King James Version

What Does Psalms 118:26 Mean?

Psalms 118:26 in the King James Version says “Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 118 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

Psalms 118:26 · KJV


Context

24

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

25

Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

26

Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

27

God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

28

Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD (בָּרוּךְ הַבָּא בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה, barukh ha-ba be-shem YHWH)—Barukh means blessed; ha-ba means the one coming; be-shem means in the name of. We have blessed you out of the house of the LORD (בֵּרַכְנוּכֶם מִבֵּית יְהוָה, berakhnu-khem mi-beit YHWH)—This is priestly blessing pronounced from the temple.

The crowds quoted this exact verse when Jesus entered Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9). "He that cometh" became a messianic title—"the Coming One" (Matthew 11:3). To come "in the name of the LORD" means to come as God's authorized representative. Jesus later lamented Jerusalem: "Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" (Matthew 23:39), predicting his second coming.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This was part of the Hallel (Psalms 113-118) sung at major festivals. Pilgrims approaching Jerusalem would sing it; priests would respond with blessing from the temple. Jesus deliberately staged his entry to fulfill this psalm, making unmistakable messianic claims. The religious leaders understood and were furious (Matthew 21:15-16).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing Jesus as "he that cometh in the name of the LORD" establish his divine identity?
  2. What does it mean for Christians to come "in the name of the LORD" as Jesus's ambassadors?
  3. How does Matthew 23:39 use this verse to predict Christ's second coming and Israel's future recognition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
בֵּ֝רַֽכְנוּכֶ֗ם1 of 7

Blessed

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

הַ֭בָּא2 of 7

be he that cometh

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּשֵׁ֣ם3 of 7

in the name

H8034

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

יְהוָֽה׃4 of 7

of the LORD

H3068

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

בֵּ֝רַֽכְנוּכֶ֗ם5 of 7

Blessed

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

מִבֵּ֥ית6 of 7

you out of the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָֽה׃7 of 7

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 118:26 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 118:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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