Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

PSALMS 150:6KJV
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Psalms 150:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 150:6 mean?

Psalms 150:6 calls on every living creature to praise the LORD, ending the book of Psalms with a universal invitation to worship. The verse emphasizes that all who have breath—meaning all who are alive—are included in this call to praise.

The verse is the final line of Psalm 150, which itself is a song of praise. The speaker is the psalmist, addressing everyone who is alive, not just the people of Israel. The setting is a joyful conclusion to the Psalms, summing up the book’s recurring theme that praise belongs to God from all creation.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 150:6

  • "breath" (נְשָׁמָה, neshama): This word refers to the breath of life, highlighting that praise is not just for people but for everything that is alive and breathing.
  • "praise" (הָלַל, halal): This verb means to praise, boast, or celebrate. In this context, it is a call for enthusiastic and joyful praise.
  • "LORD" (יָהּ, Yah): This is a shortened form of God’s name, often used in songs and poetry, focusing attention on the personal God of Israel.
  • "Praise" (הָלַל, halal): The command is repeated at the end ("Praise ye the LORD"), reinforcing the invitation and ending the Psalms with a strong call to worship.
  • "LORD" (יָהּ, Yah): Again, this name is used to center the praise specifically on the God of Israel.

Why Psalms 150:6 matters

  • Psalms 150:6 makes clear that praise is not limited to a specific group, place, or time—everyone and everything that is alive is invited to join in.
  • The verse brings the entire book of Psalms to a climax, showing that the ultimate response to God’s character and actions is universal praise.
  • By using the word for "breath," the verse connects back to the creation story, where God gives breath to living beings, suggesting that praising God is a natural response to receiving life itself.

Where else these words appear

“breath” Hebrew H5397 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
  • 1 Kings 15:29 And it came to pass, when he reigned, that he smote all the house of Jeroboam; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according unto the saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite:
  • Job 37:10 By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.

“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.

“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 148:2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.