Psalm 66 8

Psalm 66:8 kjv

O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:

Psalm 66:8 nkjv

Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard,

Psalm 66:8 niv

Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard;

Psalm 66:8 esv

Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard,

Psalm 66:8 nlt

Let the whole world bless our God
and loudly sing his praises.

Psalm 66 verses

Psalm 66 8 Meaning

Psalm 66:8 is a clarion call, directing the attention of all "peoples" or nations to bless and vocally praise the God of Israel. It serves as an invitation to the broader world to acknowledge the Lord's mighty acts, particularly those detailed later in the psalm concerning His deliverance and faithful preservation of His covenant people. This verse demands not merely silent reverence, but an audible, widespread proclamation of His glory.

Psalm 66 8 Context

Psalm 66 is a thanksgiving psalm, reflecting both communal and individual praise to God. The chapter begins with a universal call to worship (vv. 1-4), inviting "all the earth" to acknowledge God's awesome deeds and supreme power over creation and nations. This sets the stage for verse 8, where the psalmist specifically addresses "peoples" (עַמִּים, 'ammim), urging them to participate in this divine commendation. Verses 5-7 then detail God's mighty acts in history, particularly His deliverance of Israel, seen in parting the Red Sea and subduing their enemies. Verse 8 acts as a transition, bridging this grand narrative of God's powerful intervention with the subsequent verses (9-12), which describe Israel's experience of hardship and refinement under God's hand, followed by their ultimate deliverance. Historically, the psalm may recall specific national deliverances, such as crossing the Red Sea, or it may be a broader reflection on Israel's journey through suffering and divine rescue. The call to the "peoples" implies that Israel's experiences are a testimony for the nations, showcasing the unparalleled power and faithfulness of their God.

Psalm 66 8 Word analysis

• Bless: The Hebrew word is בָּרֲכוּ (Bar'khu), an imperative plural verb meaning "to bless." It carries the connotation of kneeling (related to berekh, "knee"), indicating an act of reverence, homage, and worship. It is not merely speaking well of God but showing deep respect and honor, attributing worthiness to Him.
• our God: The Hebrew is אֱלֹהֵינוּ (Eloheinu), "our God." This possessive pronoun emphasizes the covenant relationship between the Lord and Israel, indicating that He is uniquely their God. However, when combined with the call to "peoples," it also suggests that this particular God, Israel's God, is the true God whom all nations should acknowledge and worship. It implicitly highlights the exclusivity and supremacy of Yahweh over all other gods.
• O peoples: The Hebrew is עַמִּים ('ammim), the plural of עַם ('am), meaning "people" or "nations." This term broadens the scope of the psalmist's call beyond Israel, encompassing distinct national groups or gentile nations. It signifies a universalistic dimension, inviting those outside the direct covenant with Israel to participate in the worship and acknowledgment of the Lord.
• let the sound: The Hebrew is וְהַשְׁמִיעוּ קוֹל (vehashemi'u qol). וְהַשְׁמִיעוּ (vehashemi'u) is a Hiphil imperative, meaning "cause to hear," or "make heard," emphasizing an active and intentional proclamation. קוֹל (qol) means "voice" or "sound," implying an audible and perhaps even loud expression.
• of His praise: The Hebrew is תְּהִלָּתוֹ (tehillato), meaning "His praise," "His glory," or "His renown." It comes from the root הָלַל (halal), which means "to shine," "to boast," "to praise," and is the root of "hallelujah." This is not just a general acclamation but a specific acknowledgment of His glorious attributes and mighty acts.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "Bless our God, O peoples": This phrase combines the covenant identity ("our God") with a universal invitation ("O peoples"). It powerfully asserts that the God of Israel is the one worthy of global reverence. The command to "bless" underscores the active role humanity is called to play in acknowledging His sovereignty.
  • "let the sound of His praise be heard!": This second half reinforces the active nature of the praise. It's not to be a hidden or silent admiration, but a manifest, audible, and widely disseminated declaration of God's excellencies. The emphasis on "sound" implies a public, collective, and joyous acclamation, akin to a loud declaration or even a shout. This is an open demonstration of worship and testimony to God's character and works, intended for all to perceive.

Psalm 66 8 Bonus section

The juxtaposition of "our God" (indicating a specific, covenant relationship) and "O peoples" (indicating a universal scope) is significant. It implies that the God known personally by His covenant people is the very God to be blessed and praised by all humanity. This verse carries prophetic weight, pointing to the New Testament fulfillment where salvation, once concentrated in Israel, extended to the Gentiles, making possible the global chorus of praise described here. The Hebrew term 'ammim is distinct from goyim (usually "nations," often implying Gentiles). While context often renders them interchangeable, 'ammim can carry a nuanced sense of distinct ethno-linguistic groups rather than just "non-Israelites," underscoring the inclusivity and diversity of the called-out worshippers.

Psalm 66 8 Commentary

Psalm 66:8 functions as a hinge in the psalm, transitioning from God's display of power to His refining work in His people. It is a bold exhortation to "peoples" everywhere to revere "our God," recognizing the specific covenant God of Israel as the supreme God deserving of all worship. The call to "make His praise heard" transcends passive admiration, demanding an active, audible proclamation. This foreshadows a future time when the fame of the Lord will spread universally, drawing all humanity to His glory, based on the historical and salvific experiences of His people. It reminds us that our personal and national encounters with God's power and faithfulness are not just for us, but are testimonies to be broadcast for the edification and worship of all peoples. For example, believers' testimony of God's preservation through trials (Ps 66:9-12) serves as an invitation for others to join in praising His delivering power.