, was central to Israelite identity. These gatherings provided a communal space where the people recounted God's mighty acts in their national history, offered sacrifices, and expressed collective and individual devotion. The mention of "assembly of the upright" and "congregation" in [Psalms 111:1](/psalms/111-1 "Psalms 111:1 - Praise in Assembly") directly points to these established gatherings, encompassing both the more intimate circles of devout believers and the broader national assembly of Israel. The concept of "whole heart" (Hebrew: _lēbāb_) was foundational to the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, as powerfully articulated in the Shema, where Israel was commanded to love God with all their being—heart, soul, and might (cf. [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")). This pervasive cultural emphasis on sincere, undivided, and communal devotion profoundly underscores the setting and spirit of the psalmist's declaration, highlighting the expected posture of the worshiper in ancient Israel.
* **Key Themes:** [Psalms 111:1](/psalms/111-1 "Psalms 111:1 - An Invitation to Praise") introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative, establishing a theological foundation for worship. The overarching theme is the **Call to Praise**, encapsulated in the opening "Hallelujah," which functions as both an invitation and a divine command to acknowledge God's supreme worthiness and glory. This praise, however, is not superficial; it demands **Wholehearted Devotion**, signifying a complete, undivided commitment of one's entire inner being—intellect, emotion, and will—to God. This echoes the consistent biblical emphasis on genuine worship that transcends mere ritualistic observance (cf. [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Lip Service vs. True Worship")). Furthermore, the verse highlights the critical importance of **Corporate Worship**, asserting that praise is not solely a private act but is magnified, affirmed, and made manifest within the community of believers. This communal aspect reinforces unity, fosters mutual encouragement, and presents a collective testimony to God's majesty, aligning seamlessly with the New Testament's exhortation for believers to gather together and not forsake the assembly (cf. [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Forsake the Assembly")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From H1984, a primitive root meaning "to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify." In this context, it signifies a vibrant, enthusiastic, and public declaration of God's worth. It's not a quiet admiration but a joyful, often boisterous, celebration of His character and deeds, implying a full-throated, unreserved acknowledgment of His glory.
* **whole heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** From H3824, referring to "the heart (as the most interior organ); [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding." In Hebrew anthropology, the "heart" (_lēbâb_) encompasses the totality of one's inner being—intellect, will, conscience, and affections. To praise with a "whole heart" signifies undivided, sincere, and complete devotion, engaging every faculty of the inner person in worship, free from hypocrisy, distraction, or reservation.
* **assembly (Hebrew, _çôwd'_):** From H5475, meaning "a session, i.e. company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret." This term refers to an intimate council or a confidential gathering, suggesting a select group of the "upright" who share a deep, personal relationship with God and with one another. It speaks to a fellowship characterized by shared understanding, counsel, and profound devotion, where praise can be expressed with intimacy and mutual encouragement.
* **congregation (Hebrew, _ʻêdâh'_):** From H5712, feminine of `ʻêd` in the original sense of fixture, meaning "a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd); assembly, company, multitude, people, swarm." This term is more general and inclusive than _çôwd_, referring to the broader public gathering of God's people, often the entire community of Israel. The pairing of these two terms (_çôwd_ and _ʻêdâh_) emphasizes that praise is due in both the close-knit fellowship of the truly devoted and the wider collective body of God's people, encompassing all levels of communal worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Praise ye the LORD.":** This opening imperative is a direct, universal call to worship, serving as the "Hallelujah" that introduces the psalm. It is an invitation and a command to all who hear to acknowledge and celebrate the greatness of Yahweh (H3050), the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel. This foundational declaration immediately sets the tone for the entire psalm as a song of adoration, summoning the audience to an active and joyful response.
* **"I will praise the LORD with [my] whole heart,":** Following the general call, the psalmist makes a deeply personal and resolute declaration. This is a deliberate vow of individual commitment, emphasizing that the praise offered will not be superficial or merely external. Instead, it will emanate from the deepest, most sincere part of his being, engaging all his faculties—intellect, emotion, and will—in undivided and unwavering devotion to the LORD.
* **"in the assembly of the upright, and [in] the congregation.":** This final clause specifies the dual contexts for this wholehearted praise. "The assembly of the upright" (using _çôwd_) refers to a more intimate, discerning group of true believers who share a deep spiritual bond and commitment. In contrast, "the congregation" (using _ʻêdâh_) denotes the broader, more public gathering of God's people. This pairing highlights that genuine worship is both a private commitment expressed within a close-knit fellowship and a public, communal act affirmed within the wider body of faith, reinforcing the importance of shared faith and collective adoration.

#### Literary Devices
[Psalms 111:1](/psalms/111-1 "Psalms 111:1 - A Call to Praise") employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of worship. The most prominent is the initial **imperative call** ("Praise ye the LORD"), which acts as a direct summons to the audience, immediately engaging them in the theme of worship and demanding a response. This is swiftly followed by a **personal declaration** ("I will praise the LORD"), creating a dynamic shift from a universal invitation to an individual commitment, demonstrating the psalmist's active and personal participation in the very act he commands. The use of **parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "in the assembly of the upright, and [in] the congregation." While not strictly synonymous, these phrases function in a complementary manner, emphasizing both the intimate fellowship of devoted believers and the broader public gathering as legitimate and necessary venues for praise. This dual expression underscores the comprehensive nature of worship, encompassing both deep spiritual communion and corporate testimony. Furthermore, the very nature of the psalm as an **acrostic** (though not fully apparent in this single verse) subtly implies completeness and order in the praise offered, suggesting that God's works and character, from beginning to end, are worthy of systematic and thorough adoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Psalms 111:1](/psalms/111-1 "Psalms 111:1 - Foundations of Praise") establishes a fundamental theological principle: God is inherently worthy of all praise, and this praise must be offered with absolute sincerity and in both personal and communal settings. This verse lays the groundwork for the rest of the psalm, which meticulously details God's "great works" (cf. [Psalms 111:2](/psalms/111-2 "Psalms 111:2 - God's Great Works")), His righteousness, and His enduring faithfulness, providing the specific and compelling reasons for such profound adoration. The call to "wholehearted" praise aligns with the covenantal demand for complete devotion to Yahweh, distinguishing Israel's worship from the perfunctory rituals of pagan religions and emphasizing an internal disposition. The emphasis on corporate worship underscores the communal nature of faith, where individual devotion is amplified and affirmed within the collective body, fostering unity and a shared testimony to God's majesty. This foundational verse thus seamlessly integrates personal piety with public worship, setting a high standard for how God's people are to respond to His revealed character and actions throughout history.

* [Psalms 150:6](/psalms/150-6 "Psalms 150:6 - Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!")
* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the LORD with all your heart, soul, and might")
* [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Psalms 111:1](/psalms/111-1 "Psalms 111:1 - A Call to Undivided Worship") is more than just an opening line; it's a profound invitation and a personal challenge to the believer, calling us to examine the depth and sincerity of our own praise. It prompts us to ask: Is our worship merely a routine, or does it flow from a "whole heart"—an undivided spirit fully engaged with God, encompassing our intellect, emotions, and will? In a world that often fragments our attention and devotion, this verse urges us to cultivate an inner posture of single-minded adoration, recognizing God's supreme worth above all else. Furthermore, it reminds us of the indispensable role of communal worship. While private devotion is crucial, there is a unique power and blessing in joining with other believers—whether in intimate fellowship like the "assembly of the upright" or the larger "congregation"—to collectively declare God's goodness. Our shared praise not only glorifies God but also strengthens the bonds of community, encourages fellow believers, and presents a unified testimony to the world. This verse compels us to be active, engaged participants in both our personal and corporate expressions of faith, ensuring that our lives genuinely reflect the "Hallelujah" we proclaim.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for me to praise the LORD with my "whole heart," and are there areas of my life where my devotion is divided or superficial?**
* **How does my participation in corporate worship reflect the spirit of the "assembly of the upright" and the broader "congregation" mentioned in this verse?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more sincere, undivided, and enthusiastic heart of praise in my daily life and in my communal worship?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "Praise ye the LORD" at the beginning of this psalm?**

Answer: The phrase "Praise ye the LORD" is the English translation of the Hebrew "Hallelujah" (or "Halleluyah"). It is a compound word formed from _hallel_ (meaning "to praise, laud, boast in, celebrate") and _Yah_ (a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal, covenantal name of God, H3050). Its significance lies in its dual function: it is both an **imperative command** to all who hear to praise God, and an **exclamatory expression** of profound adoration. As the opening of [Psalms 111](/psalms/111 "Psalm 111 - Praise for God's Works"), it immediately sets the tone for a psalm entirely devoted to celebrating God's character and works, inviting the worshiper into an active and joyful response to His greatness. This "Hallelujah" serves as a liturgical cue, marking this psalm as a song of worship, much like others in the "Hallelujah Psalms" collection (Psalms 111-118), which often begin or end with this powerful declaration (cf. [Psalms 113:1](/psalms/113-1 "Psalms 113:1 - Praise the LORD!")). It is a universal summons to acknowledge the unique sovereignty and goodness of the God of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Psalms 111:1](/psalms/111-1 "Psalms 111:1 - Praise for the LORD") with its call to wholehearted, communal praise of Yahweh for His great works, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of Yahweh's character and works, embodying the very faithfulness, righteousness, and wisdom that the psalm extols (cf. [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No one has seen God, but the only God has explained Him") and [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). He is the one through whom God's greatest work—redemption and reconciliation—is accomplished, far surpassing the historical acts recounted in the Old Testament (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption through Christ's Blood")). The "assembly of the upright" and "the congregation" are now realized in the Church, the body of Christ, gathered by His Spirit to offer praise to God through Him (cf. [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")). It is through Christ that believers are enabled to offer truly "wholehearted" praise, for He is the one who cleanses hearts, empowers genuine devotion, and grants access to God's presence (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Places")). Ultimately, the Hallelujah of [Psalms 111:1](/psalms/111-1 "Psalms 111:1 - A Hallelujah Psalm") anticipates the eternal praise offered to the Lamb of God, who is worthy to receive all glory, honor, and power because He was slain and redeemed humanity (cf. [Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12-13 "Revelation 5:12-13 - Worthy is the Lamb!")), making Christ the ultimate object, enabler, and recipient of the praise envisioned by the psalmist.

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 138:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

Psalms 149:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise in the congregation of saints.

Psalms 109:30

I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude.

Psalms 106:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 89:5

¶ And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.

Psalms 35:18

I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.

Psalms 40:9

I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.