King James Version

What Does Psalms 99:3 Mean?

Psalms 99:3 in the King James Version says “Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 99 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.”

Psalms 99:3 · KJV

Context

1

The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. be moved: Heb. stagger

2

The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.

3

Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.

4

The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.

5

Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool ; for he is holy. he is: or, it is holy

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The call to praise God's 'great and terrible name' (gadol ve-nora) holds in tension His magnificent greatness and His fearsome holiness. 'It is holy' (kadosh hu) uses the same word repeated three times in Isaiah 6:3 ('Holy, holy, holy'), emphasizing God's complete otherness and moral perfection. God's name represents His revealed character, which demands worship. This holiness isn't merely separation from sin but positive moral perfection that defines goodness itself. Praising His holy name acknowledges God as the standard of righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's covenant relationship included reverence for God's name (as in the third commandment), recognizing that His character—represented by His name—defines reality.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's holiness affect how you approach Him in prayer and worship?
  2. In what ways have you seen God's 'great and terrible name' profaned, and how should you respond?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יוֹד֣וּ1 of 6

“Let them praise”

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

שִׁ֭מְךָ2 of 6

“name”

H8034

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

גָּד֥וֹל3 of 6

“thy great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְנוֹרָ֗א4 of 6

“and terrible”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

קָד֥וֹשׁ5 of 6

“for it is holy”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

הֽוּא׃6 of 6
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 99:3 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 99:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 6:3Deuteronomy 28:58Revelation 15:3-4Psalms 111:9Nehemiah 4:14Psalms 66:3

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