Psalms 99:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 99:3 mean?

Psalms 99:3 calls on people to praise God’s great and awe-inspiring name because God is holy. The verse highlights both the majesty and the set-apartness of God’s character, inviting respect and reverence.

The psalm is part of a song celebrating God as King over all. The speaker is likely a worship leader or the psalmist, addressing the gathered people of Israel. The verse emphasizes that God’s name—meaning God’s reputation and character—is both “great” and “terrible” (meaning awe-inspiring or fearsome), and that God’s holiness sets Him apart from all others.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 99:3

• praise (יָדָה, yadah): This word means to give thanks or praise, often with an open hand or public acknowledgment. It suggests an active, expressive kind of worship, not just silent admiration.
• great (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word means “large” or “important.” Here, it points to the unmatched significance and power of God’s name.
• terrible (יָרֵא, yare’): This word is often understood as “fearsome” or “awe-inspiring,” not “terrible” in the sense of evil, but rather worthy of deep respect and even trembling.
• name (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, a name represents one’s character and reputation. Praising God’s name means honoring who God is.
• holy (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh): This word means “set apart” or “sacred.” God’s holiness is the reason for the praise, marking God as unique and pure.

Why Psalms 99:3 matters

• Psalms 99:3 clarifies that God’s “terrible” name is about awe and reverence, not something evil or cruel.
• The verse connects God’s greatness and awe-inspiring nature directly to God’s holiness, showing that these qualities are not separate but deeply linked.
• This verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which continues to focus on God’s unique and exalted rule over all people.