Psalms 145:10

KJV

¶ All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

All thy works {H4639} shall praise {H3034} thee, O LORD {H3068}; and thy saints {H2623} shall bless {H1288} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

All your creatures will thank you, ADONAI, and your faithful servants will bless you.

Berean Standard Bible

All You have made will give You thanks, O LORD, and Your saints will bless You.

American Standard Version

All thy works shall give thanks unto thee, O Jehovah; And thy saints shall bless thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 145:10 articulates a profound truth about God's universal sovereignty and inherent worthiness of praise, declaring a dual chorus of adoration. It proclaims that all of God's created works, through their very existence, design, and function, inherently testify to His glory and power, while His devoted saints offer conscious, intentional, and vocal blessings, uniting creation's silent witness with humanity's active worship in a grand, harmonious symphony of praise to the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 145 is a magnificent acrostic psalm, attributed to King David, standing as a comprehensive hymn of praise to Yahweh. This particular verse, [Psalms 145:10](/psalms/145-10 "Psalms 145:10 - All Thy Works Shall Praise Thee"), directly follows a declaration of God's universal goodness and tender mercies over all His works in [Psalms 145:9](/psalms/145-9 "Psalms 145:9 - The Lord is Good to All"). Verse 10 naturally flows from this assertion, describing the appropriate, multifaceted response to such a good and merciful God: universal praise from His creation and active blessing from His covenant people. The subsequent verses, such as [Psalms 145:11](/psalms/145-11 "Psalms 145:11 - The Glory of God's Kingdom"), further elaborate on the saints' role in speaking of God's glorious kingdom and mighty acts, demonstrating a progression from the inherent praise of creation to the specific, verbal praise of His redeemed people. The psalm then continues to extol God's faithfulness, righteousness, and providential care for all His creatures, culminating in a climactic call for all flesh to bless His holy name forever and ever in [Psalms 145:21](/psalms/145-21 "Psalms 145:21 - My Mouth Shall Speak the Praise of the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, the psalm reflects the rich tradition of Israelite worship and kingship. David, as a shepherd, warrior, and king, was intimately familiar with both the natural world and the spiritual life of his people. The concept of God's "works" praising Him resonates with the ancient Near Eastern understanding of creation as a testament to the divine, though uniquely in Israel, it pointed to the one true God, Yahweh. The "saints" (Hebrew: *chasidim*) refer to those who are faithful to God's covenant, embodying *hesed* (loyal love or steadfast kindness). In a culture where kings were often deified or seen as divine representatives, David's psalm consistently elevates Yahweh as the true, eternal King, whose dominion far surpasses any earthly monarch. The act of "blessing" God (Hebrew: *barakh*) was a common posture of worship, often involving kneeling or bowing, signifying submission, adoration, and gratitude, a practice deeply embedded in Israelite communal and individual piety. This psalm would have been used in temple worship and personal devotion, reinforcing the unique relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 145:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty and Majesty of God**, asserting that His dominion extends over all creation, eliciting a natural response of praise. This echoes the cosmic worship seen in [Psalms 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalms 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory"), where "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Secondly, the verse underscores the **Distinction and Relationship between Creation and Humanity**. While creation offers an inherent, passive testimony, God's "saints" are called to an active, conscious, and volitional blessing, demonstrating a unique covenantal relationship. This theme of **Active Worship and Gratitude** is central to the life of faith, emphasizing that God's people are not merely recipients of His goodness but active participants in His praise, as seen throughout the calls to worship in [the book of Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms"). Finally, the verse subtly points to the **Universal Scope of God's Redemptive Plan**, implying that ultimately, all things, both animate and inanimate, will acknowledge God's supremacy, foreshadowing a future where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship, as envisioned in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **works (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** From the root meaning "to do" or "to make," *maʻăseh* refers to an action, deed, or product. Here, it encompasses everything God has created or brought into being—the entire cosmos, all living creatures, and the natural order. The implication is that creation, by its very existence, design, and function, inherently declares the wisdom, power, and goodness of its Maker, offering a silent yet profound testimony.
* **praise (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** This primitive root literally means "to use (i.e. hold out) the hand." It extends to physical actions like throwing or shooting, but especially to revering or worshipping with extended hands, and intensively, to bemoan. In the context of praise, it signifies an outward expression of gratitude, confession, or adoration, often accompanied by physical gestures. When applied to God's "works," it suggests that creation, by its very nature, "holds out its hands" in acknowledgment of its Creator's glory, demonstrating a natural, unceasing tribute.
* **saints (Hebrew, _châçîyd'_):** Derived from *chasad* (loving-kindness, steadfast love), *châçîyd* properly means "kind" or "pious." It refers to those who embody God's loving-kindness, who are loyal to His covenant, and who are devoted, godly, and merciful. These are not merely "holy" in a ritual sense, but those whose character reflects God's own *hesed*, making them His faithful and beloved people, set apart for His purposes and called to a life of active worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD;":** This clause declares the universal and inherent testimony of creation. Every aspect of God's handiwork, from the grand cosmic structures to the intricate details of life, inherently reflects His glory, power, wisdom, and goodness. This "praise" is not necessarily vocal but is an intrinsic declaration through their very existence and perfect design. The consistent order, beauty, and sustenance of the created world serve as a perpetual, silent hymn to its Creator, Yahweh (H3068), the self-existent and eternal God.
* **"and thy saints shall bless thee.":** This second clause complements the first by highlighting the unique and active role of God's devoted people. Unlike the inherent praise of creation, the "saints" (those who are faithful and godly, H2623) consciously and intentionally "bless" God (H1288). This involves verbal adoration, thanksgiving, and acts of worship that acknowledge His character, His mighty deeds, and His covenantal faithfulness. Their blessing is a deliberate response of love and gratitude, stemming from a personal, covenantal relationship with the LORD.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 145:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Synonymous Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "All thy works shall praise thee" is echoed and deepened by "and thy saints shall bless thee." While not perfectly synonymous (as "praise" and "bless" have distinct nuances and "works" differs from "saints"), the second clause reinforces and specifies the universal theme of adoration introduced in the first, creating a comprehensive picture of worship. **Anthropomorphism** is present in the idea of "works" (inanimate creation) being able to "praise" God, attributing human-like action to non-human entities to emphasize their inherent testimony to His glory. The use of "O LORD" (Yahweh) serves as a direct **Apostrophe**, addressing God personally and directly, inviting intimacy and reverence. The verse also implicitly uses **Merism** by juxtaposing "works" (the totality of creation) and "saints" (God's redeemed people), suggesting that praise comes from every sphere of existence, from the vastest to the most intimate, encompassing all that God has made and all whom He has called into relationship with Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 145:10 presents a profound theological truth: God is worthy of universal praise, both from His creation and from His redeemed people. This duality underscores His absolute sovereignty as Creator and His intimate relationship as Redeemer. The inherent testimony of His works, which silently declare His glory, serves as a foundation for the conscious, intentional worship of His saints. This distinction highlights humanity's unique capacity for volitional adoration, a response born of covenant and grace. The verse thus encapsulates the biblical vision of all creation ultimately serving God's purposes and all His people actively glorifying His name, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, culminating in the eschatological vision of universal worship.

* [Psalms 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalms 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Isaiah 43:21](/isaiah/43-21 "Isaiah 43:21 - A People Formed for Praise")
* [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Universal Praise to God and the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse calls us to a twofold awareness and response. First, it invites us to cultivate a profound appreciation for God's presence and glory in the natural world. Every sunrise, every mountain, every intricate living organism is a testament to His creative power and meticulous design. To truly see God's "works" praising Him is to engage with creation not merely as a resource or a backdrop, but as a vibrant, living declaration of His attributes, prompting our own awe and wonder. Second, and more personally, it challenges us, as God's "saints," to actively and intentionally "bless" Him. This is not a passive acknowledgment but a conscious, deliberate act of worship, gratitude, and adoration. It means living lives that reflect His goodness, speaking of His mighty acts, and offering our time, talents, and resources in service to His kingdom. Our worship should be a continuous, joyful response to His unending goodness, mirroring the universal chorus of praise and demonstrating our unique privilege as those who know and love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does observing God's creation (nature, the universe) inspire your personal worship and understanding of His character?**
* **In what practical ways can you, as one of God's saints, more intentionally "bless" the LORD in your daily life, beyond formal worship?**
* **What does it mean for your entire life to be a "praise" to God, both implicitly through your existence and explicitly through your actions and words?**
* **How can the church community better embody the collective "blessing" of God's saints, making its worship and service a powerful testament to His glory?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "works praising" and "saints blessing" God?**

Answer: The distinction lies in the nature of the praise and the agency involved. When the verse states, "All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD," it refers to the inherent, passive testimony of creation. By their very existence, intricate design, and consistent function, God's works (everything He has made) declare His glory, wisdom, and power. This is not a vocal or conscious act but an intrinsic declaration, a silent yet profound hymn. For example, the intricate design of a flower or the vastness of the cosmos silently points to a divine Creator, as articulated in [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Qualities Clearly Seen"). In contrast, "and thy saints shall bless thee" refers to the active, conscious, and volitional worship offered by God's faithful people. The "saints" are those who have a personal, covenantal relationship with God, characterized by their loyalty and devotion (from the Hebrew *chasidim*). Their "blessing" is a deliberate act of adoration, thanksgiving, and verbal praise, often involving kneeling or bowing, expressing gratitude and acknowledging God's goodness and mighty acts. This dual praise highlights God's comprehensive worthiness, honored both by the natural order He established and by the intentional worship of those He has redeemed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As the very agent of creation, "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, the Creator and Sustainer")), Jesus is the One through whom "all thy works" truly praise the Father. His very being and the order He upholds in the cosmos are a continuous testament to divine glory, echoing the Father's creative power. Furthermore, Christ is the Head of the Church, the ultimate "saint" who perfectly blessed the Father through His obedient life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection. It is through His redemptive work that humanity is reconciled to God, sanctified, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to become true "saints" who can offer acceptable worship. The "saints" who "bless" the Lord do so by virtue of their union with Christ, who Himself offered the perfect praise and obedience to the Father. He is the Lamb of God, worthy of all praise, and the One who gathers a people from every tribe and tongue to join in a universal chorus of adoration, as envisioned in [Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12-13 "Revelation 5:12-13 - The Worthiness of the Lamb")). Thus, in Christ, creation's silent praise and humanity's conscious blessing converge, fulfilling the psalm's vision of a world united in glorifying God, for "every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:11](/philippians/2-11 "Philippians 2:11 - Confession of Jesus as Lord")).

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 19:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Psalms 103:22

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

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Psalms 30:4

Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Psalms 104:24

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

Psalms 32:11

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all [ye that are] upright in heart.