Psalms 146:1

KJV

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.

KJV (with Strong's)

Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}. Praise {H1984} the LORD {H3068}, O my soul {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Halleluyah! Praise ADONAI, my soul!

Berean Standard Bible

Hallelujah! Praise the LORD, O my soul.

American Standard Version

Praise ye Jehovah. Praise Jehovah, O my soul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 146:1 serves as a profound, dual invocation to worship, initiating the final collection of "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150) that culminate the entire Psalter. This verse issues both a communal imperative for all to praise the LORD and a deeply personal command for the psalmist's own soul to engage in fervent adoration, thereby setting a foundational tone for the entire psalm's focus on God's incomparable character, unwavering faithfulness, and ultimate trustworthiness in contrast to the fleeting nature of human power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 146:1 stands as the majestic opening to the fifth and final book of the Psalter, specifically inaugurating the concluding series of "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150). Each of these psalms is framed by the Hebrew phrase "Hallelujah," meaning "Praise the LORD," acting as a liturgical bookend. This opening verse immediately follows [Psalm 145](/psalms/145 "Psalm 145 - A Psalm of Praise to God's Greatness"), a psalm of Davidic praise that extols God's greatness, goodness, and eternal kingdom. However, Psalm 146 marks a distinct shift, moving from a general declaration of God's majesty to a more explicit contrast between God's eternal reliability and the inherent unreliability of human power and promises. The repetition of the praise command within this single verse emphasizes its foundational importance, not merely as an introduction but as the core assertion that undergirds the subsequent arguments for trusting in God alone.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, functioning as the primary hymnbook and prayer book of ancient Israel, deeply reflect a culture steeped in both corporate and individual worship practices. The initial call to "Praise ye the LORD" would have resonated powerfully within the communal worship settings of the Temple and synagogues, inviting the gathered assembly to participate vocally and collectively in adoration. This public dimension of worship was central to Israelite identity and covenantal relationship with God. The subsequent, more intimate command, "Praise the LORD, O my soul," highlights the equally vital aspect of personal, internal devotion. This dual emphasis underscores the holistic nature of Israelite spirituality, where public acts of worship were meant to flow from a sincere, inner commitment, and where the individual's spiritual life was inextricably linked to the community of faith. Historically, many psalms, including likely this one, were compiled or composed during or after the Babylonian exile, a period that profoundly underscored the futility of trusting in human alliances or earthly kingdoms, thereby amplifying the urgent need to place one's complete reliance and praise upon God alone.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse masterfully introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout Psalm 146 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it establishes **The Call to Worship** as a fundamental human response to God's inherent character. The imperative "Praise ye the LORD" is not merely an invitation but a divine command, underscoring the inherent obligation and privilege of all creation to acknowledge and laud the Creator. This theme of universal and perpetual praise culminates powerfully in [Psalms 150:6](/psalms/150-6 "Psalms 150:6 - Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!"). Secondly, the deeply personal addition of "Praise the LORD, O my soul" introduces the theme of **Personal and Holistic Devotion**. It signifies that true worship must originate from the innermost being, encompassing one's thoughts, emotions, and will. This deeply personal dimension of worship, a conscious act of self-exhortation, is echoed in other psalms, such as [Psalms 103:1](/psalms/103-1 "Psalms 103:1 - Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!"), which similarly calls the soul to bless the Lord. Finally, this opening call to praise serves as the **Foundation for Trust in God Alone**. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the command to praise sets the stage for the subsequent arguments in Psalm 146 that detail *why* God is uniquely worthy of such profound praise, contrasting His eternal reliability with the fleeting nature of human power and promises, as articulated in [Psalms 146:3](/psalms/146-3 "Psalms 146:3 - Put not your trust in princes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From H1984, a primitive root meaning "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, it means "to celebrate" or "to commend." In the context of worship, _hâlal_ denotes a vibrant, often exuberant, and public declaration of God's worthiness, glory, and power. It implies a joyful, sometimes boisterous, expression of adoration that stems from a deep recognition of who God is, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to an outward, even clamorous, celebration.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yâhh'_ / _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The verse employs two forms for "LORD." H3050 (_Yâhh_) is a contraction for H3068 (_Yᵉhôvâh_), both referring to the sacred, covenant name of God, Yahweh (often rendered "the LORD" in English translations). _Yᵉhôvâh_ derives from the verb "to be" (_hayah_), signifying "the Self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." The use of _Yâhh_ (Yah) is a poetic, shortened form, often found in exclamations like "Hallelujah" (Praise Yah). Together, these names emphasize God's eternal, unchanging, and sovereign nature, highlighting His unique identity as the covenant-keeping God who is the ultimate ground for all praise and trust.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, _nephesh_ is a comprehensive term in biblical Hebrew, referring not merely to a spiritual component but to the entire living being—the person's life force, breath, mind, emotions, and will. It encompasses the totality of one's inner self and vital essence. Therefore, the command "Praise the LORD, O my soul" is a call for a holistic, heartfelt, and complete engagement in worship, involving every aspect of one's being, rather than a superficial or merely external act. It is a summons to one's innermost self to actively participate in adoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Praise ye the LORD."**: This opening phrase is a direct translation of the Hebrew "Hallelujah" (הַלְלוּ יָהּ). It is an imperative, plural command, serving as a communal invitation or instruction to the assembled worshipers. It sets a declarative and urgent tone for the entire psalm, immediately directing the focus to God as the sole object of praise. The use of "Yah" (LORD) emphasizes God's eternal, self-existent nature as the immutable foundation for this worship, calling the community to a unified act of adoration.
* **"Praise the LORD, O my soul."**: This second clause echoes the first but shifts profoundly from a communal imperative to a deeply personal, introspective command. The psalmist addresses his own "soul" (_nephesh_), signifying a deliberate and intentional act of the will to engage every fiber of his being—mind, emotions, and will—in worship. This internal resolve transforms the general call to praise into a specific, heartfelt commitment, indicating that true worship must emanate from the innermost self, overcoming any apathy or distraction to fully embrace the act of glorifying God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 146:1 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its urgent and profound message, immediately capturing the listener's attention and establishing the psalm's central theme. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the phrase "Praise the LORD" appearing twice. This repetition serves to emphasize the central theme of the psalm and to instill a sense of urgency and importance, acting as a liturgical refrain that invites both communal and individual participation. Closely related is **Anaphora**, where the repetition occurs at the beginning of successive clauses, creating a strong, rhythmic opening that immediately grabs the listener's attention and reinforces the imperative nature of the call. The verse also features **Apostrophe**, a figure of speech where the speaker directly addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or an inanimate object. Here, the psalmist addresses his "soul" ("O my soul"), personifying it and commanding it to engage in worship. This device highlights the intentionality and internal struggle often involved in directing one's entire being towards God in praise, making the call deeply personal and volitional. Furthermore, there is a subtle but significant form of **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or intensifies the thought of the first. The initial "Praise ye the LORD" is a general, communal call, while "Praise the LORD, O my soul" internalizes and personalizes that call, moving from the collective to the individual and demonstrating the holistic nature of true worship that encompasses both public declaration and private devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 146:1 lays a profound theological groundwork by asserting that praise is not merely an emotional outburst but a foundational, intentional response to the very nature of God. It underscores humanity's primary purpose: to glorify God as the self-existent, faithful, and sovereign LORD. The dual call—communal and intensely personal—highlights that authentic worship is both a corporate act of the gathered people of God and an intimate, wholehearted commitment of the individual. This verse sets the stage for understanding that praise is rooted in God's character (His eternality, faithfulness, and power) and serves as the proper orientation of the human heart, shifting focus from self and earthly concerns to the divine. It is a declaration that God alone is worthy of ultimate trust and adoration, a theme that the rest of Psalm 146 will richly expound upon by contrasting God's reliability with the futility of human power and promises.

* [Psalms 103:1](/psalms/103-1 "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.")
* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.")
* [1 Chronicles 16:25](/1_chronicles/16-25 "For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 146:1 offers a timeless and vital invitation to cultivate a lifestyle of intentional praise, reminding us that worship is not confined to specific times or places but is a deeply personal, internal disposition that should permeate every aspect of our lives. The psalmist's command to his own soul serves as a powerful model for us: it is a conscious act of the will to direct our inner being towards God, even when circumstances might tempt us towards despair or distraction. In a world filled with anxieties, uncertainties, and reasons for discouragement, intentionally choosing to praise the LORD shifts our perspective from our problems to His infinite power, from our limitations to His boundless grace, and from fleeting earthly hopes to His eternal faithfulness. This act of praise fosters humility, deepens trust, cultivates joy, and transforms our spiritual landscape. It encourages us to begin each day, and indeed to live each moment, with a conscious decision to glorify the Lord, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of all good, hope, and salvation, and actively engaging our entire being in His adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does intentionally commanding your soul to praise the Lord change your perspective on daily challenges and anxieties, and what specific attributes of God can you focus on?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a more consistent habit of personal praise throughout your day, moving beyond formal worship settings to integrate it into your everyday life?**
* **What specific attributes of God's character, as revealed in Scripture, most inspire your soul to praise Him, and how can you meditate on these more deeply to fuel your adoration?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Hallelujah" at the beginning of this psalm?**

Answer: "Hallelujah" is a transliteration of the Hebrew phrase _hallelû yāh_, which literally means "Praise ye the LORD" or "Praise Yah." Its significance is multifaceted. Firstly, it serves as a powerful liturgical exclamation, signaling a call to communal worship and often used as a congregational response in ancient Israelite worship. Secondly, its presence at the beginning of Psalms 146-150 marks these as the "Hallelujah Psalms," a distinct collection that concludes the entire Book of Psalms with an emphatic crescendo of praise. It underscores the ultimate purpose of the Psalter and, indeed, of all creation: to glorify God. This powerful phrase transcends time and culture, even appearing in the New Testament, notably in [Revelation 19:1](/revelation/19-1 "After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.”"), where it is used in heavenly worship, demonstrating its eternal relevance.

**Why does the psalmist address his "soul" directly in this verse?**

Answer: The psalmist addresses his "soul" (_nephesh_ in Hebrew) directly to emphasize the deeply personal and holistic nature of true worship. As explained in the "Key Word Analysis," _nephesh_ refers to the entire living being—mind, emotions, will, and life force. By commanding his soul to praise, the psalmist is not merely suggesting an external act but is making a conscious, intentional decision to engage every facet of his inner being in adoration of God. This highlights that praise is not just a superficial expression but a volitional act that must originate from the deepest parts of one's self. It's a call to overcome any internal resistance, apathy, or despair, to rally one's entire being to the task of glorifying God. This intentional self-exhortation is a recurring theme in the Psalms, as seen in passages like [Psalms 42:5](/psalms/42-5 "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."), where the psalmist engages in a dialogue with his soul to direct it towards hope and praise in God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 146:1, with its urgent and dual call to praise the LORD, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As the perfect embodiment of God and the second person of the Trinity, Jesus is the very LORD (Yahweh) whom the psalmist commands to be praised. He is the one through whom all things were created and for whom all things exist, making Him supremely worthy of all honor and glory, as declared in [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the command to praise God with His entire being, living a life of complete obedience and glorifying the Father in every word and deed, as He Himself stated in [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do."). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ removed the barrier of sin that separated humanity from God, thereby enabling us, who were once alienated, to now approach God with confidence and offer acceptable praise. The "sacrifice of praise" that believers are called to offer in the New Covenant is specifically "through him," as stated in [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name."). Ultimately, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”")), is revealed in Revelation as the one before whom all creation bows in eternal praise, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!")). Thus, Psalms 146:1 is not just a command for ancient Israel but a perpetual invitation to all who have been redeemed by Christ to join in the unending chorus of praise to their sovereign and saving 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 103:22

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

Psalms 104:1

¶ Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

Psalms 103:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name.

Psalms 104:35

Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalms 105:45

That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.