Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "for it is pleasant" points to more than just a nice feeling; it suggests that singing praises is inherently right and beautiful, a fitting response to God's goodness that brings deep joy to the worshiper. This isn't just about outward expression, but about an internal delight that arises from connecting with the divine.
Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a vibrant call to worship, urging God's people to praise His name. It emphasizes that God is good and that singing praises to Him is a delightful and fitting response, especially for those who stand in His presence. The psalm highlights God's gracious choice of Jacob and Israel as His special treasure, setting the stage for further reflections on His greatness and mighty acts.
Why do we praise God? The psalm gives us a foundational reason right at the start. It's not just about what God does, but about who God is.
The Source of All Good
The verse starts with a simple, profound declaration: 'for the LORD is good.' This isn't a conditional statement; God's goodness isn't dependent on our circumstances.
This truth means our praise isn't just a reaction to blessings, but a response to the unchanging character of God Himself.
Beyond God's fundamental goodness, there's another reason given for praise: it's 'pleasant.' What makes singing to God's name so enjoyable?
More Than Just Pleasant
The word 'pleasant' here (translated from a Hebrew word that can also mean beautiful or lovely) points to the deep satisfaction and beauty found in worship.
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Understand the original words
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 passage directly parallels Psalm 135:3 by stating 'Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious and it is pleasant to give thanks.'
Psalms 119:68This verse highlights God's goodness, stating 'You are good and do good; teach me your statutes,' reinforcing the reason for praise given in Psalm 135:3.
Psalms 92:1This verse also calls for thanksgiving, saying 'It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High,' echoing the sentiment that praising God is both fitting and pleasant.
Deuteronomy 7:6While not directly about praise, this verse states 'For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.' This highlights God's choice of Israel, a concept often intertwined with the reasons for praise as expressed in Psalms 135.
clarkePsalms 135:3: "Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant."
The Lord is good - Here is the first reason why he should be praised; and a second is subjoined: For it is pleasant - It is becoming to acknowledge this infinite Being, and our dependence on him; and it is truly comfortable to an upright mind to be thus employed.
ellicottPsalms 135:3: "Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant."
(3) Sing praises. —Rather, play. For it is pleasant—i.e., thus to sing hallelujah. (See Psalm 147:1; Proverbs 22:18. Others take name as the subject, and the Prayer-Book version suggested to Crashaw the beautiful hymn beginning “Come lovely name,” &c.
The phrase "for it is pleasant" points to more than just a nice feeling; it suggests that singing praises is inherently right and beautiful, a fitting response to God's goodness that brings deep joy to the worshiper. This isn't just about outward expression, but about an internal delight that arises from connecting with the divine.
This psalm is a vibrant call to worship, urging God's people to praise His name. It emphasizes that God is good and that singing praises to Him is a delightful and fitting response, especially for those who stand in His presence. The psalm highlights God's gracious choice of Jacob and Israel as His special treasure, setting the stage for further reflections on His greatness and mighty acts.
This psalm is a vibrant call to worship, urging God's people to praise His name. It emphasizes that God is good and that singing praises to Him is a delightful and fitting response, especially for those who stand in His presence. The psalm highlights God's gracious choice of Jacob and Israel as His special treasure, setting the stage for further reflections on His greatness and mighty acts.
"Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant!" — The phrase "for it is pleasant" points to more than just a nice feeling; it suggests that singing praises is inherently right and beautiful, a fitting response to God's goodness that brings deep joy…
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Last reviewed October 2026