Psalm 148 5

Psalm 148:5 kjv

Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.

Psalm 148:5 nkjv

Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.

Psalm 148:5 niv

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created,

Psalm 148:5 esv

Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created.

Psalm 148:5 nlt

Let every created thing give praise to the LORD,
for he issued his command, and they came into being.

Psalm 148 verses

Psalm 148 5 Meaning

Psalm 148:5 is a resounding call for all created beings, particularly those in the heavens mentioned in the preceding verses, to offer praise to the Lord. The profound reason given for this worship is God's powerful and effortless act of creation: He simply commanded, and everything came into existence. This verse emphasizes the immediate and total efficacy of God's spoken word in bringing forth all of existence, underscoring His absolute sovereignty and creative might.

Psalm 148 5 Context

Psalm 148 is a universal hymn of praise that orchestrates a grand symphony of worship from all creation. It divides the created order into two main sections: first, those "above" the earth (verses 1-6), and then those "on" the earth (verses 7-14). Verse 5 falls within the first section, explicitly directing the heavenly bodies and celestial phenomena (sun, moon, stars, heavens, waters above the heavens – mentioned in verses 1-4) to praise God. The immediate context of verse 5 emphasizes why these heavenly entities exist and, by extension, why they must praise: their very being is owed entirely to God's creative command. This stands in stark contrast to ancient Near Eastern cosmogonies where gods might emerge from primordial chaos, be born, or engage in violent struggle to establish order. Psalm 148:5 subtly but powerfully refutes such beliefs by presenting Yahweh as the sole, supreme, and effortless Creator, whose word alone brought everything into being.

Psalm 148 5 Word analysis

• Let them praise (יְהַלְלוּ, yəhalləlû): This is a Piel imperfect verb in the jussive form, meaning "let them praise," "they are to praise," or "they shall praise." The root הלל (hll) means to shine, to boast, to commend, and primarily to praise. It is the root from which "Hallelujah" (Praise the Lord) is derived, indicating an enthusiastic, exuberant, and fitting acknowledgment of worth. It implies a direct, commanded act of worship.
• the name (אֶת־שֵׁם, ’eṯ-šēm): "Name" (šēm) in biblical Hebrew signifies far more than a mere label. It encapsulates the person's character, reputation, authority, nature, and revealed attributes. To praise the Lord's name is to praise His entire being as revealed to His creation.
• of the Lord (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the unique, personal, covenant name of God, revealed to Moses (Exod 3:14-15). It points to His self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature (I AM WHO I AM). The use of Yahweh highlights the specific God of Israel as the supreme Creator.
• for (כִּי, kî): This conjunction indicates cause or reason, meaning "because" or "for this reason." It introduces the foundational justification for the universal call to praise: God's specific action in creation.
• He (הוּא, hûʾ): This is an emphatic pronoun, serving to highlight the Lord Himself as the sole and supreme actor in creation, distinct from any other entity or force. It underscores His singular, unchallenged agency.
• commanded (צִוָּה, ṣiwwāh): This is a Piel perfect verb from the root צוה (ṣwh), meaning "to command," "to ordain," "to appoint," or "to instruct." It signifies an authoritative, sovereign, and effective declaration. There is no struggle, no effort, just an immediate, powerful decree.
• and they were created (וְנִבְרָאוּ, wənnibrāʾû): This is a Niphal perfect verb from the root ברא (brāʾ), meaning "to create," "to fashion," or "to form." The Niphal stem denotes a passive action, emphasizing that the things in question were brought into existence by an external power. The root brāʾ is uniquely used in the Old Testament to describe God's special, unparalleled creative act, often implying creation ex nihilo (from nothing) or the unique bringing forth of something new. This clause confirms the immediate, complete, and effortless outcome of God's command.

• Let them praise...for He commanded and they were created: This entire phrase presents a theological chain: God's authoritative command is the sole cause for creation's existence, and therefore creation's very existence demands praise for its Creator. It underscores the profound link between God's creative power and the obligation of all things to worship Him. There's an inherent theology of dependence and gratitude woven into this phrase.
• The name of the Lord...He commanded and they were created: This group highlights that God's very character and being (His Name) are inextricably linked to His sovereign power to bring forth existence through a simple command. His Name is great because His creative power is absolute.

Psalm 148 5 Bonus section

The concept of God's creation by "command" or "word" implies a direct, non-negotiable authority that sets the biblical worldview apart from many ancient mythologies which often depicted creation as a result of struggle, magic, or divine procreation. Here, the creative act is a spontaneous act of will and wisdom, entirely sufficient unto itself. The created beings mentioned, even the heavenly bodies, are not divine entities as in pagan pantheons, but servants and witnesses to the glory of the one true God, who called them into being and by whose ongoing command they continue to exist and fulfill their functions. This verse thus lays a foundation for cosmic order and accountability to the Creator.

Psalm 148 5 Commentary

Psalm 148:5 serves as the linchpin connecting the identity of God (His Name) with His ultimate act of creation, establishing the fundamental reason for all creation's worship. It's a succinct yet profound declaration of divine omnipotence. God's creative work is presented not as a laborious process but as an immediate and effortless unfolding, simply by the power of His authoritative word. This single command brought the vast, intricate universe, from the highest heavens to the depths, into being. This immediate obedience of non-sentient creation inherently serves as a call for intelligent beings to likewise praise Him for their existence. The very fabric of reality, called forth by His "fiat," reflects His glory and testifies to His power, demanding perpetual adoration.