Psalms 113:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 113:3 mean?

Psalms 113:3 says that the LORD’s name deserves to be praised everywhere and at all times, from sunrise to sunset. The verse highlights that honoring God is not limited to a specific place or moment, but is fitting throughout the entire day.

This verse is part of a hymn where the psalmist calls on people to praise the LORD (the God of Israel). The setting is a song meant for worship, likely sung by a community. The language stretches from the “rising of the sun” to its “going down,” painting a picture of praise that spans the whole world and the whole day, showing how God’s worthiness is constant and universal.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 113:3

• “Rising” (מִמִּזְרַח, mizrach): This word points to the east, where the sun rises, and sets the boundary for when praise should begin—at the very start of the day.
• “Sun” (שֶׁמֶשׁ, shemesh): The mention of the sun anchors the verse in the daily rhythm of life, making the call to praise relatable to everyone who experiences day and night.
• “Down” (מְבוֹא, mavo’): This word refers to the setting or going down of the sun, marking the end of the day and showing that praise is fitting until the day’s close.
• “LORD’S” (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that the praise is directed specifically to Israel’s God, not just any deity.
• “Name” (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, a name often stands for the character and reputation of a person, so praising God’s name means honoring who God is.
• “Praised” (הָלַל, halal): This verb means to shine, boast, or celebrate, and is the root of “hallelujah.” It stresses joyful, public acknowledgment of God.

Why Psalms 113:3 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that worship is only for certain times or places; instead, it shows that God is worthy of praise everywhere and always.
• The verse connects to the rest of Psalm 113, which is a call for all people, not just Israel, to recognize God’s greatness.
• By using the daily journey of the sun, the psalmist makes the call to praise something everyone can picture, showing that God’s praise is as constant as the cycle of day and night.