King James Version

What Does Psalms 145:1 Mean?

Psalms 145:1 in the King James Version says “David's Psalm of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 145 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“David's Psalm of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.”

Psalms 145:1 · KJV

Context

1

David's Psalm of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

2

Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

3

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. and his: Heb. and of his greatness there is no search

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This opening verse of Psalm 145 declares the fundamental human duty: 'I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.' The word 'extol' (Hebrew 'romem') means to lift up, magnify, and celebrate. The parallel action 'bless thy name' emphasizes speaking well of God, recognizing His character and works. The double assertion 'for ever and ever' expresses an eternal intention beyond mortal limitation. This introductory verse establishes the psalm's central theme: perpetual praise directed toward God's kingship and nature. By designating God as 'my God' and 'my King,' the psalmist establishes a personal covenantal relationship while acknowledging divine sovereignty. This is both intimate ('my God') and majestic ('my King'). The commitment to praise 'for ever and ever' transcends temporal limitations, reflecting the theological reality that God's worthiness for praise is not contingent on circumstances.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 145 is an acrostic psalm (each verse beginning with successive Hebrew letters, though verse 14 is missing in the acrostic), indicating careful literary construction for liturgical memorization and recitation. This alphabetical structure was common in wisdom and instructional literature. The psalm is attributed to David ('A Psalm of David') and appears to have served as a template for praise across Israel's worship history. The personal intimacy combined with universal scope suggests a post-exilic composition or compilation, when dispersed Israel could affirm their relationship with God despite political dispersion. Ancient Jewish sources (Talmud Brachot 4b) consider this psalm particularly significant, noting that 'whoever says the Hallel [praise psalms] three times daily is assured of a place in the world to come.' The designation as a 'Psalm of David' connects it to Israel's ideal king, whose reign is remembered as a model of righteousness despite his failures.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'extol' God, and how does this differ from mere belief or intellectual assent?
  2. How can the human intention to praise God 'for ever and ever' be reconciled with the brevity of mortal life?
  3. What is the significance of addressing God as both 'my God' (personal relationship) and 'my King' (universal sovereignty)?
  4. Why does the psalm open with declaration of praise rather than petition or lamentation?
  5. In what ways does personal commitment to praise ('I will extol thee') shape our understanding of worship as intentional action rather than mere emotion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אֲרוֹמִמְךָ֣1 of 7

“I will extol”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

אֱלוֹהַ֣י2 of 7

“thee my 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

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ3 of 7

“O king”

H4428

a king

וַאֲבָרֲכָ֥ה4 of 7

“and I will 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

שִׁ֝מְךָ֗5 of 7

“thy name”

H8034

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

לְעוֹלָ֥ם6 of 7

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וָעֶֽד׃7 of 7

“and ever”

H5703

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

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 145:1 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 145:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 47:6-8Psalms 34:1Psalms 45:6Matthew 25:34Psalms 30:12Daniel 4:37

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 145 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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