Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

PSALMS 135:21KJV
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Psalms 135:21 (KJV)

What does Psalms 135:21 mean?

Psalms 135:21 is a call to bless and praise the LORD, who is present in Zion and dwells in Jerusalem. The verse invites people to recognize and honor God's special presence in these places and to respond with praise.

The psalmist is speaking to the gathered worshipers, likely in the context of temple worship in Jerusalem. Zion and Jerusalem are highlighted as the central locations of God's presence with His people. The verse closes the psalm by directing everyone to give praise to the LORD, emphasizing both God's nearness and His worthiness to be praised.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 135:21

  • Blessed (בָּרוּךְ, barukh): This word means to speak well of or to honor. Here, it is an invitation for people to express gratitude and reverence toward the LORD.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing God's covenant relationship with Israel.
  • Zion (צִיּוֹן, tsiyyon): Zion refers to the hill in Jerusalem where the temple stood, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people.
  • Dwelleth (שָׁכֵן, shakhen): This word means to reside or live. It highlights the belief that God’s presence is especially connected with Jerusalem.
  • Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם, yerushalayim): The city where the temple was located, seen as the spiritual center for Israel.
  • Praise (הָלַל, halal): This word means to shine or to boast, but in this context, it is a call to praise or celebrate God.
  • LORD (יָהּ, Yah): A shortened form of God’s name, often used in songs of praise.

Why Psalms 135:21 matters

  • Psalms 135:21 clarifies that praise is not just a private act but something to be done together, especially in the places where God’s presence is believed to dwell.
  • The verse connects the act of blessing God with specific locations (Zion and Jerusalem), reminding readers of the historical and spiritual importance of these places in Israel’s worship.
  • By ending the psalm with a call to praise, the verse ties together the themes of God’s greatness and faithfulness described earlier in the psalm, encouraging a response of worship.

Where else these words appear

“LORD” Hebrew H3050 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
  • Psalms 135:3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.

“dwelleth” Hebrew H7931 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Chronicles 17:9 Also I will ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the beginning,
  • Proverbs 10:30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

“Praise” Hebrew H1984 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 12:15 The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.
  • Psalms 63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
  • Psalms 148:3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.