Book of Psalms — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 150 · Written by: David, Asaph, Sons of Korah, and others · Approximate date: c. 1000–430 BC · Theme: Worship, Prayer & Praise to Jehovah

Summary of the Book of Psalms

The Psalms are 150 inspired songs and prayers covering the full range of human experience — praise, lament, thanksgiving, and trust in Jehovah — providing a rich guide to heartfelt prayer and worship of Jehovah.

The book of Psalms is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 150 chapters. It was written by David, Asaph, Sons of Korah, and others approximately c. 1000–430 BC. The central theme running throughout Psalms is worship, prayer & praise to jehovah — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Psalms

  • Ps 23:1
  • Ps 46:1
  • Ps 83:18

Notable Passages in Psalms

Psalm 23:1

The opening 'Jehovah is my Shepherd' captures the intimate, personal relationship of trust and dependence on Jehovah that flows throughout the entire Psalter.

Psalm 46:1

The declaration that 'God is our refuge and strength, a help that is readily found in times of distress' affirms Jehovah as the reliable source of stability in any crisis.

Psalm 83:18

The statement 'that people may know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth' captures the central JW mission to vindicate Jehovah's name.

Study Questions for Psalms

As you read the book of Psalms, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. How do the psalms of lament (such as Psalms 22, 42, 88) teach us to be honest with Jehovah about our feelings during times of suffering?
  2. What does Psalm 83:18 teach about the importance of Jehovah's name, and how does this motivate Jehovah's Witnesses in their ministry?
  3. How do the enthronement psalms (such as Psalms 93, 96–99) contribute to our understanding of Jehovah's Kingdom and his right to rule?
  4. What does Psalm 119 — the longest psalm — teach about the proper attitude we should have toward Jehovah's law and word?
  5. How do the Messianic psalms (such as Psalms 2, 22, 110) foreshadow Jesus Christ, and which specific events were fulfilled?

How to Study Psalms with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 150 chapters of Psalms in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Psalms as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Psalms

The book of Psalms is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Journey through all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
  • Psalms & Proverbs in 60 Days — Soak in the wisdom and poetry of Psalms and Proverbs over two months. (60 days, 181 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Wisdom Literature in 90 Days — Immerse yourself in Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon — the poetry and wisdom of the Bible. (90 days, 243 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

Continue Reading the Hebrew Scriptures

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