Psalms 150:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalm opens with a twofold call to praise God both in His sanctuary and throughout the cosmos.
The Context of Psalms 150:1
The psalm calls for universal worship of God.
What Does Psalms 150:1 Mean?
The opening commands establish the foundational imperative: praise must be given to God in His holy sanctuary, His earthly dwelling place where the faithful gather, and also in the firmament—the heavens that display His power. This opening frames praise as both corporate worship and cosmic acknowledgment.
To praise God 'in the firmament of his power' is to recognize that all creation itself testifies to His sovereignty. The vast expanse of the heavens declares His strength, and the proper response is to offer praise from every sphere—both within the congregation and across the creation that bears witness to Him.
Psalms 150:1 in the Original Language
halal (הָלַל), 'praise' — to shine, be luminous, boast; used 248 times in the Psalms alone, emphasizing the visible, radiant declaration of God's worth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 150:1
What does Psalms 150:1 mean?
The psalm opens with a twofold call to praise God both in His sanctuary and throughout the cosmos.
What is the context of Psalms 150:1?
The psalm calls for universal worship of God.