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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/103-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/19_Psa_103_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 103:1 - Bless the LORD, O My Soul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/103-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/103-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/103.htm">Chapter 103</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/102-28.htm" title="Psalm 102:28">◄</a> Psalm 103:1 <a href="/psalms/103-2.htm" title="Psalm 103:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/103.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/103.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Of David. Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/103.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/103.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/103.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/103.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, <i>bless</i> his holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/103.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, <i>bless</i> His holy name!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/103.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Bless the LORD, my soul, And all that is within me, <i>bless</i> His holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/103.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/103.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, <i>bless</i> His holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/103.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Of David. Bless Yahweh, O my soul, And all that is within me, <i>bless</i> His holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/103.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Bless <i>and</i> affectionately praise the LORD, O my soul, And all that is [deep] within me, <i>bless</i> His holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/103.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Of David. My soul, bless the LORD, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/103.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Davidic. My soul, praise Yahweh, and all that is within me, praise His holy name. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/103.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. Bless Jehovah, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless his holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/103.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />With all my heart I praise the LORD, and with all that I am I praise his holy name! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/103.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/103.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[By David.] Praise the LORD, my soul! Praise his holy name, all that is within me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/103.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Praise the LORD, my soul! All my being, praise his holy name! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/103.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Bless the LORD, my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/103.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/103.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />By David. Praise the LORD, O my soul! With all that is within me, praise his holy name! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/103.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />[By David.] Praise the LORD, my soul, and all that is within me, praise his holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/103.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/103.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />By David. Praise Yahweh, my soul! All that is within me, praise his holy name! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/103.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />BY DAVID. Bless, O my soul, YHWH, "" And all my inward parts—His Holy Name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/103.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> By David. Bless, O my soul, Jehovah, And all my inward parts -- His Holy Name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/103.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To David. Praise Jehovah, O my soul, and all within me, his holy name.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/103.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For David himself. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and let all that is within me bless his holy name. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/103.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 102:1>To David himself. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and bless his holy name, all that is within me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/103.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Of David. Bless the LORD, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/103.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/103.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />BLESS the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/103.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Bless LORD JEHOVAH, my soul, and all my bones, bless his holy name!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/103.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />[A Psalm] of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/103.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all <i>that is</i> within me, <i>bless</i> his holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/103-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=12657" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/103.htm">Bless the LORD, O My Soul</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: lə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">Of David.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1288.htm" title="1288: bā·ră·ḵî (V-Piel-Imp-fs) -- To kneel, bless. A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God, and man; also to curse."> Bless</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">O my soul;</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/7130.htm" title="7130: qə·rā·ḇay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Inward part, midst. From qarab; properly, the nearest part, i.e. The center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial.">that is within me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6944.htm" title="6944: qā·ḏə·šōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Apartness, sacredness. From qadash; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity.">bless His holy</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šêm (N-msc) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">name.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds—…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-1.htm">Psalm 34:1</a></span><br />Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/104-1.htm">Psalm 104:1</a></span><br />Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/145-1.htm">Psalm 145:1-2</a></span><br />A Psalm of praise. Of David. I will exalt You, my God and King; I will bless Your name forever and ever. / Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/146-1.htm">Psalm 146:1-2</a></span><br />Hallelujah! Praise the LORD, O my soul. / I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/30-12.htm">Psalm 30:12</a></span><br />that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/63-4.htm">Psalm 63:4-5</a></span><br />So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands. / My soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods; with joyful lips my mouth will praise You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/71-8.htm">Psalm 71:8</a></span><br />My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your splendor all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/92-1.htm">Psalm 92:1-2</a></span><br />A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath day. It is good to praise the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High, / to proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning and Your faithfulness at night<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/138-1.htm">Psalm 138:1-2</a></span><br />Of David. I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises. / I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness; You have exalted Your name and Your word above all else.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/150-1.htm">Psalm 150:1-2</a></span><br />Hallelujah! Praise God in His sanctuary. Praise Him in His mighty heavens. / Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him for His excellent greatness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/12-4.htm">Isaiah 12:4-5</a></span><br />and on that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD; proclaim His name! Make His works known among the peoples; declare that His name is exalted. / Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things. Let this be known in all the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/25-1.htm">Isaiah 25:1</a></span><br />O LORD, You are my God! I will exalt You; I will praise Your name. For You have worked wonders—plans formed long ago—in perfect faithfulness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-10.htm">Isaiah 42:10</a></span><br />Sing to the LORD a new song—His praise from the ends of the earth—you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who dwell in them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-10.htm">Isaiah 61:10</a></span><br />I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-41.htm">Lamentations 3:41</a></span><br />Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.</p><p class="hdg">a.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/103-22.htm">Psalm 103:22</a></b></br> Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/104-1.htm">Psalm 104:1</a></b></br> Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/146-1.htm">Psalm 146:1,2</a></b></br> Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul… </p><p class="hdg">all that</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/47-7.htm">Psalm 47:7</a></b></br> For God <i>is</i> the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/57-7.htm">Psalm 57:7-11</a></b></br> My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/63-5.htm">Psalm 63:5</a></b></br> My soul shall be satisfied as <i>with</i> marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise <i>thee</i> with joyful lips:</p><p class="hdg">holy name</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/99-3.htm">Psalm 99:3</a></b></br> Let them praise thy great and terrible name; <i>for</i> it <i>is</i> holy.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/6-3.htm">Isaiah 6:3</a></b></br> And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, <i>is</i> the LORD of hosts: the whole earth <i>is</i> full of his glory.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/4-8.htm">Revelation 4:8</a></b></br> And the four beasts had each of them six wings about <i>him</i>; and <i>they were</i> full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/100-4.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/psalms/102-28.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/102-19.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/psalms/51-6.htm">Inmost</a> <a href="/psalms/64-6.htm">Inward</a> <a href="/psalms/78-66.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/psalms/102-21.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/102-28.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/94-21.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/101-7.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/103-2.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/psalms/107-43.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/105-3.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/psalms/139-13.htm">Inmost</a> <a href="/psalms/109-18.htm">Inward</a> <a href="/psalms/109-18.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/psalms/103-2.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/107-43.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/103-2.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/107-5.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 103</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/103-1.htm">An exhortation to bless God for his mercy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/103-5.htm">And for the constancy thereof</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/103.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/103.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Of David.</b><br>This psalm is attributed to King David, a central figure in the history of Israel. David was known as a man after God's own heart and was both a shepherd and a king. His life experiences, from tending sheep to ruling a nation, deeply influenced his writings. The psalms attributed to him often reflect a personal and intimate relationship with God, characterized by praise, repentance, and worship. David's authorship connects this psalm to the rich tradition of Hebrew poetry and worship.<p><b>Bless the LORD,</b><br>The term "bless" in this context means to praise or to speak well of. It is an act of worship and adoration directed towards God. The use of "LORD" in all capital letters signifies the translation of the Hebrew name for God, Yahweh, which is the covenant name of God revealed to Moses. This phrase calls for a response of gratitude and reverence towards God, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness.<p><b>O my soul;</b><br>The soul represents the innermost being of a person, encompassing the mind, will, and emotions. David is urging his entire being to engage in the act of worship. This reflects the biblical understanding that worship is not merely an external act but involves the whole person. It is a call to sincere and heartfelt devotion, emphasizing the importance of internal alignment with God's will.<p><b>all that is within me,</b><br>This phrase underscores the totality of the worship experience. It is a call for every part of one's being—thoughts, emotions, desires, and physical strength—to be involved in blessing God. This comprehensive approach to worship is consistent with the Shema in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a>, which commands love for God with all one's heart, soul, and strength. It highlights the holistic nature of true worship.<p><b>bless His holy name.</b><br>God's name represents His character and attributes. The holiness of God's name signifies His purity, righteousness, and otherness. To bless His holy name is to acknowledge and revere His divine nature and to honor Him for who He is. This phrase connects to the Third Commandment, which instructs not to take the Lord's name in vain, emphasizing the sacredness of God's identity. It also foreshadows the reverence for the name of Jesus Christ, as seen in <a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a>, where every knee will bow at His name.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/103.htm">Psalm 103</a>, King David, is expressing a deep, personal worship and adoration for God. His life, filled with both triumphs and trials, provides a rich backdrop for understanding the depth of his praise.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The central focus of the psalm, Yahweh is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, unchanging nature and His relationship with His people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_soul.htm">The Soul</a></b><br>David speaks to his own soul, indicating an internal dialogue and a call to wholehearted worship, reflecting the Hebrew understanding of the soul as the seat of emotions and will.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/w/wholehearted_worship.htm">Wholehearted Worship</a></b><br>True worship involves every part of our being. Like David, we should engage our mind, emotions, and will in blessing the Lord.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_holiness_of_god's_name.htm">The Holiness of God's Name</a></b><br>Recognizing the holiness of God's name calls us to approach Him with reverence and awe, understanding the weight and significance of His character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-exhortation.htm">Self-Exhortation</a></b><br>Sometimes, we need to remind ourselves to focus on God and His goodness, especially in times of distraction or discouragement.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_praise.htm">Consistency in Praise</a></b><br>Cultivating a habit of praise helps us maintain a God-centered perspective, regardless of our circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_relationship_with_god.htm">Personal Relationship with God</a></b><br>David's personal address to his soul highlights the importance of an intimate, personal relationship with God, where worship is not just a communal activity but a personal commitment.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_103.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 103</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/main_themes_of_psalms.htm">What are the main themes of the Psalms?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'bless_the_lord,_o_my_soul'.htm">What does "Bless the Lord, O My Soul" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_it_mean_to_bless_god.htm">What does it mean to bless God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_wise_speech_foster_well-being.htm">What does 'Bless the Lord, O My Soul' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/103.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Bless the Lord, O my soul.</span> Repeated in ver. 2; also at the end of the psalm; and again in <a href="/psalms/104-1.htm">Psalm 104:1, 35</a>. To "bless" is more than to praise; it is to praise with affection and gratitude. The psalmist calls upon his own soul, and so on each individual soul, to begin the song of praise, which is to terminate in a general chorus of blessing from all creation (vers. 20-22). <span class="cmt_word">And all that is within me.</span> "All my whole nature - intellect, emotion, feeling, sentiment - brain, heart, lungs, tongue," etc. <span class="cmt_word">Bless his holy Name;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> his manifested Personality, which is almost the same thing as himself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/103-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Of David.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדָוִ֨ד ׀</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Bless</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּרֲכִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bā·ră·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1288.htm">Strong's 1288: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O my soul,</span><br /><span class="heb">נַ֭פְשִׁי</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and all</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that is within me,</span><br /><span class="heb">קְ֝רָבַ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(qə·rā·ḇay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7130.htm">Strong's 7130: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nearest part, the center</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[bless] His holy</span><br /><span class="heb">קָדְשֽׁוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(qā·ḏə·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6944.htm">Strong's 6944: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sacred place, thing, sanctity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">name.</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(šêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/103-1.htm">Psalm 103:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/103-1.htm">Psalm 103:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/103-1.htm">Psalm 103:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/103-1.htm">Psalm 103:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/103-1.htm">Psalm 103:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/103-1.htm">Psalm 103:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/103-1.htm">Psalm 103:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/103-1.htm">Psalm 103:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/103-1.htm">Psalm 103:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/103-1.htm">Psalm 103:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/103-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 103:1 By David (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/102-28.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 102:28"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 102:28" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/103-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 103:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 103:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>