King James Version

What Does Psalms 113:1 Mean?

Psalms 113:1 in the King James Version says “Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Praise ye: Heb. Hallelujah” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 113 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Praise ye: Heb. Hallelujah”

Psalms 113:1 · KJV

Context

1

Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Praise ye: Heb. Hallelujah

2

Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.

3

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. This triadic call to worship opens the Hallel psalms (113-118) with emphatic, repetitive summons. The threefold "Praise" (הַלְלוּ/halelu) creates rhythmic intensity, each iteration reinforcing the command. Halal means to celebrate, boast, shine, or make a show—exuberant, demonstrative worship, not quiet contemplation.

"Praise ye the LORD" (הַלְלוּ־יָהּ/halelu-Yah)—the familiar "Hallelujah"—frames the psalm (vv. 1, 9), bracketing all creation's praise. This isn't suggestion but command, communal imperative. The object of praise is יָהּ (Yah), shortened form of Yahweh (יהוה), God's covenant name revealed to Moses. Worship isn't generic but directed to the specific God who revealed Himself to Israel.

"O ye servants of the LORD" (עַבְדֵי יְהוָה/avdei Yahweh) identifies the worshipers: those who serve God. Eved can mean slave or servant, emphasizing both submission and relationship. These aren't casual admirers but committed servants whose lives belong to God. Finally, "praise the name of the LORD" (אֶת־שֵׁם יְהוָה/et-shem Yahweh) shifts from praising God Himself to praising His name—His revealed character, reputation, and attributes. God's name encompasses all He has disclosed about Himself.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalms 113-118 comprise the Egyptian Hallel, sung during Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, and Hanukkah. Specifically, Psalms 113-114 were sung before the Passover meal, 115-118 after. Jesus and His disciples sang these psalms at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:30), making Psalm 113's call to praise Jesus's own worship before His crucifixion. The designation 'servants of the LORD' originally applied to Levitical priests and temple singers but expanded to include all Israel and ultimately all believers who serve God through Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the threefold repetition of 'praise' challenge passive or half-hearted worship in your own life?
  2. What does it mean to identify as a 'servant of the LORD'—how should this identity shape daily priorities and decisions?
  3. What aspects of 'the name of the LORD'—His revealed character—most inspire your praise, and how can you cultivate greater awareness of His nature?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
הַֽ֝לְלוּ1 of 9

“Praise”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

יָ֨הּ׀2 of 9

“ye the LORD”

H3050

jah, the sacred name

הַֽ֝לְלוּ3 of 9

“Praise”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

עַבְדֵ֣י4 of 9

“O ye servants”

H5650

a servant

יְהוָֽה׃5 of 9

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

הַֽ֝לְלוּ6 of 9

“Praise”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

אֶת7 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שֵׁ֥ם8 of 9

“the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָֽה׃9 of 9

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 113:1 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 113:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:19-20Psalms 135:1-3Psalms 33:1-2Psalms 145:10Psalms 69:36Psalms 112:1

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