Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.

1 CHRONICLES 16:9KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 16:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 16:9 mean?

1 Chronicles 16:9 calls people to sing to God, make music for Him, and speak about all the amazing things He has done. The verse encourages open celebration and sharing of God’s wonderful deeds with others.

This verse is part of a song David gave to the people of Israel when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. David is leading the people in worship, urging them not just to sing but also to talk with one another about God’s great acts, making worship a shared and joyful experience.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 16:9

  • "Sing" (שִׁירוּ, shiru): This word means to sing out, often with joy or celebration. David is inviting the people to lift their voices together, not just quietly but in a way that is heard.
  • "Psalms" (זַמְּרוּ, zameru): This word means to make music or play an instrument, not just sing. The verse includes both vocal and instrumental praise, showing worship as something lively and full.
  • "Talk" (שִׂיחוּ, sichu): This word means to speak, meditate, or even converse. It suggests more than just telling; it includes thoughtful discussion or recounting, encouraging people to actively share stories of God’s wonders.
  • "Wondrous" (נִפְלְאוֹתָיו, nifl’otav): This word refers to things that are extraordinary or miraculous. The focus is on God’s acts that are beyond the ordinary, inviting awe and conversation.

Why 1 Chronicles 16:9 matters

  • The verse shows that worship in Israel was not just private or silent but involved community singing, music, and conversation about God’s actions.
  • By using words that mean both singing and making music, the verse highlights that worship can be creative and expressive, involving more than one form.
  • The call to “talk” about God’s wonders connects worship to daily life, encouraging people to remember and share what God has done, not just keep it to themselves.

Where else these words appear

“talk” Hebrew H7878 · used in 20 verses

  • Judges 5:10 Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way.
  • Psalms 77:6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.
  • Psalms 119:48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

“psalms” Hebrew H2167 · used in 41 verses

  • Judges 5:3 Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.
  • Psalms 57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
  • Psalms 98:5 Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.

“wondrous” Hebrew H6381 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
  • Job 9:10 Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.
  • Psalms 107:15 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

“Sing” Hebrew H7891 · used in 79 verses

  • Exodus 15:1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
  • Ezra 10:24 Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, and Telem, and Uri.
  • Psalms 68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.