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    Worship

    Psalm 100:3 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."
    — Psalm 100:3 (KJV)
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    Introduction to Psalm 100:3

    The psalmist gives the doctrinal foundation for the joyful praise of vv. 1-2: know that the Lord is God. He made us; we did not make ourselves. We are His people, His sheep. Worship rests on right knowledge of who God is and who we are in relation to Him.

    Historical and Cultural Context

    Israel surrounded by polytheistic nations was constantly tempted to add other gods. Psalm 100 calls them to confess the exclusive lordship of Yahweh. The shepherd-sheep imagery was beloved (Psalm 23) and emphasized God's tender, guiding ownership.

    Original Language Insights

    'Know' (de'u) — recognize, acknowledge experientially. 'The Lord he is God' (Yahweh hu Elohim) — Yahweh, He alone, is God. 'Not we ourselves' — creatures, not self-creators. 'Sheep of his pasture' — owned, fed, protected. Identity is wholly derivative; security is wholly His.

    Theological Significance

    Three foundational truths: God's exclusive deity, His creative ownership of His people, and His shepherding care. Each truth is a death-blow to autonomy. We do not invent meaning, manufacture identity, or fend for ourselves. We are made, claimed, and tended.

    Practical Application for Today

    Reject the modern lie that you create your own identity. You did not make yourself; you were made. Rest in the Shepherd's ownership. The same truth that calls forth worship in v. 1-2 calls forth peace in this verse. Owned by the Good Shepherd, you are safe.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Psalm 95:7

    "He is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."

    Companion verse with the same shepherd image.

    John 10:14

    "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine."

    Christ as the fulfillment of the shepherd imagery.

    Isaiah 64:8

    "We are the clay, and thou our potter."

    Parallel creature-Creator confession.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, You alone are God. You made me; I did not make myself. I am Your sheep, fed by Your hand, kept by Your love. Receive my worship. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why does the psalm tie knowing God to worshipping Him?

    Because true worship flows from true knowledge. You cannot rightly praise what you do not rightly know.

    What does 'not we ourselves' mean?

    We did not self-create. We are creatures, fully dependent on the One who made us. The verse refutes every form of self-deification.

    How does the shepherd image apply to me?

    If you are in Christ, you are owned by the Good Shepherd. He feeds, leads, defends, and recovers His sheep. Rest in that ownership.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Psalm 100 verse by verse:

    Before · Psalm 100:1Exact verse

    Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

    Theme: Worship

    Before · Psalm 100:2Exact verse

    Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

    Theme: Worship

    Nearest commentary in Psalm

    Earlier · 5 ch back · Psalm 95:6Nearest chapter

    O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

    Theme: Worship

    Later · 3 ch forward · Psalm 103:2Nearest chapter

    Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

    Theme: Worship & Praise

    Later · 3 ch forward · Psalm 103:3Nearest chapter

    Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

    Theme: Healing

    Later · 7 ch forward · Psalm 107:20Nearest chapter

    He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

    Theme: Healing

    Read Psalm 99No commentary yet
    Read Psalm 100 (full)Nearest commentary: Psalm 100:2
    Read Psalm 101No commentary yet
    Previous commentary: Psalm 100:2Next commentary: Psalm 103:2

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    Psalm 100:1 Commentary

    "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.…"

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    Psalm 100:2 Commentary

    "Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.…"

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    Psalm 95:6 Commentary

    "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.…"

    Worship

    Psalm 100:4-5 Commentary

    "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be than…"

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Does Psalm 23 Mean?

    Psalm 23 is David's declaration that the Lord is his shepherd who provides, guides, restores, comforts, protects, and blesses — from green pastures through the valley of death's shadow.

    Read answer

    Does God Answer Prayer?

    Yes — the Bible promises that God hears and answers the prayers of His people, though not always in the way or timing we expect.

    Read answer

    What Is Communion (The Lord's Supper)?

    Communion is a sacred meal of bread and wine (or grape juice) that Jesus instituted to remember His sacrificial death until He returns.

    Read answer

    What is the significance of communion?

    Communion (the Lord's Supper) is the sacred meal Jesus instituted at the Last Supper, where bread and wine represent His body and blood given for the forgiveness of sins.

    Read answer

    What Is the Lord's Prayer?

    The Lord's Prayer is the model prayer Jesus taught His disciples, covering worship, submission to God's will, daily provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Communion?

    Communion (the Lord's Supper) was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper to remember His body broken and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Psalm 100:4-5 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."

    Psalm 27:4 – Meaning & Devotional

    "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple."

    Psalm 100:4-5 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    The Glory of the LORD Fills Solomon's Temple

    Fire falls and the glory of the LORD fills the temple at its dedication, so the priests cannot stand to minister.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Ten Plagues of Egypt

    Ten devastating signs by which God broke Pharaoh's pride and freed His people.

    Read the miracle
    Provision
    Old Testament

    Water from the Rock

    Moses struck the rock at Horeb and water gushed out to give Israel drink.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Walls of Jericho Fall

    Israel marched around Jericho for seven days and the walls fell flat at a shout.

    Read the miracle

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    Parable

    The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats

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    Dream Meaning

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