King James Version

What Does Psalms 146:1 Mean?

Psalms 146:1 in the King James Version says “Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye: Heb. Hallelujah” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 146 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye: Heb. Hallelujah”

Psalms 146:1 · KJV

Context

1

Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye: Heb. Hallelujah

2

While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

3

Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. help: or, salvation

Read Psalms 146 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse initiates the Final Hallel (Psalms 146-150) with an emphatic summons: 'Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.' The Hebrew 'Hallelujah' (from hallel, to praise, and Yah, the Lord's name) appears four times in this verse alone, establishing repetition for emphasis and liturgical rhythm. The first two occurrences are general calls; the shift to 'O my soul' personalizes the summons. 'Soul' (Hebrew 'nephesh') encompasses the inner self, mind, will, and emotional core. The doubling 'Praise ye the LORD' and 'Praise the LORD' creates an exhortative tone, commanding worship. This verse establishes that praise is not optional but a fundamental imperative for the complete self. By beginning with 'my soul,' the verse acknowledges that authentic praise originates in the inner self, not merely external performance. This opening creates the context for the subsequent verses' teaching about the proper objects of human trust and loyalty.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Final Hallel (Psalms 146-150) comprised the concluding praise section of the Psalter, used in corporate Jewish worship, particularly for Shabbat and festival celebrations. Ancient Jewish sources (Talmud Pesachim 118a) record that these psalms were sung during the Passover meal, the most significant Jewish holiday commemorating liberation from Egypt. The Hebrew word 'Hallel' was later applied to Psalms 113-118 as well, designating them as special praise psalms. The structure of these final five psalms moves progressively toward cosmic praise, with Psalm 150 being the most eschatologically expansive. The emphasis on 'my soul' reflects post-exilic individual piety - personal relationship with God became increasingly significant when corporate national worship was compromised. The use of 'my soul' also appears in Psalms 146:2, 147:1 (in context), suggesting this opening summons sets the tone for the Final Hallel.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to command one's own soul to praise, and is this authentic worship or mere self-discipline?
  2. Why does the psalm begin with an emphatic call to praise before presenting reasons to praise (which follow in verse 3)?
  3. How does personifying praise through 'my soul' differ from corporate or external acts of worship?
  4. In what ways does the Hebrew 'Hallelujah' function differently than translated language in shaping worship experience?
  5. What is the relationship between commanding ourselves to praise and waiting for spontaneous joy in worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הַלְלִ֥י1 of 6

“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

יָ֡הּ2 of 6

“ye the LORD”

H3050

jah, the sacred name

הַלְלִ֥י3 of 6

“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

נַ֝פְשִׁ֗י4 of 6

“O my soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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 146:1 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 146:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 103:22-104:1Psalms 103:1Psalms 104:35Psalms 105:45

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