A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

PSALMS 100:1KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 100:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 100:1 mean?

Psalms 100:1 is an invitation for everyone, everywhere, to express joyful praise to the LORD. The verse calls all people across the earth to celebrate God with a glad and enthusiastic shout.

This verse opens a short psalm that was likely used in public worship at the temple in Jerusalem. The speaker is addressing all nations ("all ye lands"), not just Israel, encouraging a worldwide response to God. The phrase "make a joyful noise" suggests a loud, heartfelt expression, not just quiet or private worship.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 100:1

  • The word "noise" is רוּעַ (rua‘), which often means to shout or raise a loud sound, like a cheer at a celebration. This highlights that the praise is meant to be energetic and public.
  • "LORD" is יְהוָה (YHWH, often pronounced Yahweh), the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing a direct relationship with the one true God.
  • "Lands" is אֶרֶץ (erets), which means land or earth. Here, it points to all the earth’s peoples, not just one nation, showing the psalm’s broad invitation.

Why Psalms 100:1 matters

  • This verse makes clear that worship of God is not limited to one group or place; it is a call for all people everywhere to join in praise.
  • The emphasis on a "joyful noise" corrects the idea that worship must always be solemn or quiet; it can be loud, expressive, and full of gladness.
  • By starting the psalm with this open invitation, the verse sets a tone of inclusiveness and celebration that shapes the rest of the psalm.

Where else these words appear

“praise” Hebrew H8426 · used in 30 verses

  • Leviticus 7:12 If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.
  • Nehemiah 12:31 Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:
  • Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

“noise” Hebrew H7321 · used in 42 verses

  • Numbers 10:7 But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.
  • 2 Chronicles 13:15 Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
  • Psalms 98:6 With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 38:1 A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
  • Psalms 77:1 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.