Psalms 134:2

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 134:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Lift up your hands to the sanctuary, And bless ye Jehovah.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Lift up your hands to the sanctuary, And bless ye Jehovah.
Psalms 134:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 134

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2Lift up your hands to the sanctuary, And bless ye Jehovah.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Lift up your hands [in] the sanctuary, etc.] Which Aben Ezra interprets of the priests lifting up their hands to bless the people; but Kimchi, better, of lifting up of the hands to God in prayer; see (<19E102>Psalm 141:2); which should be done “with holiness”, as the Targum renders it, in a holy manner; and is the same with lifting up holy hands, (<540208>1 Timothy 2:8); or towards the holy place; the oracle in the holy of holies, and the ark of the covenant, typical of Christ; (see <110829>1 Kings 8:29,30) (<192802>Psalm 28:2); so Kimchi; or rather, according to Arama, unto the holy name of God, to whom prayer is to be directed; and bless the Lord; which is repeated, to show the importance…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary - Margin, In holiness. The Hebrew word properly means holiness, but it may be applied to a holy place. See Psalms 20:2. The lifting up of the hands is properly expressive of prayer, but the phrase may be used to denote praise or worship in general. And bless the Lord - In the night-watches - while all around is still, - let there be one place where the voice of praise shall ascend on high. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Lift up: Psa 28:2, Psa 63:4, Psa 141:2; Lam 2:19, Lam 3:41 in the sanctuary: or, in holiness, Psa 26:6; Ti1 2:8 Psalms 134:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification