Psalms 150:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Let every thing that hath breath {H5397} praise {H1984} the LORD {H3050}. Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let everything that has breath praise ADONAI! Halleluyah!

Berean Standard Bible

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Hallelujah!

American Standard Version

Let everything that hath breath praise Jehovah. Praise ye Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 150:6 serves as the climactic and universal benediction to the entire Psalter, issuing an emphatic and all-encompassing mandate for every living entity to offer praise to the LORD. This concluding verse encapsulates the central purpose of existence—to glorify God—and transforms the very act of breathing into a continuous, life-affirming act of worship, culminating the book's journey from lament and petition to unbridled adoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 150:6 functions as the grand finale not only for Psalm 150 but for the entire book of Psalms, known as the Psalter. Psalm 150 itself is the last of five "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150), each beginning and ending with "Praise the LORD" (Hallelujah). The preceding verses of Psalm 150 (`/psalms/150-1` to `/psalms/150-5`) systematically build a crescendo of praise, detailing various instruments (trumpet, harp, timbrel, strings, pipes, cymbals) and locations (God's sanctuary, the firmament of His power) where praise should be offered. Verse 6 then transcends these specifics, broadening the call to an ultimate, universal scope, encompassing all creation and every living being, thereby providing a fitting and powerful conclusion to the diverse expressions of human experience found throughout the Psalms.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms were the hymnbook and prayer book of ancient Israel, deeply intertwined with their temple worship and communal life. The call to "Praise the LORD" (Hallelujah) was a common liturgical exclamation, particularly in temple services and festivals. The mention of various musical instruments throughout Psalm 150 reflects the rich musical tradition of Israelite worship, where instruments were integral to expressing devotion and celebrating God's mighty acts. The concept of "breath" (Hebrew: *neshamah*) carried significant weight, as it was understood as the very life-force imparted by God at creation, as seen in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes Life into Man"). Therefore, the command to praise with every breath would have resonated deeply with a people who understood life itself as a divine gift and a continuous opportunity for worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions **Universal Praise**, asserting that the worship of God is not limited to a select group or place but is the inherent duty and privilege of all creation, particularly humanity. Secondly, it highlights the **Imperative of Praise**, reiterating the command "Praise ye the LORD" (Hallelujah), which serves as both an exhortation and a benediction, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of glorifying God. Thirdly, it links **Life as a Gift for Praise**, positing that the very act of breathing is the fundamental qualification and impetus for praise. This echoes the creation narrative where God imparts life, making every breath a testament to His sustaining power and a reason for perpetual adoration. This theme resonates with the call in [Psalm 145:21](/psalms/145-21 "Psalm 145:21 - All Flesh Shall Bless His Holy Name") for all flesh to bless God's holy name forever.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **breath (Hebrew, _nᵉshâmâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to puff," this word signifies wind, vital breath, or divine inspiration. In the context of Psalms 150:6, *neshamah* refers to the life-giving breath, implying that every living creature, particularly humans, who possess this divine spark of life, are called to praise. It connects the very essence of existence to the act of worship.
* **praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** This primitive root means "to be clear" (originally of sound, then color), "to shine," or "to make a show." It can also mean "to boast" or "to rave," but in a positive sense, it means "to celebrate" or "to commend." Here, it denotes a vibrant, expressive, and often boisterous form of worship, characteristic of the celebratory atmosphere depicted in Psalm 150. It's the root of "Hallelujah."
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yâhh'_):** A contraction of YHWH (Yahweh), the sacred, covenant name of God. This shortened form, often appearing in compound names (like Elijah, Jeremiah) or liturgical expressions like "Hallelujah," emphasizes God's personal, relational, and sovereign nature. By using *Yah*, the psalmist invokes the God who reveals Himself, who is faithful to His promises, and who is worthy of ultimate adoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let every thing that hath breath":** This phrase establishes the universal scope of the command. "Every thing" (Hebrew: *kol*) signifies an all-encompassing inclusion, leaving no living creature exempt. The qualification "that hath breath" (Hebrew: *neshamah*) underscores that the very possession of life, a gift from God, is the basis for offering Him praise. It implies that as long as life exists, praise should flow.
* **"praise the LORD.":** This is the core command, an imperative verb (from *halal*) directed towards *Yah*, the covenant God. It is a direct and forceful summons to celebrate, glorify, and worship the Almighty. This initial call sets the tone for the verse's emphatic conclusion.
* **"Praise ye the LORD.":** This repetition serves as an emphatic, almost liturgical, reinforcement of the command. It is the famous "Hallelujah" (Hebrew: *Hallelu Yah*), acting as both a final exhortation and a benediction. Its placement at the very end of the Psalter provides a powerful, resounding conclusion, sealing the entire collection with a universal call to worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 150:6 employs several impactful literary devices. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as "every thing that hath breath" is an expansive, all-encompassing statement, stretching the scope of praise beyond human capacity to include all living creation, emphasizing the boundless nature of God's worthiness. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "Praise ye the LORD," which appears twice within the verse and frames the entire Psalm (and the final five Psalms), creating a powerful, rhythmic, and memorable call to worship. This repetition also functions as an **Imperative**, serving as a direct, non-negotiable command. Finally, the verse utilizes **Synecdoche**, where "breath" (a part) stands for "life" or "living beings" (the whole), powerfully linking the very act of existence to the inherent purpose of praising the Creator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 150:6 culminates the Psalter with a profound theological statement: the universe, in its entirety, is designed for the praise of its Creator. This verse underscores the intrinsic connection between life and worship, asserting that the very breath we draw is a continuous testament to God's sustaining power and thus, a constant impetus for adoration. It moves beyond specific acts of worship to declare that life itself, in all its forms, is a perpetual offering of praise to the LORD. This universal call foreshadows an eschatological reality where all creation will ultimately acknowledge God's sovereignty and glory.

* [Psalm 148:7-12](/psalms/148-7-12 "Psalm 148:7-12 - All Creation Praises the Lord")
* [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Every Creature Praises God and the Lamb")
* [Isaiah 43:21](/isaiah/43-21 "Isaiah 43:21 - People Formed to Declare God's Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 150:6 is not merely a poetic conclusion but a profound theological and practical challenge to every believer. It reminds us that praise is not an optional activity reserved for specific times or places, but the fundamental purpose of our existence. If we have breath, we have an undeniable reason and an imperative command to praise God. This means cultivating a lifestyle of continuous worship, recognizing God's hand in every aspect of our lives—from the mundane to the miraculous. Our praise should be holistic, encompassing our thoughts, words, and actions, transforming our daily routines into opportunities to glorify Him. This verse invites us to join a cosmic chorus, aligning our hearts with the universal purpose of creation, living lives that continually declare the majesty and goodness of our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the understanding that "every thing that hath breath" should praise the LORD impact your daily perspective on life and worship?**
* **In what practical ways can you integrate more consistent and intentional praise into your everyday activities, beyond formal worship settings?**
* **Considering that breath is a gift from God, how does this verse challenge you to use your life and vitality for His glory?**

### FAQ
**What does "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD" truly mean for humanity?**

Answer: This phrase means that the very act of living, of breathing, is intrinsically linked to the purpose of praising God. For humanity, it signifies that our existence itself is a continuous call to worship. It's a reminder that our life, our vitality, and our ability to think, speak, and act are gifts from God, and therefore, our ultimate purpose is to glorify Him. It implies that as long as we draw breath, we have both the capacity and the obligation to acknowledge God's sovereignty, goodness, and majesty through our words, actions, and attitudes. This aligns with the biblical teaching that humanity was created in God's image to have fellowship with Him and to reflect His glory, as seen in [Isaiah 43:7](/isaiah/43-7 "Isaiah 43:7 - Everyone Called by My Name, Whom I Created for My Glory").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 150:6, with its universal call for all that has breath to praise the LORD, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament calls all creation to praise the Creator, it is through Christ that humanity, fallen and alienated from God, is reconciled and empowered to offer true, Spirit-filled praise. Jesus, as the incarnate Son, perfectly embodied this praise, living a life of complete obedience and adoration to the Father, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). His redemptive work cleanses us from sin, enabling us to approach God's presence with thanksgiving and praise, transforming our "breath" from a mere biological function into a spiritual act of worship ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering the Sacrifice of Praise")). Furthermore, the New Testament reveals that all creation will ultimately bow before Christ ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")), and in the new heavens and new earth, the redeemed will join a countless multitude in an eternal chorus of praise to God and the Lamb ([Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Every Creature Praises God and the Lamb")). Thus, the universal Hallelujah of Psalms 150:6 is not just a command but a prophetic vision of a redeemed creation, fully restored and eternally praising the LORD through and because of Jesus Christ.

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 145:21

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

Psalms 103:22

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

Revelation 5:13

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Psalms 148:7

¶ Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

Psalms 148:11

Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

Psalms 145:10

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