Psalms 146:2

KJV

While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

KJV (with Strong's)

While I live {H2416} will I praise {H1984} the LORD {H3068}: I will sing praises {H2167} unto my God {H430} while I have any being.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will praise ADONAI as long as I live. I will sing praise to my God all my life.

Berean Standard Bible

I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

American Standard Version

While I live will I praise Jehovah: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 146:2 articulates the Psalmist's profound and unwavering commitment to a life wholly devoted to the praise and worship of the LORD. It is a resolute declaration that as long as existence and breath persist, the glorification of God will be the singular, defining purpose, establishing a foundational principle for a life of continuous adoration and absolute trust in the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a powerful personal vow within Psalm 146, which inaugurates the final quintet of "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150). These concluding psalms form a majestic doxological crescendo, culminating the entire Psalter with an emphatic, communal call to praise God. Psalm 146 specifically establishes a theological contrast between the inherent unreliability of human power and the eternal faithfulness and omnipotence of God. The Psalmist's personal commitment to praise in this verse immediately follows the opening exhortation, "Praise ye the LORD" (Hallelujah), thereby setting a compelling individual example for the broader communal call to trust solely in God, rather than in fallible human leaders or strength, as vividly elaborated in [Psalms 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3-4 "Psalms 146:3-4 - Trust Not in Man"). This personal declaration provides the theological bedrock for the subsequent communal exhortation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, praise was far more than a fleeting emotion; it was an integral and foundational expression of the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The Psalms, often accompanied by musical instruments and vocalizations, were central to both individual and communal worship, reflecting a vibrant tradition of expressing profound devotion and theological understanding. The concept of a "lifelong" commitment resonated deeply within a culture where one's entire existence was understood to be lived under the absolute sovereignty of God. The declaration of praising "my God" underscores the deeply personal and intimate nature of this covenantal bond, a unique hallmark of Israel's relationship with the one true God, setting them apart from the polytheistic practices of surrounding nations. This personal vow to praise the LORD (Yahweh) signifies an allegiance to the God who actively intervenes in history for His people, as chronicled throughout [the entire book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Israel").

* **Key Themes:** The foremost theme is **Lifelong and Unwavering Devotion to Praise**. The powerful parallel phrases "While I live" and "while I have any being" emphatically underscore the absolute, continuous, and existential nature of this commitment. Praise is presented not as a sporadic activity but as an inherent purpose for one's very existence, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalms 104:33](/psalms/104-33 "Psalm 104:33 - Singing to the LORD as long as I live"), where the psalmist similarly vows to sing to the LORD throughout his life. Another crucial theme is the **Personal Relationship with God**, profoundly highlighted by the possessive "my God." This phrase denotes an intimate, heartfelt connection that transcends mere ritualistic obligation, transforming praise into a deeply relational act. Finally, the **Nature of Worship** is depicted as an active, vocal, and musical expression ("sing praises"), portraying it as a joyful, deliberate, and fitting response to God's supreme character and mighty deeds, acknowledging His inherent worthiness and absolute sovereignty, aligning with the broader biblical truth that God is [greatly to be praised](/psalms/145-3 "Psalm 145:3 - God's Greatness and Worthiness of Praise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From H1984, this primitive root means "to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify; (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine." In this context, it signifies an active, enthusiastic, and public declaration of God's worth and glory, often involving exultation and a joyful proclamation. It is the root from which the term "Hallelujah" (Praise Yah) is derived.
* **Sing praises (Hebrew, _zâmar'_):** From H2167, this primitive root suggests "to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e.; play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song and music; give praise, sing forth praises, psalms." This word specifically points to the musical and vocal dimension of worship, indicating a deliberate, joyful, and melodic expression of adoration and thanksgiving.
* **Live (Hebrew, _chay'_):_ From H2416, this word means "alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively; [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop." The phrase "While I live" (literally "in my living") encompasses the entire duration and vitality of the Psalmist's earthly existence, emphasizing that this commitment to praise is not temporary but extends throughout every moment and aspect of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"While I live will I praise the LORD":** This opening clause establishes both the duration and the singular object of the Psalmist's profound commitment. The phrase "While I live" (כְּחַיָּי, _kĕchayyāy_, "in my life" or "as long as I live") signifies a vow that spans the entirety of one's earthly existence, from the first breath to the last. The verb "praise" (אֲהַלֵּל, _ʾahallēl_) is a strong, active declaration, connoting enthusiastic and public adoration. The object of this unwavering praise is "the LORD" (יְהוָה, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the sacred covenant name of God, emphasizing His unique, self-existent, and eternal nature.
* **"I will sing praises unto my God":** This second clause functions as a powerful parallel to the first, intensifying and specifying the *manner* of praise. "Sing praises" (אֲזַמְּרָה, _ʾăzammərərāh_) indicates a deliberate, musical, and vocal expression of worship, highlighting the joyful and intentional act of offering praise through song. The shift from the general "the LORD" to the deeply personal and intimate "my God" (אֱלֹהָי, _ʾĕlōhāy_) underscores that this praise flows from a profound, personal relationship and heartfelt devotion, rather than merely a formal or ritualistic obligation.
* **"while I have any being":** This concluding phrase serves as a potent parallelism to "While I live," powerfully reinforcing the absolute, comprehensive, and unending nature of the Psalmist's commitment. "While I have any being" (בְעוֹדִי, _bĕʿôdî_, "while I still am" or "as long as I exist") extends the vow beyond mere physical life to the very essence of existence and consciousness, indicating an eternal, unceasing dedication to God's glory that permeates every fiber of one's being.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 146:2 masterfully employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry. The phrases "While I live will I praise the LORD" and "I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being" convey the same core idea—a lifelong, unwavering devotion to God's praise—using different yet equivalent words and grammatical structures. This repetition serves to emphasize, intensify, and underscore the Psalmist's profound and absolute commitment. The verse also features a powerful **Personal Declaration**, evident in the repeated first-person singular pronouns and verbs ("I will praise," "I will sing praises"). This highlights the individual and deeply personal nature of the vow, inviting every reader to embrace a similar posture of intimate devotion. Furthermore, there is a subtle but significant **Progression** from the more general divine title "the LORD" (Yahweh) to the deeply intimate and possessive "my God." This progression deepens the emotional and spiritual resonance of the praise, transforming it from a general acknowledgment of God's sovereignty into a heartfelt expression of personal relationship and allegiance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 146:2 articulates a foundational theological truth: the proper and ultimate response of humanity to the sovereign, faithful, and redemptive God is continuous, heartfelt praise. This verse grounds human purpose in divine adoration, profoundly suggesting that our very existence is a sacred gift to be perpetually utilized for God's glory. It seamlessly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's mighty acts of creation, covenant, and redemption, which consistently elicit a response of worship and thanksgiving from His people. The Psalmist's intensely personal vow transcends individual experience to become a universal model, emphasizing that praise is not merely a transient activity but an abiding state of being—an ongoing, existential acknowledgment of God's immutable character and magnificent deeds that permeates every dimension of life. This unwavering commitment to praise is, at its core, a profound declaration of trust in God's eternal reign and unfailing power, standing in stark contrast to the fleeting nature of human strength, promises, and earthly authorities.

* [Psalms 104:33](/psalms/104-33 "Psalm 104:33 - A Vow of Lifelong Praise") - "I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being."
* [Revelation 4:11](/revelation/4-11 "Revelation 4:11 - Worthy are You, Our Lord and God") - "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
* [Isaiah 43:21](/isaiah/43-21 "Isaiah 43:21 - A People Formed for Praise") - "This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 146:2 serves as a profound and urgent call to cultivate a lifestyle of continuous, heartfelt praise. It challenges believers to transcend sporadic acts of worship and instead embrace a posture of perpetual adoration, recognizing that every breath, every moment of existence, is a precious gift from God and an unparalleled opportunity to glorify Him. This verse encourages us to deeply personalize our worship, acknowledging God not merely as a distant, abstract deity but as "my God," fostering an intimate, dynamic relationship that makes praise a natural and spontaneous outflow of love, gratitude, and awe. In a world often fraught with anxieties, distractions, and fleeting pursuits, anchoring our lives in lifelong praise reorients our focus from transient earthly troubles to God's eternal power, boundless goodness, and unwavering faithfulness. This transformative perspective infuses our daily lives with profound joy, enduring peace, and ultimate purpose, reminding us that our supreme reason for being is to reflect the radiant glory of our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "lifelong praise" challenge your current understanding or practice of worship, moving beyond mere ritual?**
* **What specific, practical actions can you commit to taking to integrate praise more consistently and authentically into your daily life, even outside of formal worship settings?**
* **In what tangible ways does recognizing God as "my God"—a personal, intimate relationship—deepen the meaning, sincerity, and impact of your praise?**
* **How can a steadfast commitment to lifelong praise serve as an anchor and source of strength for you when navigating seasons of profound difficulty, doubt, or suffering?**

### FAQ
**What does "while I have any being" mean in the context of this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "while I have any being" (Hebrew: בְעוֹדִי, _bĕʿôdî_) is a powerful poetic parallelism to "While I live." It emphatically underscores the absolute, comprehensive, and unending nature of the Psalmist's commitment to praise. It means "as long as I exist," "as long as I continue to be," or "as long as I draw breath." This signifies that the commitment to praise is not confined to a specific period or circumstance but extends throughout the entirety of one's existence, from the first moment of life to the very last, and indeed, implies an eternal dedication that transcends temporal boundaries. It profoundly underscores that praise is an existential purpose, deeply intertwined with the essence of one's being, rather than merely a temporary activity.

**Why is it important for the Psalmist to declare "my God" instead of just "God"?**

Answer: The use of the possessive pronoun "my" in "my God" (Hebrew: אֱלֹהָי, _ʾĕlōhāy_) signifies a deeply personal, intimate, and covenantal relationship with the divine. It indicates that the Psalmist has not merely an intellectual understanding of God, but has personally experienced God's faithfulness, power, and redemptive love, leading to a heartfelt and individual commitment to praise. This personal connection transforms praise from a mere ritualistic duty or a general acknowledgment of deity into a vibrant, relational act of love, trust, and devotion. It powerfully reflects the unique covenant relationship God established with His people, where He is not just a distant, abstract deity, but a personal deliverer, sustainer, and shepherd, as beautifully expressed in many psalms that convey individual trust and reliance on God, such as [Psalms 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The LORD is my shepherd").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 146:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Psalmist vows to praise the LORD throughout his earthly life, Christ Himself perfectly embodied this lifelong praise, living a life of absolute obedience and glorifying the Father in every action, word, and even in His very being. His entire earthly ministry, from His incarnation to His atoning death and glorious resurrection, was a seamless act of worship, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice that brought immeasurable glory to God and secured profound redemption for humanity, as Jesus Himself declared in [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father"). Moreover, through Christ, believers are divinely empowered to live out this same profound commitment to lifelong praise. His atoning work on the cross reconciles us to God, removing the barrier of sin and enabling us to approach the Father with boldness and confidence, offering "a sacrifice of praise" (Hebrews 13:15). The indwelling Holy Spirit, graciously given through Christ, enables believers to worship God authentically "in spirit and in truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")). Thus, the Psalmist's ancient vow becomes a living, vibrant reality for all who are united with Christ, whose lives are now eternally dedicated to glorifying the One who gave His life that we might have eternal being and perpetually praise our God. Indeed, the majestic heavenly vision depicted in [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - All Creation Praises the Lamb") portrays all creation joining in eternal praise to the Lamb, demonstrating the ultimate, cosmic fulfillment of this lifelong commitment to adoration.

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 63:4

Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

Psalms 104:33

I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

Psalms 145:1

¶ David's [Psalm] of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

Psalms 145:2

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

Psalms 71:14

¶ But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.

Psalms 71:15

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

Revelation 7:9

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;