Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
While it calls for all breathing things to praise the Lord, the verse’s final exclamation, "Praise the LORD!" (Hallelujah!), emphasizes that this isn't just a general wish. It's a grand, unified chorus directed from within the covenant community, a powerful call to worship that echoes through the entire book of Psalms.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This final verse of the Psalms offers a powerful, universal call to worship, bringing the entire collection to a climactic crescendo. After detailing various ways and reasons to praise God in the preceding verses, the Psalmist broadens the scope to encompass all of creation that possesses life. This ultimate exhortation serves as the grand finale, a resounding "Hallelujah!" that echoes through all time and existence.
The very last verse of Psalms is a grand finale, a cosmic crescendo. What does it mean for everything with breath to praise God?
A Symphony of Creation
The final verse of Psalms isn't just a suggestion; it's an explosive, all-encompassing command. "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!" This isn't limited to humans in a worship service. Think bigger!
We're called to praise with the breath God gave us. But what happens when that breath is renewed by something even greater?
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The Double Breath
The phrase "everything that has breath" holds a beautiful, layered meaning, especially for believers.
The Book of Psalms, with all its laments and struggles, ends not in despair, but in an explosion of joy. What does this closing tell us?
From Tears to Triumph
The Book of Psalms is incredibly diverse. It holds our deepest sorrows, our most fervent prayers, our moments of doubt, and our soaring triumphs. Yet, it doesn't end on a note of sorrow or struggle.
Understand the original words
neshamah · Hebrew Noun
The physical act of respiration, which is the sign of life in living creatures. Biblically, it is often associated with the 'breath of life' (neshamah) given by God, signifying that all living things owe their existence and vitality to Him.
halal · Hebrew Verb
To express profound adoration, approval, and worship toward God. It signifies the verbal and outward declaration of God's character and deeds, acknowledging His supremacy and worthiness.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. It represents the self-existent, eternal, and faithful God who keeps His promises and enters into a relationship with His people.
This passage echoes the universal call to praise, expanding it to include every creature in heaven and on earth, aligning with the broad scope of Psalm 150:6.
Philippians 4:4While Psalm 150:6 calls for all creation to praise, Philippians 4:4 focuses this joy and praise inward towards the Lord, highlighting a personal and consistent rejoicing in Him.
Romans 15:6This verse speaks of glorifying God with a unified voice, similar to the collective 'everything that has breath' in Psalm 150:6, but specifically within the context of the Christian community.
1 Corinthians 6:20This passage emphasizes that our bodies, and by extension the 'breath' within them, belong to God, making the exhortation to praise in Psalm 150:6 a rightful claim He has upon us.
clarkePsalms 150:6: "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."
Let every thing that hath breath - Either to make a vocal noise, or a sound by blowing into pipes, fifes, flutes, trumpets, etc. Let all join together, and put forth all your strength and all your skill in sounding the praises of Jehovah; and then let a universal burst with Hallelujah! close the grand ceremony. It is evident that this Psalm has no other meaning than merely the summoning up all the voices, and…
bensonPsalms 150:6: "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."
Psalm 150:6 . Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord — Every living creature in heaven and earth, Revelation 5:13 , according to their several capacities, some objectively, as manifesting his glorious perfections in their formation, qualities, and endowments, and giving men and angels just occasion to praise him; and others actively, with hearts and voices, words and actions, showing forth his praise…
While it calls for all breathing things to praise the Lord, the verse’s final exclamation, "Praise the LORD!" (Hallelujah!), emphasizes that this isn't just a general wish. It's a grand, unified chorus directed from within the covenant community, a powerful call to worship that echoes through the entire book of Psalms.
This final verse of the Psalms offers a powerful, universal call to worship, bringing the entire collection to a climactic crescendo. After detailing various ways and reasons to praise God in the preceding verses, the Psalmist broadens the scope to encompass all of creation that possesses life. This ultimate exhortation serves as the grand finale, a resounding "Hallelujah!" that echoes through all time and existence.
This final verse of the Psalms offers a powerful, universal call to worship, bringing the entire collection to a climactic crescendo. After detailing various ways and reasons to praise God in the preceding verses, the Psalmist broadens the scope to encompass all of creation that possesses life. This ultimate exhortation serves as the grand finale, a resounding "Hallelujah!" that echoes through all time and existence.
"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!" — While it calls for all breathing things to praise the Lord, the verse’s final exclamation, "Praise the LORD!" (Hallelujah!), emphasizes that this isn't just a general wish. It's a grand, unified ch…
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Last reviewed October 2026