Psalms 22:23 (KJV)

What does Psalms 22:23 mean?

Psalms 22:23 calls on everyone who respects and honors the LORD to praise, glorify, and stand in awe of Him, especially those descended from Jacob and Israel. The verse is a direct invitation for the people of Israel to respond to God with worship and reverence.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be David, addressing his fellow Israelites during a time of distress but also hope. After describing suffering earlier in the psalm, David now urges those who "fear the LORD"—meaning those who deeply respect God—to join in honoring Him. The verse highlights the importance of public praise and awe for God, especially among the descendants of Jacob and Israel, tying their identity to worship.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 22:23

• "fear" (יָרֵא, yare): This word means to have deep respect or reverence, not just being afraid. Here, it refers to those who recognize God's greatness and respond with honor.
• "praise" (הָלַל, halal): This is the root for "hallelujah" and means to boast about, celebrate, or shine a light on God's greatness.
• "glorify" (כָּבֵד, kaved): This word carries the sense of giving weight or honor to someone, treating God as truly significant.
• "fear" (גוּר, gur): This is a different word from the first "fear" and often means to stand in awe or be deeply moved by respect, suggesting a sense of wonder or trembling before God.

Why Psalms 22:23 matters

• Psalms 22:23 shifts the tone from personal suffering to communal praise, showing that worship is a shared response even in hard times.
• The verse uses two different Hebrew words for "fear," highlighting both respectful reverence and a sense of awe, which deepens the understanding of what it means to "fear the LORD."
• By addressing "the seed of Jacob" and "the seed of Israel," the verse connects worship to the identity and history of the people, reminding them of their relationship with God.