Psalms 135:21

Authorized King James Version

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Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

Original Language Analysis

בָּ֘ר֤וּךְ Blessed H1288
בָּ֘ר֤וּךְ Blessed
Strong's: H1288
Word #: 1 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
יְהוָ֨ה׀ be the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֨ה׀ be the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִצִּיּ֗וֹן out of Zion H6726
מִצִּיּ֗וֹן out of Zion
Strong's: H6726
Word #: 3 of 7
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
שֹׁ֘כֵ֤ן which dwelleth H7931
שֹׁ֘כֵ֤ן which dwelleth
Strong's: H7931
Word #: 4 of 7
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
יְֽרוּשָׁלִָ֗ם at Jerusalem H3389
יְֽרוּשָׁלִָ֗ם at Jerusalem
Strong's: H3389
Word #: 5 of 7
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
הַֽלְלוּ Praise H1984
הַֽלְלוּ Praise
Strong's: H1984
Word #: 6 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
יָֽהּ׃ ye the LORD H3050
יָֽהּ׃ ye the LORD
Strong's: H3050
Word #: 7 of 7
jah, the sacred name

Analysis & Commentary

The psalm reaches its climax: 'Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.' The grammar shifts from imperative ('bless the LORD') to declarative ('blessed be the LORD'), moving from command to accomplished fact. Praise rises 'out of Zion,' the temple mount where God chose to place His name. The phrase 'which dwelleth at Jerusalem' (shochen Yerushalayim) emphasizes divine presence - the God of all creation condescends to dwell among His people. This localized presence does not limit God but demonstrates His gracious accessibility. The final 'Hallelujah' (Praise ye the LORD) forms an inclusio with verse 1, framing the entire psalm in praise. For Christians, this dwelling finds ultimate expression in Christ, 'the Word made flesh' who 'dwelt among us' (John 1:14), and extends to the church as God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Historical Context

Zion originally referred to the Jebusite fortress David captured, then extended to the temple mount and eventually to Jerusalem as a whole. The concept of God 'dwelling' in Jerusalem created both privilege and responsibility for Israel. This theology of divine presence shaped Jewish worship and identity through exile and beyond.

Questions for Reflection