Psalms 105:3
Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
הִֽ֭תְהַלְלוּ
Glory
H1984
הִֽ֭תְהַלְלוּ
Glory
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
1 of 7
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
בְּשֵׁ֣ם
name
H8034
בְּשֵׁ֣ם
name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
2 of 7
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
קָדְשׁ֑וֹ
ye in his holy
H6944
קָדְשׁ֑וֹ
ye in his holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
3 of 7
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
יִ֝שְׂמַ֗ח
of them rejoice
H8055
יִ֝שְׂמַ֗ח
of them rejoice
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
4 of 7
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
לֵ֤ב׀
let the heart
H3820
לֵ֤ב׀
let the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
5 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
Cross References
Lamentations 3:25The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.Galatians 6:14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.1 Corinthians 1:29That no flesh should glory in his presence.Proverbs 8:17I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.Isaiah 45:25In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.Psalms 34:2My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.1 Corinthians 1:31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.Isaiah 45:19I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.Psalms 9:10And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Historical Context
God's 'holy name' represents His complete character and reputation. Glorying in His name meant celebrating His uniqueness and covenant faithfulness, particularly His redemptive acts in Israel's history.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean practically to 'glory' in God's name rather than your own achievements?
- How does your heart's rejoicing (or lack thereof) indicate the genuineness of your seeking God?
Analysis & Commentary
To 'glory in his holy name' means to boast in God's character and reputation. Hearts of those seeking the LORD should rejoice. This connects worship (glorying in God's name) with active pursuit (seeking). 'Seeking' (darash) implies diligent inquiry and pursuit, not passive waiting. Rejoicing characterizes genuine seekers—finding God brings joy. Christ promised that seekers would find (Matt 7:7-8). The Reformed doctrine of effectual calling recognizes that all who genuinely seek God do so because He first called them.