Psalms 34:3

What does Psalms 34:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 34:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 34:3 means

Having expressed his personal devotion and the hope that his testimony would gladden the meek, David now extends a direct invitation to others. He calls on them to join him in magnifying and exalting the Lord's name. This isn't just a suggestion but an earnest plea for corporate worship. The use of "with me" and "together" emphasizes a shared experience of glorifying God, recognizing His greatness and lifting His name above all others. It shifts from internal resolve to external, communal expression, inviting fellow believers to participate in honoring God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Oh magnify Jehovah with me, And let us exalt his name together.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Oh magnify Jehovah with me, And let us exalt his name together.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

O give praise to the Lord with me; let us be witnesses together of his great name.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Ascribe ye greatness to Jehovah with me, And we exalt His name together.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Bring out the sword, and shut up the way against them that persecute me: say to my soul: I am thy salvation.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Magnify Jehovah with me, and let us exalt his name together.

Context

After declaring his personal commitment to praise in verses 1 and 2, David moves to a direct invitation to others to join him in magnifying God. This verse expands the scope from individual devotion to communal worship, setting the stage for his personal testimony of deliverance that immediately follows. The shared exaltation creates a sense of unity among those who fear the Lord.

v.2My soul shall make her boast in Jehovah: The meek shall hear thereof, and be glad.

v.3This passage

v.4I sought Jehovah, and he answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 40:16

    Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: Let such as love thy salvation say continually, Jehovah be magnified.

  • Acts 19:17

    And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, that dwelt at Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:20

    And David said to all the assembly, Now bless Jehovah your God. And all the assembly blessed Jehovah, the God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped Jehovah, and the king.

  • Psalms 33:1

    Rejoice in Jehovah, O ye righteous: Praise is comely for the upright.

  • Psalms 66:8

    Oh bless our God, ye peoples, And make the voice of his praise to be heard;

  • Psalms 103:20

    Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, That are mighty in strength, that fulfil his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word.

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