Psalms 99:3

KJV

Let them praise thy great and terrible name; [for] it [is] holy.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let them praise {H3034} thy great {H1419} and terrible {H3372} name {H8034}; for it is holy {H6918}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let them praise your great and fearsome name (he is holy):

Berean Standard Bible

Let them praise Your great and awesome name— He is holy!

American Standard Version

Let them praise thy great and terrible name: Holy is he.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 99:3 issues a profound and urgent call to worship, exhorting all to praise God's "great and terrible name" because "it is holy." This verse encapsulates the dual nature of divine majesty, revealing both the awe-inspiring power and the absolute moral purity of God. It serves as a foundational declaration for understanding the essence of true worship, emphasizing a reverence born from a deep recognition of God's unique, transcendent, and unblemished identity, which demands both profound awe and devoted adoration from His creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 99 stands as a powerful "Enthronement Psalm," celebrating Yahweh's sovereign reign as the King over all creation. The preceding verses establish God's universal dominion, His dwelling place "between the cherubim" on the ark of the covenant, and His righteous governance over the nations, prompting the earth to tremble before Him ([Psalms 99:1-2](/psalms/99-1-2 "Psalms 99:1-2 - God's Reign and Dwelling")). Verse 3, therefore, flows organically from this declaration of divine kingship, focusing on the appropriate human response—praise—to the character of such a majestic and just ruler. It sets the stage for the psalm's continued emphasis on God's holiness and His just dealings with His people, culminating in a final exhortation to "exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy hill" ([Psalms 99:9](/psalms/99-9 "Psalms 99:9 - Worship at God's Holy Hill")). The structure of the psalm, with its repeated refrain "Holy is he" or "for the LORD our God is holy" (vv. 3, 5, 9), underscores the centrality of God's holiness as the bedrock of His kingship and the ultimate reason for worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of a king's "name" (Hebrew: *shem*) was far more than a mere label; it encapsulated his entire character, reputation, authority, and power. To praise a king's name was to acknowledge and laud all that he embodied. Similarly, God's "name" represents His revealed character and attributes, His very essence. The reference to God dwelling "between the cherubim" points to the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, symbolizing His immanent presence among His people as well as His transcendent throne. The call to praise a "terrible" (awe-inspiring) and "holy" name would have resonated deeply within a culture that understood divine power as both magnificent and fearsome, demanding profound reverence and separation from all that is profane. This understanding of Yahweh's transcendence and moral purity profoundly shaped Israel's worship and ethical life, distinguishing Him sharply from the often capricious and morally ambiguous deities of surrounding pagan nations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Majesty and Sovereignty of God**, portraying Him as the supreme King whose authority is absolute and whose power is boundless. The command to praise His "great" name emphasizes His unparalleled dominion over all creation and His incomparable nature. Secondly, it highlights the **Awe-Inspiring Nature of God**, conveyed by the term "terrible." This is not a terror of dread but a profound, reverential awe that leads to worship and wisdom, a concept central to biblical piety, as seen in the foundational principle that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")). Finally, and most centrally, the verse emphasizes God's **Intrinsic Holiness**. The declaration "it is holy" reveals God's absolute separateness, purity, and moral perfection, which is the ultimate foundation for His worthiness of praise. This attribute is foundational to His identity and character, as echoed in the seraphim's cry of "Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory" ([Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - God's Holiness and Glory")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** This primitive root literally means "to use (i.e., hold out) the hand." In a spiritual context, it signifies to revere or worship, often with extended hands, indicating surrender, adoration, and thanksgiving. It implies an active, outward expression of honor and acknowledgment of God's worth.
* **Great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This adjective denotes vastness, might, importance, and superiority. When applied to God's name, it speaks to His boundless power, immense majesty, and supreme authority over all creation. It signifies His incomparable nature and the magnanimity of His being, highlighting His preeminence.
* **Terrible (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to fear" or "to revere," this term in the King James Version does not imply horror or fright in a negative sense, but rather a profound, respectful dread and reverence due to God's immense power, glory, and holiness. It conveys the idea that God's presence and character are so overwhelming that they evoke a deep sense of awe and humble submission in His creatures.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** This is a fundamental attribute of God, signifying His absolute separateness, purity, and moral perfection. It describes God as utterly distinct from creation and from all that is sinful or profane. His holiness is the ground of His unique identity and the reason for His absolute moral integrity, demanding purity and reverence from those who approach Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them praise thy great and terrible name;":** This opening clause functions as an imperative, a command or exhortation directed to all people ("them," implying all who hear or know of God). It calls for active adoration and worship of God's revealed character, which is encapsulated in His "name." The conjunction of "great" and "terrible" (awe-inspiring) encapsulates the dual nature of God's majesty: His immense power and authority, coupled with the profound reverence and awe He inspires. To praise His "name" is to acknowledge and extol His entire being, reputation, and attributes.
* **"[for] it [is] holy.":** This clause provides the ultimate reason and justification for the preceding command to praise. The implied "for" (indicated by the Hebrew structure) establishes a causal link. God's name, and thus His very being, is intrinsically "holy." This holiness is the bedrock of His identity, His moral perfection, and His absolute distinction from all created things and from sin. It is His unique, transcendent nature that makes Him supremely worthy of all praise and adoration, compelling a response of worship rooted in His inherent purity.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 99:3 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message with impactful clarity. The primary device is the **Imperative Mood** ("Let them praise"), which functions as a direct command or exhortation, underscoring the non-negotiable and universal nature of worship. The phrase "great and terrible name" can be seen as a **Hendiadys**, where two words are used to express a single, complex idea—God's name is not merely great *and* also terrible, but it is *great-and-terrible*, signifying a majesty that is overwhelmingly powerful and awe-inspiring, simultaneously evoking grandeur and reverence. This also functions as a form of **Merism**, encompassing the full spectrum of God's majestic and fearsome attributes. The use of "name" is a potent **Metonymy**, where "name" stands in for God's entire character, reputation, and essence, emphasizing that worship is directed not just at a label but at the totality of His revealed being. Finally, the verse exhibits a clear **Cause-and-Effect** structure, where the command to praise is directly followed by the reason for that praise ("for it is holy"), creating a logical and compelling argument for worship rooted in God's intrinsic nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects God's attributes of greatness, awe-inspiring power, and holiness to the very essence of worship. It teaches that true praise is not merely an emotional outburst but a response rooted in a deep understanding and reverent acknowledgment of who God is. His greatness demands our recognition of His supreme sovereignty, His "terribleness" (awe) elicits our profound respect and humility, and His intrinsic holiness calls us to a life of purity and separation from sin, mirroring His own character. This triad of attributes forms the foundation for all authentic worship, reminding us that God is both supremely powerful and morally perfect, worthy of our complete adoration and submission. This holistic understanding of God's character transforms superficial praise into deeply reverent and transformative worship.

* [Exodus 34:5-7](/exodus/34-5-7 "Exodus 34:5-7 - The LORD Proclaims His Character")
* [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Seraphim's Cry of Holiness")
* [Revelation 15:4](/revelation/15-4 "Revelation 15:4 - Who Will Not Fear and Glorify Your Name?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 99:3 challenges us to examine the depth and sincerity of our worship. It calls us beyond superficial praise to a posture of profound reverence, recognizing God not just as a benevolent friend but as the infinitely powerful, awe-inspiring, and utterly holy sovereign of the universe. This understanding should profoundly transform our approach to Him, fostering a humility that acknowledges His transcendence and a fervent desire to align our lives with His perfect purity. When we truly grasp the "great and terrible" nature of His holiness, our praise becomes less about our feelings and more about His intrinsic worth, leading to a worship that is both reverent and transformative, shaping our character and conduct in light of His own. It reminds us that our God is not to be approached casually but with deep respect and adoration for His unparalleled majesty, fostering a life lived in conscious awareness of His sacred presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as "great and terrible" (awe-inspiring) impact your personal worship and prayer life, moving beyond mere familiarity?**
* **In what specific ways does recognizing God's absolute holiness challenge your daily choices, ethical decisions, and pursuit of personal purity?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as a community, cultivate a deeper sense of reverence for God's name in a world that often treats sacred things casually or with irreverence?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to ensure your praise and worship are rooted in a true, comprehensive understanding of God's character, as described in this verse?**

### FAQ

**What does "terrible" mean in "great and terrible name"?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "terrible" (Hebrew: *yârêʼ*) does not mean horrifying or dreadful in a negative sense, as it often does in modern English. Instead, it conveys a sense of profound reverence, awe, and holy fear. It describes God's immense power, majesty, and glory, which are so overwhelming that they inspire deep respect, wonder, and even trembling in those who encounter Him. It's the kind of awe that leads to worship and wisdom, not terror or fright, signifying His incomparable and overwhelming presence.

**Why is God's "name" so important in biblical thought?**

Answer: In biblical understanding, a "name" is far more than a mere label; it represents the entire character, reputation, authority, and essence of a person. To praise God's "great and terrible name" means to praise all that He is—His attributes, His actions, His very being. It signifies a comprehensive acknowledgment of His divine nature and supreme worthiness. This is why God's name is to be held in the highest regard and not taken in vain, as commanded in [Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - Do Not Misuse God's Name"). It is the revealed essence of God Himself.

**How does God's holiness relate to our praise and worship?**

Answer: God's holiness is the ultimate foundation for His worthiness of praise. It signifies His absolute separateness from all creation and from all sin, His moral perfection, and His unique, transcendent nature. Because God is holy, He is utterly pure and righteous, making Him deserving of all honor and adoration. Our praise, therefore, is not just a response to His benefits but an acknowledgment of His intrinsic purity and perfection. This understanding calls us to approach Him with reverence and to strive for holiness in our own lives, as [1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy") exhorts, "Be holy, for I am holy." Our worship is a reflection of His inherent sacredness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 99:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the visible embodiment of God's "great and terrible" (awe-inspiring) and holy name. In Christ, the invisible God is made manifest, revealing His glory and character in human form, dwelling among us full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus perfectly reflects the Father's holiness, being without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Was Tempted But Without Sin")) and embodying the very light in whom there is no darkness at all ([1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God is Light")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ demonstrated God's immense power and majesty, inspiring awe and reverent fear in all who truly encounter Him. Moreover, it is through the sacrifice of the holy Lamb of God that sinful humanity can now approach a holy God. Jesus, by taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bridges the chasm created by sin, making it possible for us to praise God's great and holy name without being consumed by His holiness. Indeed, the name of Jesus is exalted above every name, and at His name, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")). Thus, our praise of God's great and holy name is ultimately offered through and in Christ, who is the perfect revelation and means of access to the Holy One.

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

Isaiah 6:3

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory.

Deuteronomy 28:58

If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;

Psalms 111:9

He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend [is] his name.

Psalms 66:3

Say unto God, How terrible [art thou in] thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

Nehemiah 4:14

And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, [which is] great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.

Revelation 15:3

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.

Revelation 15:4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.