Psalms 103:21
Psalms 103:21 in Multiple Translations
Bless the LORD, all His hosts, you servants who do His will.
Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
Bless Jehovah, all ye his hosts, Ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
Give praise to the Lord, all you his armies; and you his servants who do his pleasure.
Praise the Lord, you heavenly armies who serve him and carry out his will!
Prayse the Lord, all ye his hostes, ye his seruants that doe his pleasure.
Bless Jehovah, all ye His hosts, His ministers — doing His pleasure.
Praise the LORD, all you armies of his, you servants of his, who do his pleasure.
Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
The young lions roaring after their prey, and seeking their meat from God.
Praise Yahweh, you armies/thousands of angels who serve him and do what he desires!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 103:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 103:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בָּרֲכ֣וּ
יְ֭הוָה
כָּל
צְבָאָ֑י/ו
מְ֝שָׁרְתָ֗י/ו
עֹשֵׂ֥י
רְצוֹנֽ/וֹ
בָּרֲכ֣וּ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
צְבָאָ֑י/ו
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp | Suff
מְ֝שָׁרְתָ֗י/ו
shârath
H8334
to minister
V-Piel | Suff
עֹשֵׂ֥י
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal
רְצוֹנֽ/וֹ
râtsôwn
H7522
acceptance
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 103:21
בָּרֲכ֣וּ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
צְבָאָ֑י/ו
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
מְ֝שָׁרְתָ֗י/ו
shârath
H8334
"to minister"
V-Piel | Suff
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
עֹשֵׂ֥י
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
רְצוֹנֽ/וֹ
râtsôwn
H7522
"acceptance"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 103:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 103:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 103:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 103:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:21
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:21
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 103:21
- Sermons on Psalms 103:21
Context — Bless the LORD, O My Soul
19The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.
20Bless the LORD, all His angels mighty in strength who carry out His word, who hearken to the voice of His command.
21Bless the LORD, all His hosts, you servants who do His will.
22Bless the LORD, all His works in all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 22:19 | Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 9:6 | You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all things, and the host of heaven worships You. |
| 3 | Luke 2:13 | And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: |
| 4 | Psalms 104:4 | He makes the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants. |
| 5 | Hebrews 1:14 | Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? |
| 6 | Revelation 22:8–9 | And I am John, who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. But he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!” |
| 7 | Joshua 5:14 | “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?” |
| 8 | Genesis 32:2 | When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God.” So he named that place Mahanaim. |
| 9 | Psalms 33:6 | By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth. |
| 10 | Psalms 68:17 | The chariots of God are tens of thousands— thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai. |
Psalms 103:21 Summary
[Psalms 103:21 is calling all of God's servants, both in heaven and on earth, to bless and praise the Lord for who He is and what He does. This means that as believers, we are part of a much larger group of worshipers that includes angels and other heavenly beings, all working together to fulfill God's plans (as seen in Ephesians 3:10). We can bless the Lord by obeying His commands and living according to His will, which is made known to us through scripture and the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2). By doing so, we join in the eternal worship of God, giving thanks and praise for His goodness and greatness.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the hosts of the Lord mentioned in Psalms 103:21?
The hosts of the Lord refer to all the heavenly beings, including angels, who serve and obey God, as seen in Psalms 103:20, where it mentions angels mighty in strength who carry out His word.
What does it mean to do God's will?
Doing God's will means obeying His commands and living according to His purposes, as taught in Romans 12:2, where it says to be transformed by the renewing of our minds to know God's good, pleasing, and perfect will.
How can we bless the Lord like it says in Psalms 103:21?
We can bless the Lord by giving thanks, praising, and worshiping Him, as seen in Psalms 100:4, which says to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.
Is this verse only talking about angels or does it include people too?
While the previous verse, Psalms 103:20, specifically mentions angels, Psalms 103:21 includes all servants who do God's will, which can include both heavenly beings and human believers who obey God, as seen in Revelation 19:5, where all servants are called to praise the Lord.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my willingness to do God's will in my daily life?
- How can I practically bless the Lord today, and what does that look like in my relationships and actions?
- What are some things that God has done in my life that I can praise and thank Him for, like the psalmist does in Psalms 103?
- In what ways can I join with the heavenly hosts in worshiping and serving the Lord, as mentioned in Psalms 103:21?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:21
Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts,.... Which some understand of the sun, moon, and stars, sometimes called the hosts of heaven; and who in their way bless and praise the Lord; see Psalms 148:2.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:21
The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. -Yahweh's kingdom ruleth over all, therefore let all praise Him, angels and men alike, especially the Psalmist's soul. Verse 19.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 103:21
All ye his hosts; ye angels; to whom he still continues his address, and whom he more particularly describes by the name of hosts, a title oft given to the angels, as , in regard of their vast numbers, mighty power, unanimous concurrence, and exquisite order. In the former verse the expression was indefinite and general, ye his angels, here it is universal and yet particular, all ye his hosts. He seems to apply himself to the several orders of angels, of whom see , and to each individual angel. Ye ministers: this Hebrew word is commonly used of the highest and most honourable sort of servants. That do his pleasure; whose constant business and delight it is to execute the will and commands of God.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:21
Psalms 103:21 Bless ye the LORD, all [ye] his hosts; [ye] ministers of his, that do his pleasure.Ver. 21. Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts] That is, all his creatures, which are fitly called God’ s hosts, first, for their number; secondly, for their order; thirdly, for their obedience. Ye ministers of his] Whether in State or Church. Kings are God’ s ministers, Romans 13:4; Romans 13:6. So are angels, Hebrews 1:14, like as ministers are angels, Revelation 2:1; they have exchanged names, their office is, angel-like, to wait upon God, to stand before him, to serve in his presence, and to bless his name.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 103:21
(21) Hosts.—There are apparently in the psalmist’s thought three grades of beings in the hierarchy of praise:— 1. High angels around the throne. 2. Angelic powers, such as winds, lightnings, &c, specially commissioned to do God’s behests, as in Psalms 104:4. 3. Creation generally. (Comp. Psalms 148)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:21
Verse 21. All ye his hosts; ye ministers of his] We know almost nothing of the economy of the heavenly host; and, therefore, cannot tell what is the difference between angels, mighty powers, hosts, and ministers who do his pleasure. All owe their being and all its blessings to God; all depend upon his bounty; and without him they can do nothing; therefore, all should praise him.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:21
21. By Jehovah’s hosts and ministers may be meant the innumerable multitudes of celestial beings of lower rank, subordinated to the celestial hierarchy spoken of in Psalms 103:20 (Daniel 7:10; Hebrews 1:14); or perhaps “the host of heaven,” the stars, which are closely connected with angels in the O.T. (Job 38:7), and all the powers of Nature, which subserve Jehovah’s purposes (Psalms 104:4; Psalms 148:2-3).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:21
Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts - His armies; the vast multitudes of holy beings, arranged and marshalled as hosts for battle, in all parts of the universe. Compare the notes at Isaiah 1:9; notes at Ephesians 1:21.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 103:21
21. Hosts—Not the heavenly bodies, (as in Deuteronomy 4:19; Deuteronomy 17:3; Psalms 33:6,) but the collective whole of all orders of celestial beings, as 1 Kings 22:19 and Psalms 148:2. Compare Daniel 7:10.
Sermons on Psalms 103:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Life & Times of Jesus #12 by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, the preacher describes the four living creatures mentioned in the book of Revelation. These creatures are described as having multiple eyes and different appearance |
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Be Still by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being still and knowing that God is in control. He encourages the audience to develop a deep and loving relationship with |
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How to Persevere in Heavenly Contemplation by Richard Baxter | Richard Baxter preaches on the challenge of heavenly meditation, emphasizing the difficulty in focusing on the supernatural aspects of heaven and the importance of using our physic |
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Nehemiah 9 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the character of God as revealed in Nehemiah 9, highlighting His righteousness, mercy, and faithfulness to His people. The chapter recounts the Israelites' s |
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Revival Series 3 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that there is no reason to be intimidated by the darkness and chaos of the world. He refers to a verse in the Bible that talks about a messen |
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A Christmas-Day Sermon by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the significance of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ in a pious manner, giving glory to God, accepting the peace He brings, and making peace with |
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Christmas Miracles by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the miraculous events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ, highlighting that without Christmas, there would be no Easter or Pentecost. He explains how God |