It's easy to read "assembly of the upright, and in the congregation" as simply meaning "in church meetings." But the Hebrew hints at something richer: "assembly" can also mean a close-knit circle or secret council, suggesting that genuine praise flows from both intimate fellowship and the broader community of believers. This shows us that heartfelt praise isn't just a public performance, but also a deep, shared communion.
Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm begins not with the main body of poetry, but with a powerful introductory declaration. The psalmist declares their intention to praise God wholeheartedly, not just in private, but in the midst of the gathered community of believers, highlighting the communal aspect of worship that flows from God's majestic works.
Did you know the very first words of this psalm might not be part of the psalm itself? Yet, they set the stage for everything that follows.
The phrase "Praise the LORD!" (or Hallelujah) at the start of Psalm 111 is often seen not as the beginning of the psalm's content, but as a liturgical instruction – a call to worship that introduces the psalm. Think of it like a band leader shouting "Let's play!" before the music starts. While it's a separate liturgical element, it's crucial because it frames the entire psalm as an act of worship and celebration of God's great works. It signals that what follows is meant to inspire praise.
The psalmist isn't just saying they'll praise God. They're specifying how and with whom. What does this tell us about genuine worship?
The commitment "with my whole heart" signifies a complete and sincere devotion. It's not a divided or half-hearted offering, but one that engages all of one's being. Furthermore, this praise isn't solitary; it's "in the company of the upright, in the congregation." This points to the importance of communal worship. The terms "company of the upright" and "congregation" likely refer to the same gathering of God's people – those who are righteous and devoted. Worship is meant to be a shared experience, strengthening the community of faith as they praise God together.
Understand the original words
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halelûyāh · Hebrew Verb/Interjection
An imperative command to express adoration, honor, and thanksgiving to God. It signifies a joyful celebration of God's character and actions.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God, revealed to Moses, signifying His self-existence, eternity, and faithfulness to His people. It is the name through which God enters into a relationship with Israel.
lēbāb · Hebrew Noun
Used here to denote the totality of one’s being—intellect, emotions, and will. To give thanks with the "whole heart" implies undivided devotion and sincerity in worship.
yāšār · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to those who are morally and spiritually straight, walking in accordance with God’s law. They are characterized by integrity and commitment to the covenant.
‘ēdâ · Hebrew Noun
An assembly of people gathered for religious or communal purposes. In the Psalms, it emphasizes the corporate nature of worship and communal testimony.
ma‘ăśeh · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the acts of God in creation, history, and redemption. These works are evidence of His power, wisdom, and sovereign control over all things.
ḥāpēṣ · Hebrew Verb
To find joy, pleasure, or satisfaction in something. In a biblical context, it refers to the deep satisfaction found in God and His Word.
hôd / hādār · Hebrew Noun
Attributes describing God's glorious nature, often associated with His royal character, authority, and the awe-inspiring manifestation of His presence.
ṣĕdāqâ · Hebrew Noun
God's moral consistency, justice, and faithfulness to His own character and laws. It describes His right standing and His action in accordance with His holy nature.
ḥannûn / raḥûm · Hebrew Adjective
Describes the compassionate, forgiving, and benevolent nature of God. It signifies His unmerited favor and His deep compassion toward those in need.
This verse shares the same opening call to praise the Lord and expresses a similar desire to give thanks wholeheartedly, setting a consistent tone for worship.
Psalms 119:2This passage echoes the commitment to seek God with one's whole being, aligning with the psalmist's resolve in Psalm 111:1 to praise God with undivided devotion.
Hebrews 10:24-25These verses highlight the importance of communal worship and mutual encouragement within the congregation, reflecting the context of praise in the 'assembly of the upright, and in the congregation' in Psalm 111:1.
Deuteronomy 4:5-6This passage emphasizes the wisdom and righteousness of God's commands when observed by His people, mirroring the focus on God's 'works' that are 'great' and 'sought out' in the psalm and its opening declaration of praise.
pulpitPsalms 111:1: "Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation."
Verse 1. - Praise ye the Lord. Scarcely a part of the psalm - rather a heading or introduction. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart (comp. Psalm 9:1; Psalm 119:34, 58, 69). "With my whole heart" replaces the "greatly" of Psalm 109:30. In the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. Professor Cheyne translates, "in the council and assembly of th…
ellicottPsalms 111:1: "Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation."
(1) Praise ye the Lord. —This short doxology does not strictly form part of the psalm. The alphabetical arrangement begins with “I will praise,” &c Assembly.—See Note on Psalm 25:14.
It's easy to read "assembly of the upright, and in the congregation" as simply meaning "in church meetings." But the Hebrew hints at something richer: "assembly" can also mean a close-knit circle or secret council, suggesting that genuine praise flows from both intimate fellowship and the broader community of believers. This shows us that heartfelt praise isn't just a public performance, but also a deep, shared communion.
This psalm begins not with the main body of poetry, but with a powerful introductory declaration. The psalmist declares their intention to praise God wholeheartedly, not just in private, but in the midst of the gathered community of believers, highlighting the communal aspect of worship that flows from God's majestic works.
This psalm begins not with the main body of poetry, but with a powerful introductory declaration. The psalmist declares their intention to praise God wholeheartedly, not just in private, but in the midst of the gathered community of believers, highlighting the communal aspect of worship that flows from God's majestic works.
"Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty…" — It's easy to read "assembly of the upright, and in the congregation" as simply meaning "in church meetings." But the Hebrew hints at something richer: "assembly" can also mean a close-knit circle or…
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Last reviewed October 2026
