Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just a general call to worship; it's a revolutionary announcement that God's praise is no longer confined to one nation. The psalm uses different words for "praise" in each line, suggesting a more fervent and perhaps louder celebration, especially highlighting that this universal acclaim was a prophetic vision of the Gentile world joining in.
Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This is the shortest psalm in the Bible, immediately preceding the longest. It serves as a jubilant announcement, calling on all nations and peoples, not just Israel, to praise God. This broad invitation anticipates the inclusion of Gentiles in God's kingdom, a theme powerfully echoed in the New Testament's commission to spread the gospel worldwide.
Why would a tiny nation like Israel be the only ones singing God's praises? This short psalm bursts that bubble!
Psalm 117 begins with a stunning expansion of who is called to worship. It's not just for one nation, but for all nations, all peoples.
A Universal Call
This isn't just a suggestion; it's a divine imperative. God's greatness and goodness are meant to be recognized by every single person on earth.
Did you catch that the psalm uses two different words for 'praise'? There's a subtle richness here that invites a deeper understanding.
The Hebrew language offers a beautiful nuance in how we approach God in worship. Psalm 117 uses two distinct verbs:
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Why the Difference?
This deliberate choice suggests that worship isn't one-size-fits-all. It encompasses both quiet, shining devotion and loud, celebratory declaration. Both are valid, both are needed, and both are commanded for all people.
Understand the original words
halal · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew verb 'halal' primarily denotes to boast, rave, or celebrate with enthusiasm. It is the root of the word 'Hallelujah,' meaning 'praise Yahweh,' and signifies an intentional, outward expression of joy and adoration toward God's character and works.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging One who enters into a relational bond with His people.
goyim · Hebrew Noun
Often used in the context of the 'goyim,' this refers to the distinct ethnic and political groups of humanity. Biblically, it highlights that God's sovereignty and salvation purpose extend beyond Israel to encompass the entire human race.
shabach · Hebrew Verb
This verb literally means to lift up, praise, or commend highly. In a biblical context, it involves magnifying the reputation and glory of God before others.
le'omim · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the distinct groups, tribes, or clans that make up humanity. It emphasizes the breadth of God's audience as He calls all human beings to respond to His majesty.
hesed · Hebrew Noun
A foundational theological term in the Old Testament, 'hesed' describes God’s loyal, covenant-keeping love. It goes beyond mere affection, implying faithfulness, kindness, and devotion that remains steadfast even when the object of that love is unfaithful.
'emeth · Hebrew Noun
Derived from the root 'aman' (to be firm, reliable, or established), this denotes truth, reliability, and firm consistency. It describes God as One who can be trusted completely because His word and character are unchanging and secure.
This psalm's call to all nations to praise God highlights a significant shift from the earlier, more exclusive focus on Israel. It anticipates a future where God's mercy and truth, demonstrated through His covenant faithfulness, would be recognized and celebrated by Gentiles, especially during the Hellenistic period and beyond, when Jewish communities were increasingly spread across the known world.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom at its Peak
The united kingdom of Israel, under King David and later Solomon, achieved significant political and military power. This era saw the consolidation of Israel as a regional force and the establishment of Jerusalem as its religious and political center.
c. 930 BC
Divided Kingdom: Israel and Judah
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. This division led to ongoing political instability and internal conflict.
722 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Israel
The powerful Assyrian Empire conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants. This event marked the end of Israel as a distinct kingdom and scattered its people.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile of Judah
The Neo-Babylonian Empire conquered the southern Kingdom of Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, and exiled a significant portion of the population to Babylon. This was a devastating blow to Jewish identity and worship.
c. 539 BC
Persian Empire Rises, Exile Ends
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon, establishing a vast empire. He issued a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
c. 2nd Century BC— this verse
Hellenistic Period and Diaspora
Following Alexander the Great's conquests, Greek culture and language spread throughout the Near East. Jewish communities (the Diaspora) grew in cities across the Roman and Parthian Empires, interacting with diverse cultures.
This verse echoes Psalm 117 by prophesying that the Servant of the Lord will be a light not only for Israel but also for the Gentile nations, fulfilling the call for all peoples to praise Him.
Matthew 28:19Jesus commands his disciples to 'go and make disciples of all nations,' directly fulfilling the prophetic call in Psalm 117 for every nation and people to praise the Lord.
Romans 15:11The Apostle Paul explicitly quotes Psalm 117:1 to demonstrate that the Old Testament already anticipated the inclusion of Gentiles in God's praise, showing the universal scope of God's plan.
Revelation 7:9This vision shows a multitude 'from every nation, tribe, people, and language' praising God, illustrating the ultimate fulfillment of Psalm 117's command for universal adoration.
gillPsalms 117:1: "O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people."
O praise the Lord, all ye nations,.... The Lord having chosen, and Christ having redeemed, some out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation; and the Gospel being sent and preached to all nations, and some of each being called and converted by the Spirit of God; they are excited to praise the Lord, Jehovah, Father, Son and Spirit, for their several acts of divine grace and kindness towards them, in choosing, redee…
poolePsalms 117:1: "O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people."
THE ARGUMENT This Psalm contains a prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles, as appears both from the matter of it, and from Romans 15:11 , where it is quoted to that purpose. An exhortation to all nations to praise God for his mercy and truth’s sake. Acknowledge the true God, and serve him only, and cast away all your idols.
This isn't just a general call to worship; it's a revolutionary announcement that God's praise is no longer confined to one nation. The psalm uses different words for "praise" in each line, suggesting a more fervent and perhaps louder celebration, especially highlighting that this universal acclaim was a prophetic vision of the Gentile world joining in.
This is the shortest psalm in the Bible, immediately preceding the longest. It serves as a jubilant announcement, calling on all nations and peoples, not just Israel, to praise God. This broad invitation anticipates the inclusion of Gentiles in God's kingdom, a theme powerfully echoed in the New Testament's commission to spread the gospel worldwide.
This is the shortest psalm in the Bible, immediately preceding the longest. It serves as a jubilant announcement, calling on all nations and peoples, not just Israel, to praise God. This broad invitation anticipates the inclusion of Gentiles in God's kingdom, a theme powerfully echoed in the New Testament's commission to spread the gospel worldwide.
"Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!" — This isn't just a general call to worship; it's a revolutionary announcement that God's praise is no longer confined to one nation. The psalm uses different words for "praise" in each line, suggestin…
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Last reviewed October 2026