Notice how the verse uses "Praise the LORD!" and then immediately follows with "Praise the name of the LORD." This repetition isn't just for emphasis; it urges us to praise not just God's general being, but specifically who He is as He reveals Himself to us. It calls us, His servants, to exalt His revealed character and actions.
Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD, give praise, O servants of the LORD, who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God! Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm begins with a strong, direct call to worship, urging God's servants to praise His name. It's the start of a song meant to stir up the people, reminding them of their privileged position as God's chosen people, which is the foundational reason for their praise. The focus is on immediately drawing attention to God's greatness and the joy found in serving Him.
We're called to praise the Lord, but what does that really mean? It's more than just a song; it's about celebrating who God is.
This verse kicks off with an enthusiastic call: "Praise the LORD!" This isn't just a suggestion; it's an imperative. It echoes the Hebrew "Hallelujah," meaning "Praise Yah" (or "Praise the LORD").
But it doesn't stop there. It immediately expands on this call: "Praise the name of the LORD." What's in a name? For God, His name encapsulates His very essence – His infinite being, His holiness, His goodness, His truth. To praise His name is to acknowledge and celebrate all these perfect attributes. It's recognizing Him for who He is, not just what He does.
This isn't a dry theological exercise. It's a vibrant response to the reality of God's character. It’s about allowing God's perfections to fill our minds and hearts, overflowing into our worship.
The call to praise isn't just for a select few; it's for God's servants. But who are these servants, and what makes their praise unique?
The psalm then directly addresses "O servants of the LORD." This invitation is deeply personal and significant.
Who are these servants? They are those who, by God's grace, have transitioned from being enslaved to sin, Satan, or the world, to willingly belonging to Him. This includes priests and Levites who served in the Temple, but it extends to all who stand in a covenant relationship with God.
As servants, there are special reasons for your praise:
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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.
bayith · Hebrew Noun
The physical sanctuary or the place where God’s presence dwells among His people. It signifies the place of intimate fellowship and worship.
hatser · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the surrounding areas of the sanctuary where the people gathered for worship. It symbolizes access to the presence of God.
tob · Hebrew Adjective
Describes God’s essential moral character: benevolent, kind, and morally excellent. It is the basis for His relationship with His creation.
This verse echoes the sentiment of the opening of Psalm 135 by calling for an end to the wicked and a call for praise, highlighting the ongoing need for worship amidst earthly troubles.
Psalms 113:1This passage is nearly identical to Psalm 135:1, demonstrating the importance and recurring theme of calling God's servants to praise His name within the Psalter.
Nehemiah 9:5This verse directly calls for blessing God's name continually, reinforcing the idea that praising God's name is a foundational act of worship for His people, as urged in Psalm 135:1.
1 Corinthians 6:20This passage speaks of glorifying God in our bodies, which relates to the call in Psalm 135:1 for God's servants to offer praise, showing how our very lives are meant to honor Him.
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.
Notice how the verse uses "Praise the LORD!" and then immediately follows with "Praise the name of the LORD." This repetition isn't just for emphasis; it urges us to praise not just God's general being, but specifically who He is as He reveals Himself to us. It calls us, His servants, to exalt His revealed character and actions.
This psalm begins with a strong, direct call to worship, urging God's servants to praise His name. It's the start of a song meant to stir up the people, reminding them of their privileged position as God's chosen people, which is the foundational reason for their praise. The focus is on immediately drawing attention to God's greatness and the joy found in serving Him.
This psalm begins with a strong, direct call to worship, urging God's servants to praise His name. It's the start of a song meant to stir up the people, reminding them of their privileged position as God's chosen people, which is the foundational reason for their praise. The focus is on immediately drawing attention to God's greatness and the joy found in serving Him.
"Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD, give praise, O servants of the LORD, who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God! Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing to his na…" — Notice how the verse uses "Praise the LORD!" and then immediately follows with "Praise the name of the LORD." This repetition isn't just for emphasis; it urges us to praise not just God's general b…
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Last reviewed October 2026
