Psalm 135:1
ESV
Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord, give praise, O servants of the Lord,
NIV
Praise the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord; praise him, you servants of the Lord,
NASB
Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord; Praise Him, you servants of the Lord,
CSB
Hallelujah! Praise the name of the Lord. Give praise, you servants of the Lord
NLT
Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord! Praise him, you who serve the Lord,
KJV
Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the name of the Lord; praise him, O ye servants of the Lord.
NKJV
Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord; Praise Him, O you servants of the Lord!
What does Psalm 135:1 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 135; verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 135:1–4 instructs the Levites who served in the temple (Numbers 1:50; Leviticus 8:35). This structure was the center of Israelite worship and was called the "house of the LORD" (1 Kings 6:1). Twice, this passage uses the Hebrew phrase halelu-yāh, literally meaning "praise the LORD!" It also notes how God chose the descendants of Jacob as His people (Genesis 32:28).
This psalm declares God's greatness with a series of comparisons. The psalmist calls on the temple workers to praise the Lord. He is superior to all idols or false gods. His sovereignty is absolute. He is more powerful than any human king or nation. His fame will never end. Manmade idols are lifeless objects, and those who worship them will become lifeless, as well. All those who honor the Lord should bring their praise.