Psalms 104:1

Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בָּרֲכִ֥י

H1288

Bless

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

נַפְשִׁ֗י

H5315

O my soul

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

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱ֭לֹהַי

H430

my God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

גָּדַ֣לְתָּ

H1431

great

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

מְּאֹ֑ד

H3966

thou art very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

ה֭וֹד

H1935

with honour

grandeur (i.e., an imposing form and appearance)

#10

וְהָדָ֣ר

H1926

and majesty

magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor

#11

לָבָֽשְׁתָּ׃

H3847

thou art clothed

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Psalms.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 104 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?