Psalm 149 3

Psalm 149:3 kjv

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

Psalm 149:3 nkjv

Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.

Psalm 149:3 niv

Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.

Psalm 149:3 esv

Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!

Psalm 149:3 nlt

Praise his name with dancing,
accompanied by tambourine and harp.

Psalm 149 verses

Psalm 149 3 Meaning

Psalm 149:3 is a call for God's people to express exuberant, corporate worship. It exhorts them to praise the name of the Lord with joyful and physical expressions, including dance, and to accompany their melodic praise with traditional musical instruments like the timbrel and harp. This verse emphasizes a holistic, unreserved, and communal form of adoration directed solely towards God.

Psalm 149 3 Context

Psalm 149 belongs to the collection of "Hallelujah Psalms" (Ps 146-150), which primarily focuses on God's greatness, His righteous acts, and His covenant faithfulness, concluding with a grand chorus of universal praise in Psalm 150. Psalm 149 specifically praises God for His sovereignty, His delight in His people (Israel), and their role in executing His judgment upon the nations. The initial verses (1-3) issue a passionate call to corporate praise, expressing joy, glory, and singing, setting the stage for the bold declaration in the subsequent verses regarding the "two-edged sword in their hands." Therefore, verse 3 highlights that praise and joyful worship are integral to the identity and mission of God's chosen people, preceding and accompanying their active participation in His divine purposes.

Psalm 149 3 Word analysis

• Let them praise:
  • Implies a universal invitation or command to God's people. It's an exhortation for the faithful.
  • The Hebrew verb is הָלַל (halal), meaning "to shine," "to boast," "to rave," "to celebrate." This is the root of "Hallelujah" (Praise Yah!). It denotes an enthusiastic, often boisterous, expression of worship and honor, indicating deep affection and exhilaration.
• his name:
  • The "name" (שֵׁם - shem) in Hebrew thought encapsulates God's very being, character, reputation, attributes, and power as He has revealed Himself.
  • Praising His name is to praise who He truly is—His holiness, justice, mercy, and faithfulness—not merely a vocal utterance.
• in the dance:
  • The Hebrew word for dance is מָחוֹל (machol), which typically refers to a round dance, often performed communally.
  • Biblical dance was usually spontaneous and a physical expression of overwhelming joy, celebration, or deliverance (e.g., after military victory, freedom from oppression).
  • It was an integral part of festive and sacred occasions, a physical embodiment of internal praise, distinct from modern performance dance. It symbolized total bodily surrender and involvement in worship.
• let them sing praises:
  • The Hebrew verb is זָמַר (zamar), meaning "to pluck (strings)," "to make music," and specifically "to sing praise (with instrumental accompaniment)."
  • This implies a melodic, vocal expression of adoration, often accompanied by stringed instruments, and typically distinct from the unrestrained noise of "halal." It speaks of harmonious, artful worship.
• unto him:
  • Reinforces that all the worship, expression, and artistry are singularly directed towards God as the object of their devotion, not for human spectacle or self-glorification.
• with the timbrel:
  • The Hebrew word is תֹּף (toph), referring to a tambourine or a hand drum.
  • This was a common percussion instrument in ancient Israel, simple to play and used in festive, spontaneous celebrations, particularly by women (e.g., Miriam, Jephthah's daughter). It provided a rhythmic beat, adding to the joyous atmosphere.
• and harp:
  • The Hebrew word is כִּנּוֹר (kinnor), commonly translated as a lyre or harp.
  • This was a stringed instrument, perhaps similar to a small, portable lyre, often used for melodic accompaniment, psalms, and professional music (e.g., David playing for Saul). It signifies more sophisticated or beautiful musical praise.
  • Its inclusion with the simple timbrel suggests a range of musical expression from basic rhythm to complex melody, encompassing various levels of musical ability and participation in worship.

Psalm 149 3 Bonus section

The call for worship in Psalm 149:3 is an echo of the anticipated future joy and restoration prophesied in passages like Jeremiah 31, where dancing signifies deliverance from sorrow and a return to the fullness of God's blessing. This type of worship is also a powerful spiritual warfare, as active praise acknowledges God's sovereignty and His forthcoming judgment, aligning the worshippers with His divine purposes. The progression from dance to instruments underscores the multifaceted nature of biblical praise—it can be spontaneous and unadorned (dance), rhythmic and percussive (timbrel), or melodic and nuanced (harp), all united in exalting God's name. It suggests that every facet of human expression, whether primal movement or skilled musicianship, is designed for the glorification of the Creator.

Psalm 149 3 Commentary

Psalm 149:3 reveals a vision of worship that is vibrant, embodied, and communal. It dispels any notion of stoic or disengaged praise, calling instead for God's people to unleash their joy through physical expression—dance—and through the harmonious blending of voice and instruments—the timbrel and harp. This verse emphasizes that praise is not merely an intellectual assent or a private reflection but an active, shared outpouring of heart, soul, mind, and body, publicly directed to the Holy One who delights in His saints. The use of specific instruments highlights the legitimacy and beauty of utilizing human creativity and diverse expressions in worship, creating an atmosphere of jubilant celebration. It encourages an uninhibited, yet reverent, outpouring of gratitude and adoration, reflective of the inner delight God takes in His people and His triumph over their enemies.