Psalms 103:20
What does Psalms 103:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 103:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 103:20 means
This verse initiates a universal call to praise, inviting God's angels to bless Him. Described as "mighty in strength" and fulfilling His word by "hearkening unto the voice of His word," these heavenly beings are presented as powerful and obedient agents of God's will. Their immediate and precise execution of His commands makes them fitting examples and participants in the universal adoration of their sovereign Creator, demonstrating that even the highest created beings submit to His authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, That are mighty in strength, that fulfil his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, That are mighty in strength, that fulfil his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give praise to the Lord, you his angels, who are great in strength, doing his orders, and waiting for his voice.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Bless Jehovah, ye His messengers, Mighty in power--doing His word, To hearken to the voice of His Word.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou hast appointed darkness, and it is night: in it shall all the beasts of the woods go about:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, mighty in strength, that execute his word, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Context
Following the declaration of God's universal sovereignty in verse 19, this verse immediately issues the first explicit call for universal praise, addressing His angels. It leads into the expanded call to "all ye his hosts" and "all ye his works" in verses 21 and 22, broadening the scope of worship from the celestial to the entire creation, culminating in a renewed personal call to the psalmist's soul.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 26:53
Or thinkest thou that I cannot beseech my Father, and he shall even now send me more than twelve legions of angels?
- Psalms 29:1
Ascribe unto Jehovah, O ye sons of the mighty, Ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength.
- Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?
- Luke 1:19
And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak unto thee, and to bring thee these good tidings.
- Psalms 148:2
Praise ye him, all his angels: Praise ye him, all his host.
- Luke 2:13
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
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