King James Version

What Does Psalms 135:21 Mean?

Psalms 135:21 in the King James Version says “Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 135 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.”

Psalms 135:21 · KJV

Context

19

Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:

20

Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.

21

Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalm reaches its climax: 'Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.' The grammar shifts from imperative ('bless the LORD') to declarative ('blessed be the LORD'), moving from command to accomplished fact. Praise rises 'out of Zion,' the temple mount where God chose to place His name. The phrase 'which dwelleth at Jerusalem' (shochen Yerushalayim) emphasizes divine presence - the God of all creation condescends to dwell among His people. This localized presence does not limit God but demonstrates His gracious accessibility. The final 'Hallelujah' (Praise ye the LORD) forms an inclusio with verse 1, framing the entire psalm in praise. For Christians, this dwelling finds ultimate expression in Christ, 'the Word made flesh' who 'dwelt among us' (John 1:14), and extends to the church as God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Zion originally referred to the Jebusite fortress David captured, then extended to the temple mount and eventually to Jerusalem as a whole. The concept of God 'dwelling' in Jerusalem created both privilege and responsibility for Israel. This theology of divine presence shaped Jewish worship and identity through exile and beyond.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is Zion/Jerusalem significant as the place from which blessing flows?
  2. How does corporate worship in God's presence magnify His glory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
בָּ֘ר֤וּךְ1 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

יְהוָ֨ה׀2 of 7

“be the LORD”

H3068

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

מִצִּיּ֗וֹן3 of 7

“out of Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

שֹׁ֘כֵ֤ן4 of 7

“which dwelleth”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

יְֽרוּשָׁלִָ֗ם5 of 7

“at Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

הַֽלְלוּ6 of 7

“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

יָֽהּ׃7 of 7

“ye the LORD”

H3050

jah, the sacred name

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 135:21 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 135:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 134:3Psalms 132:13-14Psalms 128:5Isaiah 12:6Psalms 76:22 Chronicles 6:6

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Psalms 135 →

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