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.

JUDGES 5:3KJV
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Judges 5:3 (KJV)

What does Judges 5:3 mean?

Judges 5:3 is a call from Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, inviting kings and princes to listen as she declares her intention to sing and praise the LORD, the God of Israel. The verse sets the tone for a song of victory, giving credit to God for what has happened.

Deborah is speaking after a great military victory, addressing not just Israel but rulers everywhere, emphasizing that her praise is directed to the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh), Israel’s God. This verse begins her poetic song, highlighting that the victory is not just a human achievement but something worth proclaiming and celebrating before all leaders and nations.

The Hebrew behind Judges 5:3

  • "Hear" (שָׁמַע, shama‘): This word means more than just listening; it often carries the sense of paying attention and responding. Deborah is urging rulers to truly take notice of what she is about to declare.
  • "Sing" (שִׁיר, shir) and "sing praise" (זָמַר, zamar): These are two different Hebrew words. "Shir" is a general word for singing, while "zamar" often refers to making music or singing with instruments. The use of both words shows a full, joyful expression of praise.
  • "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that the praise is directed not to any god, but specifically to the God who delivered Israel.

Why Judges 5:3 matters

  • Judges 5:3 shows that Deborah’s song is meant to be public, calling even foreign rulers to witness what God has done, not just the Israelites.
  • The verse highlights that the victory is attributed to God, not human strength or strategy, setting the theme for the entire song that follows.
  • By using both "sing" and "sing praise," the verse underlines the depth and enthusiasm of Deborah’s gratitude, showing that worship can be both spoken and musical.

Where else these words appear

“princes” Hebrew H7336 · used in 6 verses

  • Psalms 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
  • Proverbs 8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
  • Isaiah 40:23 That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.

“ear” Hebrew H238 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Psalms 5:1 To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
  • Psalms 141:1 A Psalm of David. LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.

“sing” Hebrew H2167 · used in 41 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.
  • 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.

“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.