Psalms 103:1
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Original Language Analysis
בָּרֲכִ֣י
Bless
H1288
בָּרֲכִ֣י
Bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
1 of 9
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
נַ֭פְשִׁי
O my soul
H5315
נַ֭פְשִׁי
O my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
קְ֝רָבַ֗י
and all that is within
H7130
קְ֝רָבַ֗י
and all that is within
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Psalms 111:1Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.John 4:24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.1 Corinthians 14:15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.Psalms 99:3Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.Psalms 63:5My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:Psalms 47:7For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.Philippians 1:9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;Psalms 138:1I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.Isaiah 6:3And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
Historical Context
This Davidic psalm reflects mature meditation on God's covenant love (chesed), likely written during his later reign. The psalm's rehearsal of God's mercies parallels Israel's liturgical practice of recounting God's mighty acts in worship (Deuteronomy 26:5-10; Psalms 105-106).
Questions for Reflection
- Why might David need to command his own soul to bless the LORD? What does this reveal about worship?
- How would your worship deepen if you consistently engaged your whole inner being—mind, will, and affections?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
David's self-exhortation to 'Bless the LORD' (Hebrew 'barak'—to kneel, praise) initiates this magnificent hymn of praise. The dual summons—to the soul (nephesh) and 'all that is within me'—calls the entire inner person to unified worship. Blessing God's 'holy name' means reverencing His revealed character and attributes. This internal dialogue demonstrates that worship requires intentional engagement of the whole person, not mere emotional spontaneity. The psalm continues by rehearsing God's benefits (verses 2-5), modeling gratitude as the foundation of praise, and anticipating the believer's role as image-bearer in worship (Revelation 5:13).