Psalms 117:1

KJV

¶ O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

KJV (with Strong's)

O praise {H1984} the LORD {H3068}, all ye nations {H1471}: praise {H7623} him, all ye people {H523}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Praise ADONAI, all you nations! Worship him, all you peoples!

Berean Standard Bible

Praise the LORD, all you nations! Extol Him, all you peoples!

American Standard Version

O praise Jehovah, all ye nations; Laud him, all ye peoples.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 117:1, though remarkably concise as the shortest psalm in the biblical canon, issues an expansive and urgent summons: a universal call for all humanity to offer vibrant praise to the LORD. This brief yet profound verse transcends all national, ethnic, and cultural boundaries, inviting every people group on earth to unite in adoration. It serves as a powerful testament to God's global sovereignty, His unwavering faithfulness, and His enduring desire for all creation to acknowledge His supreme greatness and redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 117 is strategically positioned within the collection of Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals such as Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Its extreme brevity, comprising only two verses, serves to amplify its singular, powerful message, making it a climactic or bridging piece within this liturgical sequence. Often viewed as a capstone, it distills the themes of God's universal reign and redemptive faithfulness found throughout the Hallel, preparing the worshiper for the grand declarations of Psalm 118. Its directness ensures its message of inclusive praise resonates with immediate and profound impact, acting as a concise summary of the Hallel's broader theological trajectory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of God's covenant relationship was primarily focused on the nation of Israel as His chosen people. However, from the earliest promises made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Blessing All Families of the Earth"), God's redemptive plan always contained a universal dimension, intending to bless "all the families of the earth." While Israel was chosen as God's particular instrument, passages like Psalms 117:1, alongside prophetic declarations in books such as [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles"), consistently anticipate a future where non-Israelite nations—the "Gentiles"—would come to recognize and worship the one true God. This psalm reflects a deep theological understanding that God's dominion is not limited to one nation but extends over all peoples, a vision that was revolutionary for its time.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Universal Praise:** The most prominent theme is the explicit, unqualified command for "all ye nations" and "all ye people" to praise the LORD. This shatters any narrow nationalistic or ethnic confines, revealing God's expansive redemptive plan that embraces every corner of the earth. It is a prophetic glimpse into a future reality where diverse peoples unite in worship, demonstrating the global scope of God's love and sovereignty. This theme anticipates the New Testament's emphasis on global evangelism and the inclusion of Gentiles, as seen in the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission") given by Jesus.
* **God's Sovereignty and Worthiness:** The imperative call to praise is directed specifically at "the LORD" (YHWH), emphasizing His unique covenant name and His supreme, self-existent authority. He alone is inherently worthy of such comprehensive, universal adoration. This worthiness stems not from any need on God's part for human praise, but from His intrinsic character, His faithfulness to His promises, and His mighty acts of salvation and creation, which compel a response of worship from all who recognize His glory.
* **Missionary Vision:** This verse serves as a foundational declaration for the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive work, powerfully foreshadowing the New Testament's emphasis on global evangelism. It underscores God's long-standing desire for all humanity to be brought into a relationship with Him, not just one chosen people. The psalm's brevity and directness make this missionary imperative undeniable, laying a theological groundwork for the apostolic mission to the nations, as profoundly articulated by the Apostle Paul when he quotes this very psalm in [Romans 15:11](/romans/15-11 "Romans 15:11 - Paul Quotes Psalm 117:1").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** The Hebrew verb H1984 (_hâlal_) is the root from which "Hallelujah" (Praise Yah/the LORD) is derived. It signifies a vibrant, enthusiastic, and often public expression of adoration. Unlike a quiet, internal thought, _hâlal_ denotes an outward, joyful celebration, a boasting in God's glory, a clamorous acclamation of His worth. It implies a sense of revelry and exultation in God's character and deeds, inviting a full-bodied, unreserved response of worship that can even border on being "clamorously foolish" in its exuberance.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The term H3068 (_Yᵉhôvâh_), often transliterated as Yahweh and traditionally rendered "LORD" in English Bibles (following the Jewish tradition of not pronouncing the divine name), is the unique, personal covenant name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14-15 "Exodus 3:14-15 - I AM WHO I AM")). It signifies God's self-existent, eternal nature, His unchanging faithfulness to His promises, and His active presence in the history of His people. The call to praise is specifically directed to this personal, covenant-keeping God, not to a generic deity, emphasizing His unique claim to universal worship as the "self-Existent or Eternal" One.
* **Nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** The Hebrew word H1471 (_gôwy_), often pluralized as _goyim_, specifically refers to the non-Israelite peoples, the Gentiles. Its inclusion in this psalm is profoundly significant, as it explicitly extends the call to worship beyond the boundaries of the chosen nation of Israel to all the diverse peoples of the earth. This demonstrates that God's redemptive plan was never exclusively for one ethnic group but always encompassed a global vision for humanity to be reconciled to Him, inviting every "foreign nation" to participate in His praise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O praise the LORD":** This opening phrase is an emphatic imperative command, a direct summons to action. The interjection "O" emphasizes the urgency and passionate nature of the call, inviting a fervent response. The object of this praise is specifically "the LORD" (YHWH), the covenant God of Israel, whose unique character, supreme authority, and mighty acts warrant such comprehensive, universal adoration. This is not a mere suggestion but a divine directive for all to acknowledge His supreme worth and glory.
* **"all ye nations":** This clause immediately broadens the scope of the command beyond the confines of Israel. "Nations" (H1471, _gôwy_) explicitly refers to the Gentile peoples, those outside the covenant community of Israel. This inclusion is revolutionary in an Old Testament context, revealing God's heart for the entire world and powerfully foreshadowing the global reach of His redemptive plan. It signifies that God's glory is not confined to one people but is to be proclaimed and celebrated by every distinct people group on earth, regardless of their origin or prior covenant status.
* **"praise him, all ye people":** This final clause functions as a powerful synonymous parallelism, reinforcing and intensifying the universal call to praise. "People" (H523, _ʼummah_) is a poetic parallel to "nations," further emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the command, encompassing all distinct ethnic, linguistic, and cultural groups. The repetition of the imperative "praise him" underscores the singular, unified purpose for all humanity: to render homage, adoration, and enthusiastic celebration to the one true God, solidifying the psalm's global vision.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 117:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful, universal message with striking conciseness. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second line ("praise him, all ye people") echoes, reinforces, and intensifies the meaning of the first line ("O praise the LORD, all ye nations"). This repetition amplifies the message of universal praise, making it emphatic, memorable, and undeniable. The psalm also utilizes the **Imperative Mood** ("O praise," "praise him"), which functions as a direct command, conveying the urgency, authority, and divine expectation behind the call to worship. Furthermore, the use of inclusive and all-encompassing language like "all ye nations" and "all ye people" functions as **Universality** or **Hyperbole**, extending the scope of the command to the widest possible audience, emphasizing God's boundless dominion over all creation and His desire for every segment of humanity to participate in His praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 117:1 stands as a powerful, concise declaration of God's universal sovereignty and His ultimate redemptive purpose for all humanity. It transcends the particularistic focus often associated with Old Testament Israel, revealing a divine heart that longs for the worship of every nation and people. This psalm encapsulates the prophetic vision of a future where the knowledge of the LORD fills the earth, and diverse tongues unite in a symphony of praise to the Creator and Redeemer. It underscores that God's glory is not to be confined but is meant to be proclaimed and celebrated by every tribe, tongue, and nation, laying a foundational theological premise for the global expansion of God's kingdom and the inclusion of all peoples in His worship.

* [Romans 15:11](/romans/15-11 "Romans 15:11 - Paul Quotes Psalm 117:1")
* [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")
* [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Every Tribe, Tongue, People, and Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 117:1 is far more than an ancient hymn; it is a living call to action that resonates deeply with believers today. It compels us to recognize that praise is not merely an optional activity but a fundamental, inherent response to God's character and His redemptive work. This psalm challenges us to engage enthusiastically in both personal and corporate worship, recognizing that our individual adoration contributes to a larger, global chorus. Moreover, it broadens our understanding of God's immense heart for the world, compelling us to embrace a global perspective in our faith. This means actively praying for and participating in the spread of the Gospel to every nation, tribe, and tongue, understanding that God delights in the diverse expressions of worship from various cultures and languages. Ultimately, Psalm 117:1 reminds us that God's glory is destined to fill the entire earth, and His people, drawn from every background imaginable, are called to be instruments of His universal praise, living out His mission in every sphere of life and anticipating the day when every voice joins the heavenly chorus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's desire for "all nations" to praise Him impact your personal prayer life and involvement in global missions?**
* **In what ways can your local church better embody the "universal praise" envisioned in Psalm 117:1, particularly in its welcome and embrace of diverse cultures?**
* **Considering the enthusiastic nature of the Hebrew word for "praise" (_hâlal_), how can your personal and corporate worship become more vibrant and unreserved?**
* **What specific actions can you take this week to live out the truth that God's glory is meant to be known and celebrated by all peoples?**

### FAQ

**Why is Psalm 117 so short, yet so significant?**

Answer: Psalm 117 is remarkably concise, being the shortest psalm and chapter in the entire Bible, yet its significance is profound due to its universal message. Its brevity serves to amplify its core command, making it incredibly direct and memorable. The psalm's strategic placement within the Hallel Psalms ([Psalms 113-118](/psalms/113 "Psalms 113-118 - The Hallel Psalms")) allows it to act as a powerful climax or bridge, distilling the essence of God's universal reign and faithfulness. Its singular focus on the global call to praise underscores a foundational theological truth: God's redemptive plan has always encompassed all nations, not just Israel. This makes it a powerful prophetic declaration anticipating the New Testament's emphasis on global evangelism and the inclusion of Gentiles, as seen in passages like [Romans 15:11](/romans/15-11 "Romans 15:11 - Paul Quotes Psalm 117:1").

**How does this Old Testament verse relate to New Testament missions?**

Answer: Psalm 117:1 provides a crucial Old Testament foundation for the New Testament's emphasis on global missions. The command for "all ye nations" and "all ye people" to praise the LORD reveals God's long-standing desire for universal worship, a vision that predates the New Covenant. This prophetic anticipation finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who commissioned His followers to make disciples of "all nations" in the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). The Apostle Paul explicitly quotes Psalm 117:1 in [Romans 15:11](/romans/15-11 "Romans 15:11 - Paul Quotes Psalm 117:1") to demonstrate that the inclusion of Gentiles in the church was not a new idea but part of God's eternal design, foretold in the Old Testament Scriptures. Thus, Psalm 117:1 serves as a powerful biblical mandate for the global spread of the Gospel, bridging the Old and New Testaments with a unified missional purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The universal call to praise in Psalms 117:1 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets hinted at a day when all nations would come to worship the LORD, it is through Christ's redemptive work that this vision becomes a tangible reality. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity reconciled to God through His cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down Walls")). His crucifixion and resurrection are the magnetic events that draw all people to Himself, fulfilling His promise, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself" ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")). Therefore, the "nations" and "peoples" are now able to praise the LORD because Christ has purchased them for God "from every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Every Tribe, Language, People, and Nation")). The praise envisioned in Psalm 117:1 is ultimately directed to the Father through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit, culminating in the future reality where "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Bows to Christ")).

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

Revelation 15:4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Romans 15:11

And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

Psalms 67:3

Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

Revelation 5:9

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Psalms 66:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Song [or] Psalm. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:

Psalms 86:9

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

Psalms 148:11

Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: