Psalms 145:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's magnitude exceeds measure and is worthy of profound praise.
The Context of Psalms 145:3
The psalmist declares God's infinite greatness and corresponding worthiness of praise.
What Does Psalms 145:3 Mean?
This verse moves from personal commitment to cosmic declaration. 'Great is the LORD' is not merely opinion but a truth the psalmist proclaims. The phrase 'greatly to be praised' affirms that God's character and works merit the highest expressions of worship. The final clause—'his greatness is unsearchable'—places his nature beyond human comprehension or limitation.
The parallelism between greatness and the praise it deserves establishes a theological principle: God's nature generates the appropriate response. The admission that his greatness cannot be searched or fully grasped protects God's transcendence while validating the attempt to praise him. Mystery and majesty are inseparable.
Psalms 145:3 in the Original Language
spr (סְפַר), 'search' — to investigate or recount; here negated to convey that God's greatness cannot be fully explored or numbered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 145:3
What does Psalms 145:3 mean?
God's magnitude exceeds measure and is worthy of profound praise.
What is the context of Psalms 145:3?
The psalmist declares God's infinite greatness and corresponding worthiness of praise.