King James Version

What Does Psalms 100:3 Mean?

Psalms 100:3 in the King James Version says “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of h...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 100 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. and not: or, and his we are”

Psalms 100:3 · KJV

Context

1

A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. praise: or, thanksgiving all: Heb. all the earth

2

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. and not: or, and his we are

4

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. to all: Heb. to generation and generation

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. This verse grounds worship in foundational theological truths about God's identity and humanity's relationship to Him. "Know" (d'u, דְּעוּ) is an imperative demanding not mere intellectual assent but experiential, relational knowledge that transforms behavior.

"The LORD he is God" (Yahweh hu Elohim, יְהוָה הוּא אֱלֹהִים) is a confessional statement identifying Israel's covenant God (Yahweh) with the supreme deity (Elohim). This echoes Elijah's challenge at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:39) and anticipates Jesus' claim to be "I AM" (John 8:58). Against polytheism or practical atheism, this declares Yahweh's exclusive deity.

"It is he that hath made us" (hu asanu, הוּא עָשָׂנוּ) establishes God's rights as Creator. The verb asah (עָשָׂה) means to make, fashion, or accomplish. Some manuscripts read lo (לוֹ, "his") instead of lo (לֹא, "not"), yielding "we are his"—both readings emphasize God's ownership through creation.

"We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture" presents complementary metaphors. As "his people" (amo, עַמּוֹ), Israel has covenant relationship. As "sheep of his pasture" (tson mar'ito, צֹאן מַרְעִיתוֹ), they depend on His provision, guidance, and protection. These metaphors combat both self-sufficiency and despair—we neither created ourselves nor sustain ourselves, but belong to the faithful Shepherd.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The affirmation 'the LORD is God' was Israel's central confession, crystallized in the Shema: 'Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one' (Deuteronomy 6:4). This monotheistic claim distinguished Israel from surrounding polytheistic cultures and required exclusive loyalty.

Ancient Near Eastern peoples believed their gods created them to serve divine needs—providing food through sacrifices, maintaining temples, and fighting divine enemies. In contrast, Israel's creation theology emphasizes God's gracious initiative. He created humanity not from need but from love, making them His covenant people through election rather than transaction.

The shepherd metaphor pervades Scripture, from Jacob's blessing (Genesis 48:15) through David's psalms to Jesus' identification as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). In ancient Israel, shepherding was both literal occupation and royal metaphor—kings were called shepherds of their people (2 Samuel 5:2; Jeremiah 23:1-4).

For exilic or post-exilic Israel, this verse offered identity and hope. Even when scattered among nations, they remained God's people, the sheep of His pasture. Political powers might conquer kingdoms, but couldn't sever the Creator's claim on His creatures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God as Creator shape understanding of human purpose, identity, and accountability?
  2. What practical difference should the knowledge that 'the LORD is God' make when facing competing truth claims or worldviews?
  3. How do the metaphors of 'people' and 'sheep' balance communal identity with individual dependence on God's care?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
דְּע֗וּ1 of 12

“Know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי2 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְהוָה֮3 of 12

“ye that the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

ה֤וּא4 of 12
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֱלֹ֫הִ֥ים5 of 12

“he is God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הֽוּא6 of 12
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עָ֭שָׂנוּ7 of 12

“it is he that hath made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְל֣אֹ8 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֲנַ֑חְנוּ9 of 12
H587

we

עַ֝מּ֗וֹ10 of 12

“us and not we ourselves we are his people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְצֹ֣אן11 of 12

“and the sheep”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

מַרְעִיתֽוֹ׃12 of 12

“of his pasture”

H4830

pasturage; concretely, a flock

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 100:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 100:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 95:6-7Psalms 46:10Psalms 119:73John 17:3Ephesians 2:101 John 5:20

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