Psalm 33 1

Psalm 33:1 kjv

Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

Psalm 33:1 nkjv

Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful.

Psalm 33:1 niv

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Psalm 33:1 esv

Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.

Psalm 33:1 nlt

Let the godly sing for joy to the LORD;
it is fitting for the pure to praise him.

Psalm 33 verses

Psalm 33 1 Meaning

Psalm 33:1 is a clarion call to sincere and joyous worship directed specifically at God's people. It commands the righteous to rejoice in the Lord, stating that praise is not just a duty but something inherently fitting and beautiful for those whose lives are aligned with God's character. This verse sets the stage for the rest of Psalm 33, which elaborates on the reasons for praising God – His creative power, His word, His providential care, and His unwavering faithfulness. It highlights that authentic praise flows from a right relationship with God and is His due from His devoted followers.

Psalm 33 1 Context

Psalm 33 stands as a vibrant hymn of praise, lacking a specific historical superscription, which is common among many psalms. It forms part of the first collection of Psalms (Book 1: Pss 1-41) but uniquely does not mention an author. Structurally, Psalm 33 functions as a communal hymn, likely intended for public worship. Verse 1 serves as an emphatic invitation or summons to worship, setting the tone for the entire psalm which then articulates the profound reasons for this rejoicing: God's word and work in creation (vv. 4-9), His sovereignty over nations and history (vv. 10-12), His comprehensive knowledge of humanity (vv. 13-15), His active deliverance (vv. 16-19), and His ultimate reliability (vv. 20-22). Historically and culturally, such hymns often stood in polemic contrast to the worship of pagan deities, emphasizing the unique, singular, and active sovereignty of Yahweh over all creation and human affairs, unlike the limited and capricious gods of surrounding cultures. It implicitly contrasts the temporary triumphs of human power with the enduring power and faithfulness of the Lord.

Psalm 33 1 Word analysis

• Rejoice (רָנְּנ֗וּ - rannenu): This is a strong, intensive imperative verb meaning to utter a ringing cry, to shout for joy, or to exult. It implies an outward, exuberant expression of deep inner gladness, far beyond mere quiet contentment. It is a command for an active, vibrant demonstration of joy.

• in the LORD (בַיהוָ֣ה - b'YHWH): The preposition "in" (בְּ - be) indicates the source, sphere, and object of this joy. The joy is not in circumstances, possessions, or human achievements, but solely in Yahweh. "LORD" (YHWH, the Tetragrammaton) signifies God's personal covenant name, revealing Him as the self-existent, faithful, and redemptive God of Israel. Therefore, the rejoicing is in His character, His actions, and His relationship with His people.

• O ye righteous (צַדִּיקִ֑ים - tzaddiqim): This noun, derived from the root tzedeq, refers to those who are justified and living in right standing with God, both legally (by grace through faith) and ethically (living according to His ways). They are characterized by integrity and adherence to God's standards. The command is specifically addressed to this group, implying that authentic, Spirit-led joy in the Lord is a hallmark of their lives.

• for (כִּ֣י - ki): This conjunction introduces the reason or explanation for the preceding command. It provides the justification for the imperative "rejoice."

• praise (תְּהִלָּ֖ה - tehillah): This noun refers to a song of praise, a hymn, or the act of giving praise. It encompasses thanksgiving, adoration, and exultation for God's nature and deeds.

• is comely (נָאוָ֥ה - na'vah): This adjective means beautiful, becoming, fitting, proper, or appropriate. It suggests that praise from the right source (the upright) to the right object (Yahweh) is not merely acceptable but intrinsically beautiful, harmonious, and aesthetically pleasing. It is naturally suited to its subject and object.

• for the upright (יְשָׁרִֽים - yesharim): This noun, from the root yashar, means straight, righteous, or morally upright. It describes those who are honest, sincere, and whose paths are direct, without crookedness or duplicity. It is often used interchangeably or in close parallel with "righteous," emphasizing moral integrity and right character. The repetition highlights that praise is genuinely proper for those whose inner character matches their outward profession.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Rejoice in the LORD": This phrase encapsulates the theological core: human joy is sourced and centered in God, specifically Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. It’s a joy born of spiritual relationship, not worldly circumstance.
  • "O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright": This entire clause defines the target audience and explains the rationale for their call to praise. It highlights that those whose lives reflect God's justice and moral rectitude are precisely the ones for whom praise is an authentic, natural, and fitting expression of their being and relationship with God. It signifies a profound spiritual harmony between the praiser and the praise itself. The dual terms "righteous" and "upright" underscore the complete alignment required: both inner moral standing and outward just conduct make praise beautiful.

Psalm 33 1 Bonus section

• The divine imperative to "rejoice" and the description of praise as "comely" suggest that worship is not merely a duty but a privilege and a profound expression of our restored relationship with God.
• The emphasis on "righteous" and "upright" means that personal conduct and a pure heart are prerequisites for true and acceptable praise. It points to a theology where inner character shapes outward expression.
• This verse can be seen as an invitation for those who are not yet righteous or upright to seek that spiritual condition, as it is only then that praise becomes truly fitting for them. The path to joyful praise often begins with repentance and seeking righteousness from God.

Psalm 33 1 Commentary

Psalm 33:1 serves as a foundational declaration about the nature of true worship. It is not a suggestion but a joyful imperative: the righteous must exult in Yahweh. This joy is deeply rooted, stemming from who God is as the faithful Covenant Lord. The call is specifically directed at the "righteous" (tzaddiqim) and the "upright" (yesharim), two terms often used in parallel, underscoring moral integrity and right standing before God. This emphasis highlights that praise is not a mechanical act, but an overflow of a heart and life that are consecrated to God. The beauty of praise ("comely") lies in its congruence with the worshiper’s character and its rightful object. For the upright, praise is their natural language; it adorns them, just as it glorifies God. It implies that unrighteous living renders praise incongruous and aesthetically 'ugly' in God's eyes, while true righteousness beautifies the act of worship. It's an encouragement to live in such a way that one's praise is authentic and glorifying to the One who deserves all exaltation.