Psalms 146:2

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

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.

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalm 146:2 (KJV) is a profound declaration of lifelong devotion and worship, setting the tone for the entire psalm which emphasizes trust in God alone.

Context

This verse is part of the first of the final five "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150), each beginning and ending with the exhortation "Praise ye the LORD" (Hebrew: Hallelujah). These psalms serve as a grand crescendo of praise, culminating the Psalter. Psalm 146 specifically contrasts the fleeting nature of human help with the eternal faithfulness and power of God, providing a solid foundation for the Psalmist's unwavering commitment to worship. The declaration here is not merely a statement of intent but a foundational principle for life.

Key Themes

  • Lifelong Commitment to Praise: The phrases "While I live" and "while I have any being" are powerful parallelisms, underscoring an absolute and continuous dedication to God. This isn't conditional praise but an existential purpose. This echoes similar sentiments found in Psalm 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."
  • Personal Relationship with God: The Psalmist declares, "I will sing praises unto my God." This possessive pronoun signifies an intimate, personal relationship, making the act of praise deeply meaningful and heartfelt, not just a ritualistic duty.
  • The Nature of Worship: Praise is presented as an active, vocal expression ("sing praises"). Itโ€™s a joyful and deliberate response to God's character and deeds, a recognition of His supreme worth and sovereignty. The overarching theme of God's greatness makes Him greatly to be praised.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "praise" here is halal (ื”ึธืœึทืœ), from which "Hallelujah" derives. It means to shine, to boast, to celebrate, to laud, often with an active, enthusiastic sense. "Sing praises" comes from zamar (ื–ึธืžึทืจ), which implies making music with instruments or voice, specifically in adoration. The repetition of these ideas emphasizes the totality and permanence of the Psalmist's commitment to worship Yahweh (the LORD, YHWH), the covenant God of Israel.

Practical Application

Psalm 146:2 challenges believers today to cultivate a lifestyle of continuous praise. It reminds us that our very existence is a gift from God, and our ultimate purpose should be to glorify Him, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 10:31. This verse encourages us to:

  • Make praise a habit: Not just reserved for church services or good times, but integrated into every aspect of life.
  • Personalize worship: Recognize God as "my God," fostering a deep, individual connection.
  • Find joy in God: Praise is an expression of joy and trust, shifting our focus from earthly troubles to God's eternal power and goodness.

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that our life's breath is a continuous invitation to praise the One who gives us being.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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

    ยถ 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;
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