Psalms 66:8
O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
Original Language Analysis
בָּרְכ֖וּ
O bless
H1288
בָּרְכ֖וּ
O bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
1 of 6
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
עַמִּ֥ים׀
ye people
H5971
עַמִּ֥ים׀
ye people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 6
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 6
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְ֝הַשְׁמִ֗יעוּ
to be heard
H8085
וְ֝הַשְׁמִ֗יעוּ
to be heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
4 of 6
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Cross References
Psalms 66:2Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.Psalms 98:4Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.Psalms 47:1O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.Jeremiah 33:11The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, public praise often accompanied festivals and covenant renewal ceremonies. This verse likely reflects a temple liturgy where the congregation responded to priestly declarations of God's mighty acts.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you make your praise of God 'heard' in both your immediate community and broader culture?
- What holds you back from public, vocal declaration of God's goodness in your life?
- In what ways does corporate worship strengthen individual faith and vice versa?
Analysis & Commentary
The call to 'bless our God' emphasizes corporate worship as the proper response to divine deliverance. Making His praise 'to be heard' suggests loud, public declaration—worship is never merely private but communal and testimonial. The Hebrew 'barak' (bless) means to kneel in adoration, acknowledging God as the source of all good. This public praise serves both as thanksgiving and evangelism, declaring God's goodness to all who hear.