Psalms 103:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist calls on angels to praise God, noting their power and obedience.
The Context of Psalms 103:20
Broadening the circle of praise to include the heavenly host.
What Does Psalms 103:20 Mean?
Angels are portrayed as mighty beings who excel in strength yet remain perfectly obedient. They hear God's word and immediately do it—there is no hesitation or rebellion among them. Their praise becomes a model for human worship: to acknowledge God's authority and to obey his will.
By invoking the angels to bless God, the psalmist joins heaven and earth in one chorus of praise. If the strongest beings in the cosmos render perfect obedience to the God of mercy, how much more should frail humans align themselves with his will and trust his judgment.
Psalms 103:20 in the Original Language
hearkening (שׁמַע, shama) — to hear and obey; the voice of his word (קוֹל דְּבָרוֹ, kol devaro) — the sound of his utterance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 103:20
What does Psalms 103:20 mean?
The psalmist calls on angels to praise God, noting their power and obedience.
What is the context of Psalms 103:20?
Broadening the circle of praise to include the heavenly host.