Psalms 118:28 (KJV)

What does Psalms 118:28 mean?

Psalms 118:28 expresses a personal declaration of faith and gratitude, where the writer calls God “my God” and promises both praise and exaltation. The verse shows a close, thankful relationship with God, focusing on honoring Him for who He is.

The writer of this psalm is speaking directly to God, likely in a public setting, affirming a personal connection by repeating “my God.” This verse comes near the end of a psalm that celebrates God’s steadfast love and deliverance. The emphasis is on recognizing God’s role in the writer’s life and responding with heartfelt worship.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 118:28

• God (אֵל, El, H410): This word highlights God’s strength and might. Using אֵל (El) here gives a sense of personal, powerful relationship—God is not just any deity, but the psalmist’s own strong protector.
• Praise (יָדָה, yadah, H3034): This verb often means to give thanks or confess openly. The sense here is more than silent gratitude; it’s a public, open acknowledgment of God’s goodness.
• God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim, H430): This is a more general word for God, often used to emphasize God’s majesty and authority. The shift from אֵל (El) to אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) in the same verse may highlight both the personal and universal aspects of God.
• Exalt (רוּם, rum, H7311): This word means to lift up or raise high. In this context, it means to honor God above all, lifting Him up in the eyes of others as well as in one’s own heart.

Why Psalms 118:28 matters

• The verse clears up the idea that worship is only a private feeling; the original words show it involves public acknowledgment and lifting God up before others.
• Repeating “my God” stresses both intimacy and loyalty, showing that faith is personal, not just a general belief in a higher power.
• In the context of Psalm 118, this verse sums up the psalmist’s response to God’s deliverance, tying personal gratitude to public praise and setting the stage for the closing call to give thanks.