Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.

PSALMS 135:3KJV
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Psalms 135:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 135:3 mean?

Psalms 135:3 calls people to honor the LORD in song because he is good. The verse presents singing as a fitting and pleasing response to who the LORD is, rather than merely a duty to be carried out.

After the call to those standing in the LORD’s house in verse 2, the speaker gives the singers a reason for their praise. To sing to the LORD’s “name” means to honor the one known by that name, not simply to repeat a word.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 135:3

  • “praises” — זָמַר (zamar): This word can mean to make music or sing praise, sometimes with an instrument. It gives the call to praise a musical sense.
  • “pleasant” — נָעִים (naʿim): This word means pleasing or delightful. The KJV presents singing praise to the LORD’s name as something pleasant.

Why Psalms 135:3 matters

  • The verse gives a reason for praise, not just a command. The words “for the LORD is good” connect the singers’ response to the LORD’s character.
  • The verse moves from a general call to praise toward a particular way of expressing it. “Sing praises” gives the people words and music to use together.
  • The nearby verses give substance to the praise. Verses 5–7 speak of the LORD’s greatness and his power over the earth and the weather.

Where else these words appear

“pleasant” Hebrew H5273 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 1:23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
  • Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
  • Proverbs 22:18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

“praises” Hebrew H2167 · used in 41 verses

  • Judges 5:3 Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.
  • Psalms 47:7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
  • Psalms 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

“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 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

“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.