Psalms – Chapter 112

Old Testament • 9 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 112 of Psalms begins: "Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord." Across its 9 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and family and covenant relationships. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord.

2Blessed be the name of the Lord, from henceforth now and for ever.

3From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the name of the Lord is worthy of praise.

4The Lord is high above all nations; and his glory above the heavens.

5Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high:

6and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth?

7Raising up the needy from the earth, and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill:

8That he may place him with princes, with the princes of his people.

9Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children.

Important Verses in Psalms 112

“Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord.”

Psalms 112:1

“The Lord is high above all nations; and his glory above the heavens.”

Psalms 112:4

“Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children. ”

Psalms 112:9

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 112 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 9 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord." The chapter ends with: "Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children. " Read against its original backdrop, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1265).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Psalms Chapter 112 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing justice, charity, and the common good.

May your reading of Psalms Chapter 112 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 112 about?

Psalms 112 contains 9 verses. It opens with "Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord." and closes with "Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 112?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

Isaiah 62Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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