Psalm 47 6

Psalm 47:6 kjv

Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.

Psalm 47:6 nkjv

Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!

Psalm 47:6 niv

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.

Psalm 47:6 esv

Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!

Psalm 47:6 nlt

Sing praises to God, sing praises;
sing praises to our King, sing praises!

Psalm 47 verses

Psalm 47 6 Meaning

This verse is an emphatic, repeated call to worship and praise God with songs and music. It exhorts all to celebrate the divine reign, acknowledging God as both the universal Lord, "God" (Elohim), and the specific, personal ruler of His people, "our King" (Malkenu). The four-fold repetition of the command "Sing praises" intensifies the urgency and joyous necessity of this act of adoration.

Psalm 47 6 Context

Psalm 47 belongs to a collection of psalms often referred to as "Kingship Psalms" (Psalms 47, 93, 96-99). These psalms celebrate God's sovereign rule over all creation and His exaltation. Psalm 47, specifically, appears to be an eschatological and universal acclamation of Yahweh as King, not just over Israel but over all nations. Some scholars suggest its original context may have been a procession of the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's enthronement in Jerusalem, or an annual festival like the Feast of Tabernacles. The psalmist likely contrasts Yahweh's universal kingship with the limited, often failing, earthly rulers or the impotence of pagan deities. It is a triumphant song affirming that despite human kingdoms, the God of Israel is the true and eternal King of all the earth.

Psalm 47 6 Word analysis

• Sing praises (זַמְּרוּ - zammeru): This is an imperative plural verb from the root זָמַר (zamar), meaning "to pluck (as in strings of a musical instrument), to make music, to sing praise." It implies praise accompanied by musical instruments, indicating a joyous, perhaps liturgical, expression. The plural imperative nature directs the command to "all peoples" (v. 1), indicating a universal call for praise. The repetition of this command four times serves to amplify its importance, urgency, and intensity, emphasizing that praise is central and ceaseless. This strong reiteration ensures the message resonates deeply.
• to God (לֵאלֹהִים - le'Elohim): אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) is a common Hebrew name for God. While it can refer generally to "gods," in the context of the Israelite worship and specifically within a psalm like 47, it unambiguously refers to the one true God, Yahweh. It highlights His divine nature, majesty, and transcendence—He is the ultimate Divine Being. The prefix "לְ" (le) means "to" or "for," indicating the object and purpose of the praise.
• Sing praises (זַמְּרוּ - zammeru): Repetition for emphasis, as noted above. It is a rhetorical device that stresses the deep emotion and earnestness of the command, transforming it from a mere suggestion into an urgent and compelling declaration.
• to our King (לְמַלְכֵּנוּ - leMalkenu): מַלְכֵּנוּ (Malkenu) combines מֶלֶךְ (melech), meaning "king," with the suffix ־ֵנוּ (-enu), meaning "our." This emphasizes God's immanence and covenantal relationship with His people. He is not just a distant cosmic ruler, but our King, implying intimate rule, protection, and provision. This personal claim contrasts with God as Elohim, uniting His universal sovereignty with His particular care for His own. It could also subtly affirm that He is King even over the people giving the praise, highlighting their willing submission and loyalty.
• Sing praises (זַמְּרוּ - zammeru): Another repetition, solidifying the message. The persistent call encourages sustained, heartfelt, and active worship, underscoring that praising God is not a passive activity but an engagement of one's whole being.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Sing praises to God, sing praises!": This opening phrase establishes the primary theme and adds urgency. The immediate repetition underscores the absolute necessity and profound joy intended in worship. It emphasizes the divinity of the one being praised – He is the supreme God, worthy of ultimate adoration. This command serves as a general and universal summons.
• "Sing praises to our King, sing praises!": This phrase reiterates the command but with a profound personal and relational focus. By referring to God as "our King," the psalmist highlights the intimate covenantal relationship between God and His people, adding warmth and personal devotion to the command. The second pairing of the repetition serves to intensify the personal dimension of praise and confirms the identity of "God" as "our King." This dual emphasis on transcendence and immanence is central to understanding God's nature and the nature of appropriate worship.

Psalm 47 6 Bonus section

The fourfold repetition of "Sing praises" in Hebrew (זַמְּרוּ) is known as an anadiplosis or palilogy, a rhetorical device emphasizing the instruction and instilling a sense of rhythmic urgency. This intensive use highlights the centrality of musical praise in ancient Israelite worship, signifying that praise is not just an occasional act but a continuous and heartfelt engagement. It suggests that such worship involves not just words but the whole being, expressed through joy and potentially physical movement. The combination of God's name "Elohim" (universal deity) and "Malkenu" (our King, covenantal relationship) subtly foreshadows the New Testament understanding of Christ's reign: He is both truly God (divine nature) and the head of His Church (personal, covenantal King).

Psalm 47 6 Commentary

Psalm 47:6 serves as the vibrant core of a majestic song of coronation, calling all people, especially Israel, to jubilant celebration of God's universal reign. The verse's power lies in its striking repetition, "Sing praises" appearing four times, building a crescendo of fervent adoration. This insistent command elevates praise beyond mere recommendation, presenting it as an urgent, rightful, and essential response to who God is. By first addressing Him as "God" (Elohim), the psalm invokes His supreme divinity and boundless power, asserting His ultimate authority over all creation. Then, by calling Him "our King" (Malkenu), the focus shifts to His intimate, covenantal relationship with His people. This duality underscores that God is both transcendent—the awe-inspiring Creator and Ruler of the cosmos—and immanent—the personal, guiding monarch who rules over the lives of His faithful. The call to "sing praises" thus encompasses a response to both His majestic person and His benevolent rule, demanding vocal, musical, and joyful acknowledgement of His undisputed sovereignty over all the earth. The very structure of the verse is a model for dedicated and repeated worship.