Romans 15:11
And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
2 of 14
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριον
the Lord
G2962
κύριον
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνη
Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνη
Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
8 of 14
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
Psalm 117 was part of the Hallel psalms (113-118) sung at Passover. Jesus likely sang this psalm at the Last Supper (Matt 26:30). Paul's use connects Gentile worship to Israel's liturgical tradition—Gentile believers join the song Israel has always sung, now understanding its full, Christ-centered meaning. This continuity between synagogue and church worship was theologically vital.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Psalm 117's call for universal praise shape your understanding of the Great Commission and global missions?
- What does it mean for you personally to join 'all peoples' in lauding the Lord—what does your worship contribute to this cosmic chorus?
- How can your church better reflect the 'all nations, all peoples' inclusiveness that Scripture envisions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people (καὶ πάλιν· Αἰνεῖτε, πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, τὸν κύριον, καὶ ἐπαινεσάτωσαν αὐτὸν πάντες οἱ λαοί, kai palin· Aineite, panta ta ethnē, ton kyrion, kai epainesatōsan auton pantes hoi laoi)—Paul's third quotation, from Psalm 117:1, universalizes the call: panta ta ethnē (all the Gentiles/nations) and pantes hoi laoi (all the peoples)—comprehensive inclusion. The verbs aineite (praise) and epainesatōsan (laud, extol) are worship terms. The entire human family is summoned to worship ton kyrion (the Lord)—in Christian reading, this Kyrios is Jesus (cf. Phil 2:9-11).
Psalm 117 is the Bible's shortest psalm but makes the grandest claim: universal worship of YHWH. What seemed hyperbolic in the psalmist's day Paul sees fulfilled in the gospel's global reach. The church's mission to disciple panta ta ethnē (Matt 28:19) fulfills the psalter's call. Every tribe and tongue praising Christ realizes Scripture's vision.