Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The repetition of "Praise the Lord!" isn't just emphasis; it's a call for escalating intensity, urging us from a general acknowledgment to a zealous devotion. It specifically calls on "servants of the Lord," highlighting that those who know and follow God have a unique responsibility and privilege to declare His name.
Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm opens with an enthusiastic call to worship, specifically directed at those who serve the Lord, inviting them to praise His name. It sets the stage for a meditation on God's immense power and glory, contrasting it with His remarkable condescension towards the humble and the poor, which forms the core theme of the psalm.
Have you ever felt like praise is just for a select few, or only for the super-spiritual? This verse starts with a powerful, repeated command that includes everyone.
Who is Called to Praise?
This opening verse isn't a gentle suggestion; it's a resounding call! "Praise the LORD!" is the direct command, setting the tone for the entire psalm. It's immediately followed by an address: "Praise, O servants of the LORD."
Who are these "servants"?
But the beautiful truth is, the initial command is for everyone. The specific address to "servants" broadens the invitation to those who already know and love God, emphasizing that worship is central to our identity in Him. It’s not just an activity; it’s who we are.
The final repetition, "praise the name of the LORD," expands the focus from just who God is to the fullness of His character revealed in His name.
Why is God's name so important to praise? This verse hints at a significance that spans time and all of creation.
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Praising the Essence of God
The command to "praise the name of the LORD" is more than just repeating a title. In the Bible, someone's name represents their character, their reputation, their very essence.
When the psalm urges us to praise God's name, it’s calling us to celebrate:
The commentaries highlight the incredible scope intended for this praise – from the rising of the sun to its setting. This isn't limited to a specific place or time. God's character is so magnificent that His praise should echo across the entire earth and throughout all generations. This verse plants the seed for a praise that is both deep (focusing on His character) and wide (extending to all creation and time).
Understand the original words
halal · Hebrew Verb
The primary Hebrew word for 'praise' in the context of worship, meaning to boast, rave about, or celebrate the character and acts of God.
Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Moses (YHWH). It signifies His self-existence, eternity, and faithfulness to His people.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
Those who are in a position of humble submission and service to God, reflecting their status as His people who owe Him obedience and devotion.
shem · Hebrew Noun
In Scripture, a name represents the essence, character, authority, and reputation of a person. To praise the 'name' of the Lord is to praise who He is in His nature and actions.
This passage is a direct call to praise God and declare His works, echoing the fervent exhortation found in Psalms 113:1. It emphasizes making God's deeds known among the nations, connecting to the expansive praise envisioned in the psalm.
Matthew 6:9Jesus teaches His followers to pray, 'Hallowed be thy name.' This directly links to the command in Psalms 113:1 to 'praise the name of the LORD,' highlighting the sacredness and importance of God's name across both Old and New Testaments.
John 1:14The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This incredible event of God's condescension, a major theme in Psalm 113, is the ultimate reason for His people to praise His name, showing God's willingness to draw near to His servants.
Philippians 2:9-11This New Testament passage describes God exalting Jesus and commanding all creation to acknowledge Him. It parallels the psalm's call for universal praise, showing that the 'name of the LORD' above all names is revealed in Christ.
Revelation 7:9-10This vision of a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language worshipping God shows the fulfillment of the psalm's anticipation of praise from all corners of the earth. It depicts the ultimate realization of God's name being praised universally.
pulpitPsalms 113:1: "Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD."
Verse 1. - Praise ye the Lord (comp. Psalm 104:35; Psalm 105:45; Psalm 106:1, 48; Psalm 111:1; Psalm 112:1). Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the Name of the Lord. By "ye servants of the Lord," all faithful Israelites are certainly intended; but the phrase need not be absolutely limited to them (comp. ver. 3).
poolePsalms 113:1: "Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD."
THE ARGUMENT This Psalm is a declaration of God’s powerful and universal providence towards all men, and especially towards his afflicted people. An exhortation for all men to praise the Lord, for his excellency and greatness, Psalm 113:1-5 ; for his condescension to the poor and humble-minded, Psalm 113:6-9 . Ye servants of the Lord; ye Levites, who are peculiarly devoted to this solemn work, wh…
The repetition of "Praise the Lord!" isn't just emphasis; it's a call for escalating intensity, urging us from a general acknowledgment to a zealous devotion. It specifically calls on "servants of the Lord," highlighting that those who know and follow God have a unique responsibility and privilege to declare His name.
This psalm opens with an enthusiastic call to worship, specifically directed at those who serve the Lord, inviting them to praise His name. It sets the stage for a meditation on God's immense power and glory, contrasting it with His remarkable condescension towards the humble and the poor, which forms the core theme of the psalm.
This psalm opens with an enthusiastic call to worship, specifically directed at those who serve the Lord, inviting them to praise His name. It sets the stage for a meditation on God's immense power and glory, contrasting it with His remarkable condescension towards the humble and the poor, which forms the core theme of the psalm.
"Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD!" — The repetition of "Praise the Lord!" isn't just emphasis; it's a call for escalating intensity, urging us from a general acknowledgment to a zealous devotion. It specifically calls on "servants of th…
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Last reviewed October 2026