Psalms 111:1

Authorized King James Version

Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַ֥לְלוּ

H1984

Praise

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

יָ֨הּ׀

H3050

ye the LORD

jah, the sacred name

אוֹדֶ֣ה

H3034

I will praise

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

יְ֭הוָה

H3068

the LORD

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

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לֵבָ֑ב

H3824

with my whole heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

בְּס֖וֹד

H5475

in the assembly

a session, i.e., company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret

יְשָׁרִ֣ים

H3477

of the upright

straight (literally or figuratively)

וְעֵדָֽה׃

H5712

and in the congregation

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 111 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?