Psalms 34:3

KJV

O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

KJV (with Strong's)

O magnify {H1431} the LORD {H3068} with me, and let us exalt {H7311} his name {H8034} together {H3162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Proclaim with me the greatness of ADONAI; let us exalt his name together.

Berean Standard Bible

Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.

American Standard Version

Oh magnify Jehovah with me, And let us exalt his name together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 34:3 is a heartfelt invitation from the psalmist, David, to join him in a communal act of worship, urging fellow believers to collectively acknowledge and declare the greatness and supreme worth of the LORD. This verse encapsulates the essence of corporate praise, emphasizing that the adoration of God is not merely an individual endeavor but a shared, joyful proclamation of His majesty and faithfulness, particularly in response to His deliverance and goodness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 34 is an acrostic psalm, with each verse (or pair of verses) beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, a literary device often used to aid memorization and emphasize completeness. It immediately follows a declaration of David's personal commitment to praise God at all times and his boasting in the LORD in [Psalms 34:1-2](/psalms/34-1 "Psalms 34:1-2 - David's Personal Praise"). Verse 3, therefore, serves as a direct invitation, extending his personal experience of God's goodness to a communal call. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalms 34:4-7](/psalms/34-4 "Psalms 34:4-7 - The Lord Delivers the Righteous")) then detail the benefits and experiences of those who seek and fear the LORD, providing the rationale for the collective praise David encourages. The psalm moves from individual testimony to corporate invitation, then to general theological truths about God's care for the righteous.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription attributes Psalm 34 to David when he feigned madness before Abimelech (likely King Achish of Gath) and was sent away, as recorded in [1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David Feigns Madness"). This was a moment of extreme peril for David, fleeing from Saul and seeking refuge among the Philistines, only to find himself in danger there as well. His deliverance was a profound act of divine intervention, eliciting an overflow of gratitude and a desire to share his testimony. In ancient Israelite culture, communal worship and thanksgiving were central to religious life, often celebrated with sacrifices, feasts, and songs. The concept of "magnifying" and "exalting" God was deeply embedded in their understanding of worship, reflecting a desire to publicly honor and elevate the divine name above all others, often in the context of a gathered assembly.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **corporate worship and community**, highlighting the joy and strength found when believers unite in praise, as seen throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalms 95:1-2](/psalms/95-1 "Psalms 95:1-2 - Call to Worship")). Secondly, it emphasizes the **greatness and sovereignty of God**, portraying Him as worthy of ultimate adoration and exaltation. To "magnify" and "exalt" God is to make His inherent greatness visible and prominent, acknowledging His supreme authority and character (cf. [Psalms 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalms 145:3 - God's Greatness is Unsearchable")). Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **testimony and evangelism**, as David's invitation stems from his personal experience of God's deliverance, prompting him to invite others to witness and participate in the celebration of God's faithfulness, reflecting a desire for others to "taste and see that the LORD is good" ([Psalms 34:8](/psalms/34-8 "Psalms 34:8 - Taste and See the Lord's Goodness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Magnify (Hebrew, _gadal'_):** This verb, גָּדַל, means "to be or become great," "to make great," or "to enlarge." When applied to God, it does not imply making Him physically larger, for He is already infinite and supreme. Rather, it signifies an act of declaration and recognition, making His inherent greatness, power, and glory appear larger and more prominent in the perception of others and in our own estimation. It is about proclaiming His vastness and worthiness of praise, expanding our understanding and appreciation of who He is.
* **Exalt (Hebrew, _rum'_):** The Hebrew verb רוּם means "to be high," "to be lifted up," or "to raise high." In the context of worship, to "exalt" God's name means to lift His character, reputation, and authority to the highest possible position. It is an act of veneration and reverence, acknowledging His supreme sovereignty, majesty, and transcendence above all creation. It implies setting Him apart as uniquely glorious and worthy of supreme honor.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shem'_):** In biblical thought, שֵׁם, "name," is far more than a mere label. It embodies the person's character, reputation, authority, and entire essence. To exalt God's "name" is to praise His very being, His revealed attributes (e.g., His holiness, faithfulness, love, power), and His redemptive acts throughout history. It encompasses all that God is and all that He has revealed Himself to be, making the exaltation of His name a comprehensive act of worship directed at His complete divine identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O magnify the LORD with me":** This opening clause is an earnest, personal invitation from the psalmist. "O magnify" is an imperative, a direct command or urgent plea, demonstrating David's fervent desire for others to join him. The phrase "with me" is crucial, indicating a shared experience and a call to communal worship. David is not merely commanding, but inviting others to participate in the joy and privilege of declaring God's greatness alongside him, sharing in his testimony of deliverance.
* **"and let us exalt his name together":** This second clause parallels the first, reinforcing the call to corporate worship. "Let us exalt" is a hortatory subjunctive, expressing an exhortation or proposal for a joint action. The repetition of the communal aspect with "together" emphasizes unity in purpose and action. The focus on "his name" highlights that the object of their collective praise is not merely a vague deity, but the specific, revealed character and essence of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, whose identity is fully worthy of being lifted up and honored above all else.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. Firstly, the **Imperative Mood** ("O magnify") and **Hortatory Subjunctive** ("let us exalt") create a direct and urgent **Invitation**, drawing the audience into the psalmist's experience of praise. This is not a passive observation but an active call to participation. Secondly, the verse exhibits clear **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry. "Magnify the LORD with me" is structurally and semantically mirrored by "exalt his name together." This **Synonymous Parallelism** reinforces the central message of collective praise, using two distinct but complementary verbs ("magnify" and "exalt") and phrases ("with me" and "together") to deepen the call to worship. Thirdly, the verbs "magnify" and "exalt" function as **Metaphors** (or perhaps **Hyperbole** for emphasis). God cannot literally be made bigger or higher; rather, these terms metaphorically describe the human act of declaring His immense greatness and supreme worth, making Him appear grander in the eyes of observers and in the hearts of worshippers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 34:3 profoundly articulates the communal dimension of worship, a recurring theological theme throughout Scripture. It teaches that while personal devotion is vital, there is unique power, joy, and spiritual benefit in gathering with other believers to collectively declare God's greatness. This corporate praise is not merely an emotional outlet but a theological affirmation of God's sovereignty and worth, a public testimony to His goodness, and an act that unifies the body of believers. When we magnify and exalt God's name together, we are participating in a divine mandate, echoing the heavenly chorus, and preparing our hearts for His continued work among us. This shared act of adoration strengthens faith, fosters fellowship, and presents a united front of worship to a watching world, demonstrating the transformative power of God's presence.

* [Psalms 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalm 145:3 - The Lord's Greatness")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering a Sacrifice of Praise")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 34:3 serves as a timeless summons to active, communal worship, reminding us that our praise is not meant to be a solitary endeavor but a shared experience that builds up the body of Christ and proclaims God's glory to the world. It encourages us to move beyond individual gratitude to a collective expression of adoration, recognizing that when we unite our voices and hearts, the impact of our worship is amplified, both for ourselves and for those around us. This verse challenges us to consider how we contribute to the corporate worship experience, whether in formal gatherings or informal fellowship. It calls us to be intentional in inviting others to join us in acknowledging God's greatness, sharing our testimonies of His faithfulness, and actively participating in making His name renowned. Our lives, both individually and corporately, should be a continuous echo of David's invitation, drawing others into the magnificent reality of God's presence and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal worship contribute to or hinder the corporate worship of my community?**
* **In what practical ways can I "magnify the LORD" and "exalt His name" in my daily life, beyond formal church services?**
* **Whom can I invite to join me in acknowledging God's greatness, either through shared experiences or by sharing my testimony?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to make God "appear greater" in my own perception and in the eyes of others?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "magnify the LORD"?**

Answer: To "magnify the LORD" means to make Him appear greater in our perception and in the eyes of others. It doesn't mean to physically enlarge God, as He is already infinite and supreme. Instead, it's a declaration of His inherent greatness, power, and glory, expanding our understanding and appreciation of who He is. It's about proclaiming His vastness and worthiness of praise, making His attributes more prominent and visible to ourselves and to the world. This act of magnifying God is a core component of worship, shifting our focus from our problems to His immense power and sovereignty, as seen in passages like [Psalms 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalms 145:3 - God's Greatness").

**Why is corporate worship, as suggested by "with me" and "together," so important?**

Answer: Corporate worship, as emphasized by the phrases "with me" and "together," is crucial because it fosters unity, mutual encouragement, and a powerful collective testimony. While individual devotion is essential, gathering with other believers amplifies the impact of praise, creating a shared experience of God's presence. It builds up the body of Christ, strengthens faith through shared witness, and presents a united front of adoration to the world. The Bible consistently calls believers to gather for worship and fellowship, recognizing the unique blessings and power found in communal praise, as encouraged in [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Exhortation to Love and Good Works").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 34:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While David invited others to magnify the LORD based on his personal deliverance, Christ is the ultimate deliverer, the one through whom all salvation and true worship are made possible. It is through His atoning sacrifice that we are reconciled to God, enabling us to approach Him with boldness and offer acceptable praise (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Full Assurance of Faith")). Jesus Himself, in His earthly ministry, gathered disciples and taught them to worship God, and after His resurrection, He promised His presence when two or three are gathered in His name (cf. [Matthew 18:20](/matthew/18-20 "Matthew 18:20 - Where Two or Three are Gathered")). Furthermore, the "name" that is to be exalted is supremely the name of Jesus, to whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). He is the true Lamb of God, whose sacrifice takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making Him the ultimate object of our collective magnification and exaltation. Our corporate worship, therefore, becomes a Christ-centered act, as we magnify the Father through the Son, in the power of the Spirit, making His glorious name known among the nations (cf. [Colossians 3:16-17](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16-17 - Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly")).

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.