Psalms 99:3

Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יוֹד֣וּ

H3034

Let them 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

שִׁ֭מְךָ

H8034

name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

גָּד֥וֹל

H1419

thy great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְנוֹרָ֗א

H3372

and terrible

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

קָד֥וֹשׁ

H6918

for it is holy

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

הֽוּא׃

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 revelation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?