Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD, give praise, O servants of the LORD,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The repetition of "Praise the LORD" isn't just emphasis; it draws our attention to God's very name, which represents His character and essence. The call to praise isn't just for worship leaders or priests, but for all who serve Him, highlighting that His goodness and electing love are for everyone in covenant with Him.
Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD, give praise, O servants of the LORD,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm opens with a passionate call to worship, urging the "servants of the LORD" to praise His name. It specifically addresses those who stand in the temple courts, likely priests and Levites, but the invitation extends to all God's people who have been chosen and set apart. The repetition of "praise" emphasizes the importance and sweetness of this act, rooted in God's goodness and His unique choice of Israel.
Why repeat 'Praise the Lord' so many times in just one verse? It's more than just enthusiasm; it's a deliberate unfolding of who and what we're called to praise.
This opening verse isn't just a simple command; it's a layered invitation.
The call to praise is specifically directed to 'servants of the LORD.' Who qualifies for this special invitation, and what does it mean to be God's servant in worship?
The phrase "servants of the LORD" isn't limited to priests or Levites, though they were certainly included. It broadly encompasses all who:
Ask a follow-up
This identity as a servant is the very reason for offering praise – it's a response of love and gratitude for His choosing and His goodness.
Understand the original words
halal · Hebrew Verb
A command to express admiration, adoration, and worship toward God for His character and works. It implies an outward manifestation of inner reverence.
Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
The personal covenant name of God revealed to Moses (YHWH). It signifies His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His covenant people.
shem · Hebrew Noun
In biblical usage, a name represents the person's character, reputation, authority, and nature. To praise the name is to praise the person of God as He has revealed Himself.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
Refers to those who serve God, often used of priests, Levites, or the faithful people of God who live in submission and devotion to Him.
This verse is nearly identical to Psalm 113:1, highlighting the recurring call to praise the Lord's name and involving His servants in this sacred duty.
Psalms 103:1This passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 135:1, urging the soul to bless the Lord and not forget His benefits, emphasizing a deep, personal engagement with praise.
Nehemiah 9:5This verse provides a powerful example of the Levites leading the people in a prayer of praise and confession, similar to the call for 'servants of the LORD' to praise Him in Psalm 135:1.
John 1:14While Psalm 135:1 calls for praise of 'the name of the LORD,' John 1:14 reveals that the Word became flesh, showing us the very Name and essence of God in Jesus, making Him supremely worthy of our praise.
Romans 11:36This verse speaks of God's ultimate sovereignty and the 'from him and through him and to him' nature of all things, aligning with the profound reasons for unending praise called for in Psalm 135:1, as all creation ultimately reflects His glory.
clarkePsalms 135:1: "Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD."
Praise ye the Lord - This may be considered as the title, for it has none other. Praise ye the name of the Lord - Perhaps the original הללו את שם יהוה haleu eth shem Yehovah, should be translated, Praise ye the name Jehovah; that is, Praise God in his infinite essence of being, holiness, goodness, and truth.
pulpitPsalms 135:1: "Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants 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; Psalm 113:1, etc.). Praise ye the Name of the Lord (comp. Psalm 113:1). Praise him, O ye servants of the Lord; rather, praise it; i.e. the Name.
The repetition of "Praise the LORD" isn't just emphasis; it draws our attention to God's very name, which represents His character and essence. The call to praise isn't just for worship leaders or priests, but for all who serve Him, highlighting that His goodness and electing love are for everyone in covenant with Him.
This psalm opens with a passionate call to worship, urging the "servants of the LORD" to praise His name. It specifically addresses those who stand in the temple courts, likely priests and Levites, but the invitation extends to all God's people who have been chosen and set apart. The repetition of "praise" emphasizes the importance and sweetness of this act, rooted in God's goodness and His unique choice of Israel.
This psalm opens with a passionate call to worship, urging the "servants of the LORD" to praise His name. It specifically addresses those who stand in the temple courts, likely priests and Levites, but the invitation extends to all God's people who have been chosen and set apart. The repetition of "praise" emphasizes the importance and sweetness of this act, rooted in God's goodness and His unique choice of Israel.
"Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD, give praise, O servants of the LORD," — The repetition of "Praise the LORD" isn't just emphasis; it draws our attention to God's very name, which represents His character and essence. The call to praise isn't just for worship leaders or…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026