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.