Psalms 115:18

KJV

But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

But we will bless {H1288} the LORD {H3050} from this time forth and for {H5704} evermore {H5769}. Praise {H1984} the LORD {H3050}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But we will bless ADONAI from now on and forever. Halleluyah!

Berean Standard Bible

But it is we who will bless the LORD, both now and forevermore. Hallelujah!

American Standard Version

But we will bless Jehovah From this time forth and for evermore. Praise ye Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 115:18 serves as a triumphant doxological conclusion to a psalm that starkly contrasts the living, sovereign God of Israel with the lifeless, impotent idols of the nations. It transitions from a declaration of divine power and a denunciation of human-made deities to a fervent, unwavering commitment by God's people to offer perpetual praise and worship, establishing a timeless mandate for the redeemed to continually bless the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 115:18 stands as the powerful culmination of a psalm that systematically dismantles the false gods of the surrounding cultures while exalting the one true God. The psalm begins by asserting God's heavenly dwelling and omnipotence, declaring, "Our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased" [as stated in Psalm 115:3](/psalms/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - God's Sovereign Will"). It then vividly contrasts this living God with idols, which are described as having "mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not" [in Psalm 115:5](/psalms/115-5 "Psalm 115:5 - The Futility of Idols"). The psalm encourages trust in the Lord, promising blessing to those who fear Him, as seen in verses like "[O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield](/psalms/115-9 "Psalm 115:9 - Israel's Call to Trust")" and the subsequent promises of blessing to those who fear the Lord [found in Psalm 115:13](/psalms/115-13 "Psalm 115:13 - Blessings for God-Fearers"). Crucially, verse 17 sets the stage for the final declaration by stating, "The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence," highlighting that the privilege and duty of praise belong exclusively to the living, making the commitment in verse 18 a vibrant affirmation of life and faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Psalms 115 is part of the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. This collection often reflects themes of deliverance, God's sovereignty over the nations, and the unique identity of Israel as God's chosen people. In a world saturated with polytheism and idol worship, the psalm's stark contrast between the living God and lifeless idols would have been a powerful theological statement for ancient Israel. It served to solidify their monotheistic conviction and reinforce their distinctiveness from surrounding pagan cultures who relied on visible, tangible deities. The call to "bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore" was not merely a private devotion but a public declaration of allegiance to Yahweh, often made in the context of communal worship at the Temple, where the people would gather to acknowledge God's saving acts and righteous character.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores **Perpetual Praise**, with the phrase "from this time forth and for evermore" signifying an unending, eternal commitment to worship. This echoes the call for continuous and [daily praise found throughout the Psalms](/psalms/145-2 "Psalm 145:2 - Daily Praise"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Active Worship**, directly contrasting the silent, immobile idols and the inability of the dead to praise. The living are called to actively "bless the LORD," which is a vibrant, engaged form of worship that acknowledges God's greatness, goodness, and active presence. This active engagement is a hallmark of true faith. Finally, the concluding exhortation, "Praise the LORD," serves as a powerful summary of the psalm's central message: **God's Exclusive Worthiness**. Unlike the futile objects of pagan worship, God alone is worthy of all adoration and glory, a truth reinforced by the entire psalm's argument for His unique power and sovereignty over all creation, including the [heavens and the earth](/psalms/115-15 "Psalm 115:15 - Creator of Heaven and Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This primitive root (H1288) means to kneel, and by implication, to bless God as an act of adoration or to bless man as a benefit. When humans "bless the LORD," it signifies an act of reverence, adoration, and thanksgiving, acknowledging God's inherent goodness and showering Him with honor. It implies a posture of humility and submission, recognizing God's supreme authority and worthiness, not an act of conferring benefit upon God, but rather of acknowledging and declaring His blessedness.
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** The primitive root (H1984) means to be clear (originally of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate. When used in the context of praising God, it implies a vibrant, often boisterous, celebration and commendation of God's character and deeds. It is an active, outward expression of glorification and adoration.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yâhh'_):** This is a contraction (H3050) for יְהֹוָה (Yahweh), the sacred covenant name of God. Its inclusion here emphasizes that the praise and blessing are directed specifically to the one true, living God of Israel, Yahweh, who is revealed in His power and faithfulness throughout the psalm. It underscores His unique identity and supreme authority as the object of all worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But we will bless the LORD":** This clause marks a decisive shift from the psalm's preceding arguments (the futility of idols, the silence of the dead) to a firm declaration of intent by the faithful. The "we" refers to the community of believers, those who fear the Lord [as mentioned in Psalm 115:11](/psalms/115-11 "Psalm 115:11 - Trust in the Lord"). It is an active, volitional commitment to honor and adore God, in contrast to the passive, unhearing idols. This blessing is not merely a verbal utterance but a posture of life, acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness.
* **"from this time forth and for evermore":** This temporal phrase emphasizes the enduring and perpetual nature of the commitment to praise. It signifies an unending, continuous act of worship that extends from the present moment into eternity. It speaks to the faithfulness of God's people, promising a worship that transcends generations and circumstances, reflecting the eternal nature of the God they praise. It is a pledge of unwavering devotion, a covenant of praise.
* **"Praise the LORD.":** This concluding, emphatic command (Hallelujah) serves as both a summary and an urgent call to action. It reinforces the central theme of the psalm – that Yahweh alone is worthy of all praise. It is a final, resounding acclamation that invites all who hear to join in the perpetual adoration of the living God, cementing the psalm's core message in a single, powerful, and universally recognized declaration of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 115:18 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is central to the entire psalm, and this verse serves as the ultimate antithesis to the lifelessness of idols and the silence of the dead, asserting the vibrant, active praise of the living. The psalm uses **Antithesis** by setting the "we" who will bless the Lord against "those who go down into silence" [as seen in Psalm 115:17](/psalms/115-17 "Psalm 115:17 - The Silence of the Dead"). The phrase "from this time forth and for evermore" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the unending nature of the commitment, signifying an eternal duration of praise that transcends human lifespan. The concluding "Praise the LORD" acts as a powerful **Exhortation** and a **Doxology**, serving as a climactic, summarizing acclamation that calls for universal participation in worship. Its position at the very end of the psalm provides a sense of **Resolution** and a definitive statement of faith, leaving the worshiper with a clear and compelling mandate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 115:18 encapsulates the fundamental theological truth that God alone is worthy of eternal praise, a truth revealed through His active presence and power in contrast to all false gods. This verse underscores the privilege and responsibility of the living to offer continuous worship, recognizing that praise is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate act of acknowledging God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and unique identity as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. It connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant relationship with His people, where their existence is intrinsically linked to their adoration of Him. This perpetual praise is both a response to His character and a testimony to His glory in a world prone to idolatry.

* [Psalm 145:21](/psalms/145-21 "My Mouth Shall Speak the Praise of the Lord")
* [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Every Creature Praises God and the Lamb")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "The Sacrifice of Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 115:18 issues a timeless invitation and command for believers to embrace a lifestyle of unending praise and worship. In a world constantly vying for our attention and devotion, this verse reminds us that our highest calling and most profound privilege is to "bless the LORD" continually. Our ability to offer vibrant, active praise is a precious gift, especially when contrasted with the futility of worshipping lifeless idols or the inability of the departed to praise. This verse encourages us to cultivate a heart of profound gratitude, recognizing God's unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness in every circumstance, which naturally leads to an attitude of thanksgiving. It challenges us to understand that praise is not confined to specific times or places, but is a "from this time forth and for evermore" commitment—a continuous sacrifice of praise offered through our words, actions, and very lives. Our consistent, joyful praise becomes a powerful witness to the living God, shining His light in a world often distracted by fleeting pleasures and false hopes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between the living God and lifeless idols in Psalms 115 shape your understanding of the privilege of praising the Lord?**
* **What does it mean practically to "bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore" in your daily life?**
* **In what ways can your personal and communal worship become a more active and perpetual testimony to God's greatness?**

### FAQ
**Why is perpetual praise ("from this time forth and for evermore") so important in the Psalms?**

Answer: The emphasis on perpetual praise in the Psalms, as seen in Psalms 115:18, highlights several key theological truths. Firstly, it reflects God's eternal nature and His unchanging worthiness; since God is eternally glorious, His praise should also be eternal. Secondly, it underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, where praise is a continuous response to His faithfulness and deliverance. The phrase "from this time forth and for evermore" signifies an unwavering commitment that transcends generations and circumstances, ensuring that God's name is continually exalted. This perpetual praise also serves as a powerful witness to the nations, demonstrating that the God of Israel is a living and active deity, unlike the fleeting and silent idols. It is a declaration that God's redemptive work continues, and therefore, the response of His people's worship must also continue, echoing throughout all time, as seen in other calls to unending praise like [Psalm 145:21](/psalms/145-21 "My Mouth Shall Speak the Praise of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 115:18, with its resounding call to "bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect worshiper, who came not only to teach us how to worship but also to enable us to truly "bless the LORD." Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ reconciled humanity to God, making it possible for us to approach the Father in spirit and truth, as He taught in [John 4:23](/john/4-23 "John 4:23 - True Worshipers"). Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the ultimate recipient of eternal praise, as prophesied in the Old Testament and vividly depicted in the New. The exaltation of Christ, where "every knee should bow... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" [as declared in Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Universal Confession"), demonstrates that the "LORD" who is blessed forevermore includes the Son. The perpetual worship envisioned in Psalms 115:18 culminates in the heavenly throne room, where ceaseless praise is offered to God and to the Lamb, as described in [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Every Creature Praises God and the Lamb"). Thus, Christ not only empowers our perpetual praise but also stands as the very object of it, embodying the eternal worthiness that Psalms 115:18 declares.

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 113:2

Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.

Daniel 2:20

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:

Psalms 145:21

My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

Revelation 5:13

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Psalms 145:2

Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

Psalms 118:17

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

Psalms 118:19

¶ Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, [and] I will praise the LORD: