Psalms 145:21 (KJV)

What does Psalms 145:21 mean?

Psalms 145:21 expresses a personal commitment to praise the LORD and calls for all living beings to bless God’s holy name forever. The verse highlights both individual worship and a hope that all creation will join in honoring God continually.

King David is the speaker in Psalms 145, addressing God directly while also inviting everyone—“all flesh”—to join in praise. This verse closes the psalm, summing up the theme of praising God for His greatness and goodness. The phrase “for ever and ever” stresses that this praise is meant to be unending, not just a one-time act.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 145:21

• “Mouth” (פֶּה, peh): This word points to spoken praise, emphasizing that worship is not only internal but also expressed aloud.
• “Praise” (תְּהִלָּה, tehillah): This word means praise or song of praise, often used in the Psalms to describe joyful, public acknowledgment of God’s character.
• “Flesh” (בָּשָׂר, basar): This term refers to all living beings, not just people of Israel, showing that the invitation to bless God is universal.
• “Bless” (בָּרַךְ, barakh): This word means to speak well of or honor, highlighting an active response of respect and gratitude toward God.
• “Holy” (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh): This word means set apart or sacred, underlining the unique and pure nature of God’s name.

Why Psalms 145:21 matters

• The verse clarifies that praise is both personal (“my mouth”) and communal (“all flesh”), showing that worship is meant to be shared.
• By ending the psalm with a call for unending praise, David connects his own worship to a larger vision of all creation honoring God.
• The use of “holy name” reminds readers that God’s character and reputation are central to why He is praised, not just His actions.