King James Version

What Does Psalms 134:2 Mean?

Psalms 134:2 in the King James Version says “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. the sanctuary: or, holiness” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 134 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. the sanctuary: or, holiness”

Psalms 134:2 · KJV

Context

1

A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.

2

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. the sanctuary: or, holiness

3

The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The call specifies worship's form: 'Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.' The command 'lift up your hands' describes physical posture in prayer and worship. Raised hands expressed dependence, surrender, appeal, and praise (Psalm 28:2; 63:4; 141:2; 143:6; Lamentations 2:19; 1 Timothy 2:8). The location 'in the sanctuary' (qodesh) means the holy place, the temple/tabernacle - the designated place for encountering God's presence. Though believers can pray anywhere, there's special significance to corporate worship in God's appointed place. The repetition 'bless the LORD' reinforces the command from verse 1 - this is worship's essence. The combination of physical posture (lifted hands), proper location (sanctuary), and verbal praise (blessing) engages whole person in worship. This verse models that worship involves body, setting, and words.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Lifted hands was common biblical worship posture (Exodus 17:11; 1 Kings 8:22, 38, 54; Ezra 9:5; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalm 28:2; 63:4; 134:2; 141:2). The sanctuary/temple was where God's presence dwelt and where proper worship occurred. While synagogue worship developed later, temple worship included specific rituals, locations, and postures. The physical dimension of worship engages human embodiment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the physical act of lifting hands contribute to worship?
  2. How does worshiping 'in the sanctuary' differ from private devotion?
  3. What is the relationship between inward attitude and outward posture in worship?
  4. How do Christians understand 'sanctuary' after the temple's destruction?
  5. What role does physical embodiment play in authentic worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
שְׂאֽוּ1 of 6

“Lift up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

יְדֵכֶ֥ם2 of 6

“your hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

קֹ֑דֶשׁ3 of 6

“in the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וּ֝בָרֲכוּ4 of 6

“and bless”

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

אֶת5 of 6
H853

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

יְהוָֽה׃6 of 6

“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 134:2 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 134:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 28:21 Timothy 2:8Psalms 63:4Psalms 141:2Lamentations 3:41Lamentations 2:19

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