Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

PSALMS 103:20KJV
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Psalms 103:20 (KJV)

What does Psalms 103:20 mean?

Psalms 103:20 calls on the angels, described as mighty and obedient, to bless the LORD by listening to His commands and carrying out His word. The verse highlights the power and faithfulness of the angels as they serve God by responding to His voice.

In this psalm, David is speaking, and he turns from blessing God himself to inviting the angels—God’s powerful messengers—to join in praise. The verse emphasizes the angels’ strength and their readiness to obey God’s instructions, showing that even the most powerful beings in creation are devoted to honoring and serving the LORD.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 103:20

  • "Bless" (בָּרַךְ, barakh): This word means to praise or speak well of someone, and here it is directed toward the LORD, showing an act of worship and honor.
  • "Angels" (מַלְאָךְ, mal’akh): The term means "messenger," highlighting the angels’ role as those who carry out God’s will and deliver His messages.
  • "Excel" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor): This word is often used for someone mighty or strong, underlining the great power of the angels being addressed.
  • "Hearkening" (שָׁמַע, shama’): This means to listen attentively or obey, stressing that the angels not only hear God’s word but act on it without hesitation.

Why Psalms 103:20 matters

  • Psalms 103:20 reminds readers that even the angels, who are described as mighty and powerful, are subject to God’s authority and serve Him faithfully.
  • The verse connects the worship of heaven (angels) with that of earth (humans), showing a unified call to praise the LORD.
  • By highlighting the angels’ obedience, the verse sets an example of wholehearted devotion and responsiveness to God’s word for all who read the psalm.

Where else these words appear

“strength” Hebrew H3581 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:9 And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him,(for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.
  • Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.