Psalms 103:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →All of God's servants throughout the heavens are called to praise him for doing his will.
The Context of Psalms 103:21
Expanding the circle of praise to include all of God's servants.
What Does Psalms 103:21 Mean?
Hosts refers to the celestial armies—all the heavenly beings organized under God's command. Ministers of his describes them by their function: they serve his purposes. The phrase that do his pleasure emphasizes that God's will is not a burden imposed on reluctant servants but something they delight to fulfill.
This verse creates a sense of cosmic participation. The reader is invited to join a vast congregation of obedient beings whose sole purpose is to honor God and carry out his intentions. In this context, human praise becomes a small but real part of a universal chorus.
Psalms 103:21 in the Original Language
hosts (צָבָא, tsaba) — army, multitude, heavenly forces; pleasure (רָצוֹן, ratson) — will, delight, pleasure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 103:21
What does Psalms 103:21 mean?
All of God's servants throughout the heavens are called to praise him for doing his will.
What is the context of Psalms 103:21?
Expanding the circle of praise to include all of God's servants.