Psalms 103:20
Psalms 103:20 in Multiple Translations
Bless the LORD, all His angels mighty in strength who carry out His word, who hearken to the voice of His command.
Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, That are mighty in strength, that fulfil his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Give praise to the Lord, you his angels, who are great in strength, doing his orders, and waiting for his voice.
Praise the Lord, you angels, you powerful ones who do what he says, listening to what he tells you!
Prayse the Lord, ye his Angels, that excell in strength, that doe his commandement in obeying the voyce of his worde.
Bless Jehovah, ye His messengers, Mighty in power — doing His word, To hearken to the voice of His Word.
Praise the LORD, you angels of his, who are mighty in strength, who fulfill his word, obeying the voice of his word.
Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening to the voice of his word.
Thou hast appointed darkness, and it is night: in it shall all the beasts of the woods go about:
You angels who belong to Yahweh, praise him! You are powerful creatures/beings who do what he tells you to do; you obey what he commands.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 103:20
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 103:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בָּרֲכ֥וּ
יְהוָ֗ה
מַלְאָ֫כָ֥י/ו
גִּבֹּ֣רֵי
כֹ֭חַ
עֹשֵׂ֣י
דְבָר֑/וֹ
לִ֝/שְׁמֹ֗עַ
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
דְּבָרֽ/וֹ
בָּרֲכ֥וּ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מַלְאָ֫כָ֥י/ו
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-mp | Suff
גִּבֹּ֣רֵי
gibbôwr
H1368
mighty man
Adj
כֹ֭חַ
kôach
H3581
reptile
N-ms
עֹשֵׂ֣י
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal
דְבָר֑/וֹ
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms | Suff
לִ֝/שְׁמֹ֗עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
דְּבָרֽ/וֹ
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 103:20
בָּרֲכ֥וּ
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.
יְהוָ֗ה
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.
מַלְאָ֫כָ֥י/ו
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
N-mp | Suff
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
גִּבֹּ֣רֵי
gibbôwr
H1368
"mighty man"
Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
כֹ֭חַ
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
N-ms
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
עֹשֵׂ֣י
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.
דְבָר֑/וֹ
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
לִ֝/שְׁמֹ֗עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
דְּבָרֽ/וֹ
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
Study Notes — Psalms 103:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 103:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 103:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 103:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 103:20
- Sermons on Psalms 103:20
Context — Bless the LORD, O My Soul
18to those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.
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 | Hebrews 1:14 | Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? |
| 2 | Psalms 148:2 | Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts. |
| 3 | Luke 1:19 | “I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. |
| 4 | Matthew 26:53 | Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? |
| 5 | Luke 2:13–14 | And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!” |
| 6 | 2 Kings 19:35 | And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! |
| 7 | Psalms 78:25 | Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance. |
| 8 | Isaiah 6:2 | Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. |
| 9 | Joel 2:11 | The LORD raises His voice in the presence of His army. Indeed, His camp is very large, for mighty are those who obey His command. For the Day of the LORD is great and very dreadful. Who can endure it? |
| 10 | Matthew 6:10 | Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. |
Psalms 103:20 Summary
Psalms 103:20 is a call to praise and bless God for the amazing work of His angels, who are strong and powerful and obey God's commands immediately. Just like the angels, we can choose to obey God's commands and fulfill His will, as seen in verses like John 14:15 and Matthew 28:20. By recognizing the role of angels in carrying out God's will, we can deepen our reverence for God's authority and power, and express our gratitude for His mighty works (as in Psalms 111:2). As we bless and praise God, we can join with the angels and all creation in worshipping our mighty and loving God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for angels to be 'mighty in strength' in Psalms 103:20?
This phrase refers to the incredible power and ability that angels possess to carry out God's will, as seen in Psalms 103:20 and supported by verses like Daniel 10:13, which describes the strength of angelic beings.
How do angels 'carry out His word' as mentioned in Psalms 103:20?
Angels carry out God's word by obeying His commands and fulfilling His purposes, as seen in Acts 5:19-20 where angels released the apostles from prison to continue preaching, and in Hebrews 1:14, which describes angels as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.
What is the significance of angels 'hearken[ing] to the voice of His command'?
This phrase highlights the angels' immediate and complete obedience to God's commands, demonstrating their reverence and submission to His authority, as also seen in Ezekiel 1:12, where the living creatures moved in perfect harmony with God's will.
How does this verse relate to our worship and praise of God?
Psalms 103:20 encourages us to bless and praise the Lord for the work of His angels, recognizing their role in carrying out His will and demonstrating our reverence for His authority, similar to the call to worship in Revelation 5:11-14, where all creatures praise God for His mighty works.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to 'bless the Lord' in my daily life, and how can I practically express praise and gratitude to Him?
- How can I, like the angels, be more attentive to God's voice and obedient to His commands in my life?
- In what ways can I recognize and appreciate the work of angels in my life, and how can I partner with them in fulfilling God's will?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate reverence and submission to God's authority, just like the angels in Psalms 103:20?
- How can I use this verse as a model for my own prayer life, blessing and praising God for the work of His angels and the fulfillment of His will?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:20
Bless the Lord, ye his angels,.... For their creation, being made by him; for their preservation, living, moving, and having their being in him; and for their happiness, in which they are continued,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:20
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 103:20
Angels; which, though glorious creatures, are but his ministers and messengers, as the word signifies. And inviting the angels to bless God, he quickens men to the same duty, as having more dependence upon God, and, obligation to him. That excel in strength; of which see evidence . You are freed from the impentencies and infirmities of mankind. That do his commandments; that live in a universal, constant, and perfect obedience to all God’ s commands, which the best of men through the infirmity of the flesh do frequently violate. Hearkening unto the voice of his word; that diligently wait for God’ s commands or errands, and execute them with all cheerfulness and readiness.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:20
Psalms 103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.Ver. 20. Bless the Lord, ye his angels] In stirring up the angels to praise God, he awaketh himself; and for this purpose, Incipit a superioribus, et finit in infirmis, saith Kimchi here, he calleth in the help of all the creatures, from the highest to the lowest; and, after all, concludeth as he began, with a saying to himself. That excel in strength] Heb. Giants for strength, such as can prevail, and do great exploits, yet is all their strength derivative, they have it from God (who is Hagibbor, the mighty one, Deuteronomy 10:17), and hence the angel Gabriel hath his name, God is my strength. Labour we to be like unto the angels, strengthened with all might, &c., Colossians 1:11, walking about the world as conquerors, able to do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth us, Philippians 4:13. That do his commandments] viz. Cheerfully, speedily, universally, humbly, constantly. Let us do accordingly, else we mock God when we pray, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 103:20
(20) Just as in the highest revelation made by Jesus Christ the angels in heaven rejoice over the repentant sinner, so in the psalmist’s view the mercy of Jehovah to his faithful people is cause for high acclaim among the hosts around the throne.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:20
Verse 20. Bless the Lord, ye his angels] Every person who has a sense of God's goodness to his soul feels his own powers inadequate to the praise which he ought to offer; and therefore naturally calls upon the holiest of men, and the supreme angels, to assist him in this work. That excel in strength] Some take גברי כה gibborey coach, the mighty in strength, for another class of the hierarchy,-they that do his commandments, hearkening to his words; and consider them to be that order of beings who are particularly employed in operations among and for the children of men; probably such as are called powers in the New Testament.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:20
20. Bless Jehovah, ye angels of his; Ye mighty in strength, that do his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word. Heavenly beings are most capable of praising the heavenly King. For the address to the angels cp. Psalms 29:1; Psalms 148:2. They are called mighty in strength as God’s warriors; cp. Joe 3:11. The “blessed obedience” of the angels is an example for man.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:20
Bless the Lord - The psalm began Psalms 103:1-2 with an exhortation to “bless the Lord.” That exhortation was, however, then addressed by the psalmist to his own soul, and was especially founded on
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 103:20
20. Angels—A designation of an order of beings, not an office, as messengers. Compare the call upon angels, Psalms 29:1-2; Psalms 148:2. The call is grounded in our fellowship with them. Hebrews 12:22-23.
Sermons on Psalms 103:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Peter - Part 12): As Obedient Children by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the American spirit of rebellion and the importance of freedom. He references the historical event of pouring tea overboard in Boston Harbor |
|
|
Five Rules for Holy Living by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of praising and blessing the Lord. He highlights various elements of creation such as water, sun, moon, stars, wind, heat, fi |
|
The Story of Desmond Doss by Steve Zehr | In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Desmond Doss, a man who exemplified unwavering faith and commitment to God. Desmond grew up with a strong belief in the commandment " |
|
The Apocalypse - Revelation 5 by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the throne room scene in chapters four and five of the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding |
|
The Power of the Angels by Basilea Schlink | The video is a meditation on the power and ministry of God's angels. It emphasizes that the angels are completely aligned with the will of God and obedient to His commands. Their p |
|
Symbols Unite Two Realities, Visible and Invisible by Michael Flowers | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having an attention span in worshiping God. He mentions the harmful effects of technology on our brain chemistry and how it |
|
|
Be Obedient and Sin Not by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of obedience in the Christian life, arguing that true believers are inherently obedient children of God. He explains that salvation cannot exist |