Psalms 118:28 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Personal commitment to worship and exalt God, affirming him as the speaker's own God.
The Context of Psalms 118:28
The speaker reaffirms personal relationship with God and commits to worship.
What Does Psalms 118:28 Mean?
The speaker addresses God directly with personal ownership: 'Thou art my God.' This is not merely a statement of fact but of covenant relationship. God is not just the God of Israel or the universe abstractly, but my God—mine personally. The commitment is intimate and exclusive. Following this claim, the speaker makes a vow: 'I will praise thee.' Not passive, not conditional, but a deliberate commitment to active thanksgiving and worship. This praise is a gift of the self to God.
The second parallel—'thou art my God, I will exalt thee'—reinforces and deepens the commitment. To exalt is to lift up, honor, and magnify. Where praise can be verbal, exaltation includes elevation in thought and deed. The doubling of 'thou art my God' frames the vow, emphasizing that this commitment rests on relationship. The speaker will praise and exalt because the God he addresses is his own—covenant partner, protector, and deliverer. This is worship from the heart, not mere ritual obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 118:28
What does Psalms 118:28 mean?
Personal commitment to worship and exalt God, affirming him as the speaker's own God.
What is the context of Psalms 118:28?
The speaker reaffirms personal relationship with God and commits to worship.