Psalm 92 3

Psalm 92:3 kjv

Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.

Psalm 92:3 nkjv

On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound.

Psalm 92:3 niv

to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.

Psalm 92:3 esv

to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.

Psalm 92:3 nlt

accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument, a harp,
and the melody of a lyre.

Psalm 92 verses

Psalm 92 3 Meaning

Psalm 92:3 elaborates on the joyous declaration of God's goodness and faithfulness mentioned in the preceding verses. It specifies the rich instrumental accompaniment suitable for such profound worship, featuring the ten-stringed instrument, the psaltery, and the harp played with a "solemn sound" or deep musical notes. The verse emphasizes that praise to the Lord is not only to be heartfelt and continuous (morning and night), but also beautiful, full, and skillfully rendered with appropriate musicality, fostering a meditative and reverent atmosphere.

Psalm 92 3 Context

Psalm 92 bears the superscription "A Psalm, a Song for the Sabbath Day." This designation underscores its purpose as a song of worship and thanksgiving particularly suited for the day of rest, inviting reflection on God's character and deeds. The psalm begins by declaring it is "good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High" (v. 1), specifically to proclaim His "lovingkindness in the morning" and "faithfulness every night" (v. 2). Verse 3 naturally follows, describing the chosen means—a vibrant and rich instrumental accompaniment—to give expression to these heartfelt declarations. The broader psalm continues by extolling God's great works, His profound thoughts, His righteous judgment over the wicked, and His steadfast blessing upon the righteous, positioning musical worship as an appropriate response to such divine majesty and faithfulness.

Psalm 92 3 Word analysis

• עֲלֵי (alei) - "Upon / With": This Hebrew preposition denotes the instrument used for the praise, emphasizing the direct engagement with the instruments. Its repetition before each distinct musical element ("upon ten strings," "upon the psaltery," "upon higgayon") highlights the multiplicity and distinct contributions of each instrument or manner of playing, creating a rich tapestry of sound.
• עָשׂוֹר (asor) - "ten strings" / "ten-stringed instrument": Derived from the word for "ten," this refers to a specific type of stringed instrument, likely a psaltery or lyre equipped with ten strings. Its inclusion points to the specific details and varied instrumentation preferred for worship. Historically, the ten-stringed lyre was associated with skillful playing and full sound, contrasting with simpler instruments, symbolizing a rich, complete praise offering to God.
• וַעֲלֵי (va'alei) - "and upon / and with": The "and" (vav) links asor with nevel, indicating a joining of musical expressions, building on the initial instrument. It underscores the concept of comprehensive praise, utilizing various tools.
• נֶבֶל (nevel) - "psaltery" / "lyre": This refers to another prominent stringed instrument in ancient Israel, similar to a lyre or harp, typically held vertically and plucked. The nevel often appears alongside the kinnor in biblical descriptions of worship music. Its presence emphasizes the array and depth of musical resources dedicated to praise. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, elaborate musical ensembles were common in religious festivals, and the biblical emphasis is on directing this high art toward Yahweh, implicitly contrasting with pagan practices.
• הִגָּיוֹן (higgayon) - "solemn sound" / "meditation" / "musing" / "melodious sound": This is the most profound word in the verse. Derived from a root meaning "to meditate," "to ponder," "to murmur," or "to utter deep thoughts." In this musical context, it refers to:
  • A Quality of Sound: A deep, resonant, or solemn sound, possibly a lower octave or a particularly full, expressive melody.
  • A Musical Direction: Suggesting a contemplative or reflective tempo or style of playing, a profound musical interlude or accompaniment.
  • An Internal Disposition: It implies that the music is not merely external noise but is rooted in thoughtful meditation and sincere reflection on God's greatness, bringing intellectual and emotional depth to the worship. This aligns with the idea that Israelite worship was holistic, engaging the mind, emotions, and physical expression, standing against mere ritualistic or empty displays common in idolatry. It directs the worshiper to play with the same profound thoughts one meditates on.
• בְּכִנּוֹר (b'kinnor) - "with the kinnor" / "with the harp": The kinnor is often translated as "harp" or "lyre." It was arguably the most significant Israelite stringed instrument, famously played by King David. The beth (בְּ) prefix means "with" or "by means of," further emphasizing that this instrument is the means by which the higgayon quality or sound is achieved. Its position after higgayon suggests that the kinnor is employed to create the contemplative sound, making the verse conclude with the instruction that this venerated instrument should be played with deep spiritual reflection and a solemn, rich tone.

Psalm 92 3 Bonus section

The Sabbath context of Psalm 92 reinforces the contemplative nature of the music described in verse 3. On the Sabbath, dedicated to resting in God and meditating on His creative and redemptive work, such deep musical higgayon serves as a fitting expression of worship. This verse also implicitly highlights a progression from the vocal declaration of thanks and faithfulness in verses 1-2 to the instrumental accompaniment, indicating that music enhances and carries the spoken truth to greater depths. Typologically, these specific instruments and the continuous nature of praise foreshadow the unending worship in God's eternal presence, where believers join in celestial harmonies before the Lamb. Furthermore, the explicit mention of multiple, distinct instruments requiring varying levels of skill conveys that worship is not casual; it requires dedication, training, and the presentation of one's best abilities, valuing the honor of God above all else.

Psalm 92 3 Commentary

Psalm 92:3 moves beyond a general call to praise (vv. 1-2) to specify the vibrant, multi-layered musical expression intended for the Lord. The enumeration of stringed instruments—the ten-stringed instrument, the psaltery, and the harp—highlights the fullness and richness of the offering. This isn't minimalist worship; it demands skill, intentionality, and an expansive soundscape befitting God's majesty. The pivotal term, higgayon, transcends mere sound; it injects a dimension of deep meditation and solemnity into the musical expression. It implies that the praise should not be thoughtless or fleeting but rooted in profound contemplation of God's character and deeds, reflecting the internal awe of the worshiper through external sound. Thus, this verse instructs us to engage in worship that is both skilled and deeply reflective, combining the technical mastery of diverse instruments with the spiritual depth of a meditative heart, producing a "solemn sound" that resonates with truth and reverence for the Most High. It's an invitation to offer our very best, in both craft and spirit, to the One worthy of all praise.