Psalms 145:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

My mouth {H6310} shall speak {H1696} the praise {H8416} of the LORD {H3068}: and let all flesh {H1320} bless {H1288} his holy {H6944} name {H8034} for ever {H5769} and ever {H5703}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My mouth will proclaim the praise of ADONAI; all people will bless his holy name forever and ever.

Berean Standard Bible

My mouth will declare the praise of the LORD; let every creature bless His holy name forever and ever.

American Standard Version

My mouth shall speak the praise of Jehovah; And let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 145:21 serves as the majestic doxological climax of David's acrostic psalm, articulating both a profound personal commitment to vocalize the Lord's commendation and a sweeping, universal exhortation for all humanity to bless God's sacred character. It encapsulates the eternal nature of divine worthiness and the perpetual call for all creation to respond in adoration, solidifying praise as the ultimate and unending purpose of existence, a fitting conclusion to a psalm dedicated to extolling God's magnificent attributes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 145 is uniquely designated "David's Psalm of Praise" (Hebrew: *Tehillah L'David*), standing as the only psalm in the Psalter explicitly titled a "praise." It is an acrostic psalm, with each verse (or pair of verses in some traditions) beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, a literary device that underscores David's comprehensive and systematic approach to extolling God's attributes. Throughout the psalm, David celebrates God's greatness, power, goodness, compassion, faithfulness, and righteousness, detailing His benevolent care for all creation—from sustaining the living to upholding the righteous and hearing the cries of those who fear Him. Verse 21 functions as the grand finale, drawing together the psalm's pervasive themes of divine majesty and human response, transforming David's personal vow into a universal, timeless imperative for worship, thereby providing a powerful summation of the entire composition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, a figure central to Israelite worship and kingship, this psalm reflects the rich tradition of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The concept of "praise" (*tehillah*) was fundamental to Israel's communal and individual spiritual life, often expressed through song, prayer, and public declaration within the tabernacle or temple setting. The "name" of God (Hebrew: *shem*) in Hebrew thought was not merely a label but represented His revealed character, essence, and authority. To "bless His holy name" was an act of profound reverence, acknowledging His distinct, set-apart nature and His absolute sovereignty over all creation. The phrase "all flesh" (*kol basar*) is a common biblical idiom referring to all humanity, and by extension, all living creatures, underscoring a universal scope of acknowledgment and worship that transcends national or ethnic boundaries, reflecting God's ultimate dominion.
* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse powerfully reinforces several key themes woven throughout Psalms 145 and the broader Psalter. The opening declaration, "My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD," highlights **personal commitment to worship**, emphasizing that genuine adoration begins with an individual, intentional response to God's revealed character, as consistently demonstrated by David's devotion (e.g., [Psalms 63:3-5](/psalms/63-3-5 "Psalms 63:3-5 - My Lips Will Praise You")). The subsequent call, "and let all flesh bless his holy name," expands this to a **universal call to worship**, envisioning a future where every living being acknowledges God's supremacy, echoing prophetic visions of ultimate submission to divine authority (e.g., [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The declaration "for ever and ever" underscores the **eternal nature of God's worthiness** and the **perpetual duration of praise** He deserves, suggesting that glorifying God is not a transient act but an everlasting reality, a theme resonating with the unending worship depicted in the heavenly throne room (e.g., [Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Revelation 4:8 - Holy, Holy, Holy")). Finally, the emphasis on God's "holy name" reinforces the theme of **reverence for God's distinct and pure character**, demanding worship that reflects His glory and uniqueness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mouth (Hebrew, _peh'_):** From H6310, meaning "the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech)." In this context, it emphasizes the physical instrument through which praise is vocalized, signifying an audible and intentional declaration rather than mere internal thought. It underscores the active, outward expression of devotion.
* **praise (Hebrew, _tᵉhillâh'_):** From H8416, meaning "laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn." This word denotes vocal, expressive, and often public adoration, suggesting a song or declaration of God's greatness and glorious acts. It implies a joyful, celebratory, and often congregational form of worship, reflecting the celebratory nature of the psalm itself.
* **flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** From H1320, referring to "flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person." In the phrase "all flesh," it functions as a comprehensive term encompassing all humanity and, by broader implication, all living creatures. This highlights the universal scope of the call to worship, extending beyond a specific nation or group to every living being.
* **bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** From H1288, a primitive root meaning "to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration)." When humans bless God, it is an act of acknowledging His supreme worth, showing reverence, offering adoration, and expressing gratitude. It conveys the idea of bowing down in homage and offering honor that is due to His divine nature.
* **holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** From H6944, meaning "a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity." When applied to God's name, it signifies His absolute distinctiveness, purity, and moral perfection. It highlights that God is set apart from all creation, utterly unique, and supremely worthy of reverence and worship due to His inherent, unblemished nature.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, meaning "an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character." In biblical thought, God's "name" represents His entire revealed character, attributes, and essence. To bless His holy name is to acknowledge, honor, and adore God for who He is in His entirety—His power, goodness, faithfulness, and unique holiness.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** From H5769, meaning "time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial (especially with prepositional prefix) always." This term signifies an infinite duration, pointing to the unending nature of God's existence and His worthiness of praise.
* **and ever (Hebrew, _ʻad'_):** From H5703, meaning "a (peremptory) terminus, i.e. (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity." Used in conjunction with *ʻôwlâm*, this phrase ("for ever and ever") forms a powerful Hebrew idiom emphasizing absolute and unending perpetuity, signifying a duration without end or limit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD":** This opening clause is a deeply personal and resolute vow from King David. "My mouth" (H6310, *peh*) emphasizes the physical instrument of speech, indicating that this praise is not merely an internal sentiment but an outward, audible declaration. "Shall speak" (H1696, *dâbar*) implies a deliberate, authoritative, and consistent utterance. The "praise" (H8416, *tᵉhillâh*) is directed specifically to "the LORD" (H3068, *Yᵉhôvâh*), Israel's covenant God. This clause signifies David's intentional and active commitment to vocalize adoration for Yahweh, reflecting his personal response to the magnificent character of God he has just described throughout the psalm.
* **"and let all flesh bless his holy name":** This second clause shifts from David's personal commitment to a universal imperative, a sweeping call to all creation. "Let all flesh" (H1320, *bâsâr*) broadens the scope to encompass all humanity and, by extension, all living beings, indicating that the worship of God is not confined to Israel but is a universal obligation. To "bless" (H1288, *bârak*) God's "holy name" (H6944, *qôdesh* and H8034, *shêm*) means to acknowledge His unique, set-apart, and pure essence, and to offer Him honor, reverence, and adoration due to His supreme character and authority. This is a profound call for all creation to respond appropriately to its Creator.
* **"for ever and ever":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the eternal and unending nature of the praise. "For ever" (H5769, *ʻôwlâm*) and "and ever" (H5703, *ʻad*) are strong Hebrew terms used together to signify absolute perpetuity and infinite duration. This highlights that God's worthiness of praise is boundless and His dominion everlasting, implying that the act of glorifying Him is a perpetual reality, extending beyond temporal limitations into eternity. It underscores the unchanging nature of God and the unending joy of His presence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 145:21 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices to amplify its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a combination of **Synonymous Parallelism** and **Expanding Parallelism**. The first clause, "My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD," expresses a personal commitment, while the second, "and let all flesh bless his holy name," expands this same concept of praise to a universal scope, demonstrating that individual devotion is a precursor and part of a grander, cosmic chorus. The phrase "all flesh" is a potent example of **Synecdoche** (or sometimes **Merism**), where a part (flesh, representing living beings) stands for the whole (all humanity and creation), emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the call to worship. The concept of God's "holy name" functions as **Metonymy**, where "name" represents God's entire character, attributes, and revealed essence, inviting reverence for His very being. The psalm itself, being an **Acrostic**, demonstrates David's meticulous and comprehensive approach to praising God, ensuring that every aspect of God's character is systematically extolled, culminating in this final, all-encompassing declaration of unending praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 145:21 profoundly articulates humanity's ultimate purpose: to glorify God. It underscores the theological truth that God, in His infinite greatness, goodness, and holiness, is inherently worthy of unending praise from all creation. This verse bridges the personal and the universal, demonstrating that individual devotion is intrinsically linked to a broader, communal, and even cosmic chorus of adoration. It speaks to the sovereignty of God, whose dominion extends over all "flesh," and whose "holy name" demands reverent acknowledgment. The eternal nature of this praise points to the eschatological hope of a new heavens and new earth where God's glory will be fully revealed and perpetually celebrated, aligning human destiny with divine purpose and foreshadowing the unending worship of the Lamb in Revelation.

* [Psalms 71:8](/psalms/71-8 "My Mouth Filled With Your Praise")
* [Romans 14:11](/romans/14-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow")
* [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Multitude Praising God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 145:21 calls us to a profound and active engagement with God's glory, inviting us into a life of continuous worship. It challenges us first to a personal commitment, echoing David's resolve: "My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD." This means our daily lives, our words, and our very being should be intentionally oriented towards glorifying God, not just in moments of formal worship but in every sphere of existence—in our work, relationships, and leisure. Secondly, it expands our vision to a universal scope, reminding us that our praise is part of a grander, cosmic chorus that extends beyond our individual experience. This should ignite within us a passion for evangelism and missions, desiring that "all flesh" might come to know the Lord and join in blessing His holy name, thereby fulfilling the universal mandate for worship. Finally, the phrase "for ever and ever" instills an eternal perspective, reminding us that our worship here on earth is but a foretaste of an unending adoration in the presence of God, motivating us to live lives that reflect His holiness and worthiness of perpetual praise, knowing that our ultimate purpose is to bring Him glory for eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life reflect a personal commitment to "speak the praise of the LORD" with my mouth, even in challenging circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can I take to encourage "all flesh" to bless God's holy name, both within my immediate sphere of influence and globally?**
* **In what ways does understanding the "eternal" nature of God's praise impact my current worship, my priorities, and my perspective on life's transient nature?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God's "holy name" in my thoughts, words, and actions, ensuring my worship is truly set apart for Him?**

### FAQ

**What does "all flesh" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "all flesh" (Hebrew: *kol basar*) is a comprehensive biblical idiom. It primarily refers to all humanity, encompassing every person, regardless of nation, tribe, or tongue. By extension, in some contexts, it can also broadly include all living creatures, emphasizing the universal dominion of God and the appropriate response of all creation to its Creator. In Psalms 145:21, it underscores the universal scope of the call to worship, extending beyond the people of Israel to every individual on earth, highlighting God's ultimate sovereignty over all.

**Why is it important that praise is "for ever and ever"?**

Answer: The phrase "for ever and ever" (Hebrew: *ʻôwlâm wāʻed*) signifies an unending, eternal duration. This is crucial because it highlights the infinite and unchanging worthiness of God. His attributes—His goodness, power, faithfulness, and holiness—are not temporary but eternal, and therefore, the praise He deserves is also without end. It points to the perpetual nature of God's kingdom and the everlasting joy of His presence, where praise will be an eternal activity, as depicted in the heavenly throne room in [Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Holy, Holy, Holy"). It also serves as a reminder that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God, a purpose that transcends our earthly lives and continues into eternity.

**What is the significance of "his holy name"?**

Answer: In biblical thought, particularly in Hebrew culture, a "name" (Hebrew: *shem*) represents more than just an appellation; it embodies a person's character, reputation, authority, and very essence. To "bless his holy name" means to acknowledge, honor, and adore God for who He is in His entirety—His revealed attributes, His unique and set-apart nature (His holiness), and His supreme authority. It implies reverence, submission, and adoration for the distinct and pure being of God, recognizing that He is utterly separate from and exalted above all creation. This concept is central to understanding God's self-revelation, as seen in passages like [Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14-15 "I AM WHO I AM") and [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Holy, Holy, Holy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While David's mouth spoke the praise of the LORD, Jesus, as the incarnate Word, perfectly embodied and declared the praise of God, revealing the Father's glory in a way no human could (cf. [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "No One Has Seen God")). He is the one through whom "all flesh" can truly "bless his holy name," for it is through His atoning work on the cross that humanity, alienated by sin, is reconciled to God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer acceptable worship (cf. [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Access Through Christ")). The universal call for "all flesh" to bless God's holy name is realized in the New Covenant, where people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" are redeemed by the Lamb and join in an unending chorus of praise to Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb (cf. [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "The Song of the Lamb")). Indeed, the "holy name" that all flesh will ultimately bless "for ever and ever" is the name of Jesus, for "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (cf. [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow Before Jesus")). Thus, the psalmist's vision of eternal, universal praise is fully realized in the person and work of Christ, the eternal Son, who is both the object and the enabler of all true worship.

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 71:8

Let my mouth be filled [with] thy praise [and with] thy honour all the day.

Psalms 51:15

O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

Psalms 150:6

Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalms 71:15

My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness [and] thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers [thereof].

Psalms 30:12

To the end that [my] glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Psalms 117:1

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

Psalms 117:2

For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD [endureth] for ever. Praise ye the LORD.