Psalms 113:2

Authorized King James Version

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Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.

Original Language Analysis

יְהִ֤י H1961
יְהִ֤י
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שֵׁ֣ם be the name H8034
שֵׁ֣ם be the name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 2 of 7
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֣ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֣ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מְבֹרָ֑ךְ Blessed H1288
מְבֹרָ֑ךְ Blessed
Strong's: H1288
Word #: 4 of 7
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
מֵֽ֝עַתָּ֗ה from this time forth H6258
מֵֽ֝עַתָּ֗ה from this time forth
Strong's: H6258
Word #: 5 of 7
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
וְעַד and for H5704
וְעַד and for
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 6 of 7
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עוֹלָֽם׃ evermore H5769
עוֹלָֽם׃ evermore
Strong's: H5769
Word #: 7 of 7
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis & Commentary

"Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore." The benediction yehi shem YHWH mevorakh (may the name of the LORD be blessed) calls for perpetual praise. Barak (bless) when applied to God means to praise, adore, speak well of. Shem (name) represents God's revealed character and reputation. The temporal scope: me'atah ve'ad olam (from now and until eternity). Atah (now) indicates present moment; ad olam (until eternity) extends endlessly forward. This commitment to eternal praise anticipates the eschatological reality: "And they shall reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 22:5), with continuous worship (Revelation 7:15). Earthly worship prepares for heavenly worship—practicing now what we'll do forever.

Historical Context

Psalms 113-118 form the Egyptian Hallel, recited at major festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, Dedication/Hanukkah). Jesus likely sang these Psalms at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26). Psalm 113 opens the Hallel with call to praise, while Psalm 118 closes with thanksgiving. Jewish tradition divided the Hallel, singing Psalms 113-114 before the Passover meal, 115-118 after. This liturgical use embedded praise into Israel's worship rhythm, connecting generations through shared hymnody. Early Christian worship similarly used Psalms extensively (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, James 5:13).

Questions for Reflection