Psalms 99:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's name deserves universal praise because it embodies complete separation from all evil and perfection.
The Context of Psalms 99:3
Calling believers to recognize and honor God's holy character.
What Does Psalms 99:3 Mean?
God's name represents His character and revealed identity. To praise His 'great and terrible name' is to acknowledge both His power and the awesome nature of His holiness. 'Terrible' here means awe-inspiring and fearsome—not cruel, but worthy of reverence. The holiness that makes His name worthy of praise sets Him apart from all creation and all that is profane.
The reason for praise flows directly from His holiness: His name is worthy precisely because it is set apart, pure, and entirely separate from anything corrupted or compromised. When believers praise this name, they align themselves with the reality of His character and express their own dedication to what is holy and true. This praise is both privilege and obligation.
Psalms 99:3 in the Original Language
qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ), 'holy' — fundamentally set apart; the root means to separate or consecrate, describing God's absolute separation from all impurity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 99:3
What does Psalms 99:3 mean?
God's name deserves universal praise because it embodies complete separation from all evil and perfection.
What is the context of Psalms 99:3?
Calling believers to recognize and honor God's holy character.