Psalms 103:21
What does Psalms 103:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 103:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 103:21 means
Expanding on the universal call to praise, this verse summons "all ye his hosts" and "Ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure" to bless the Lord. This refers to the vast array of heavenly beings and spiritual armies that serve God, fulfilling His purposes. It reinforces the idea that all of creation's powerful, unseen forces are aligned in obedience and worship to God, further magnifying His supreme authority and the comprehensive nature of His dominion.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Bless Jehovah, all ye his hosts, Ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Bless Jehovah, all ye his hosts, Ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give praise to the Lord, all you his armies; and you his servants who do his pleasure.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Bless Jehovah, all ye His hosts, His ministers--doing His pleasure.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The young lions roaring after their prey, and seeking their meat from God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Bless Jehovah, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his that do his will.
Context
Building upon the call to the angels in verse 20, this verse extends the summons to "all ye his hosts" and "ministers," encompassing all heavenly agencies. This progressive expansion of the call to praise prepares for the all-encompassing invitation to "all ye his works" in verse 22, demonstrating a complete and universal worship that is ultimately rooted in God's supreme authority, which was declared in verse 19.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 2:13
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
- Hebrews 1:6
And when he again bringeth in the firstborn into the world he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:7
and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire,
- Matthew 24:30
and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
- Matthew 13:41
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity,
- Psalms 68:17
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands upon thousands: The Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the sanctuary.
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