Psalms 135:3

Authorized King James Version

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Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.

Original Language Analysis

הַֽ֭לְלוּ Praise H1984
הַֽ֭לְלוּ Praise
Strong's: H1984
Word #: 1 of 9
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
יָהּ the LORD H3050
יָהּ the LORD
Strong's: H3050
Word #: 2 of 9
jah, the sacred name
כִּי H3588
כִּי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 3 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ט֣וֹב is good H2896
ט֣וֹב is good
Strong's: H2896
Word #: 4 of 9
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
יְהוָ֑ה for the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה for the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
זַמְּר֥וּ sing praises H2167
זַמְּר֥וּ sing praises
Strong's: H2167
Word #: 6 of 9
properly, to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e., play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in so
לִ֝שְׁמ֗וֹ unto his name H8034
לִ֝שְׁמ֗וֹ unto his name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 7 of 9
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 8 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נָעִֽים׃ for it is pleasant H5273
נָעִֽים׃ for it is pleasant
Strong's: H5273
Word #: 9 of 9
delightful (objective or subjective, literal or figurative)

Analysis & Commentary

Here the psalmist supplies the first reasons for praise: 'for the LORD is good' and 'for it is pleasant.' The Hebrew word 'tov' (good) encompasses moral excellence, benevolence, and generosity - God's goodness is not merely an attribute but His disposition toward His people. The parallel statement 'sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant' uses 'na'im' (pleasant, lovely, delightful), which can describe either the act of praising as pleasant or God's name itself as delightful. Both interpretations yield truth: worship brings joy to the worshiper, and God's revealed character is inherently beautiful. This verse establishes that praise flows from theology - we worship because of who God is. As James 1:17 declares, 'Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.'

Historical Context

The phrase 'the LORD is good' appears frequently in Israel's worship vocabulary (Psalm 100:5, 106:1, 107:1). This confession was central to temple liturgy, often sung antiphonally. The emphasis on God's goodness contrasted sharply with pagan conceptions of capricious, morally ambiguous deities.

Questions for Reflection