Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

PSALMS 147:1KJV
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Psalms 147:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 147:1 mean?

Psalms 147:1 calls people to praise the LORD, explaining that singing to God is good, pleasant, and fitting. The verse highlights that worshiping God is not only right but also brings joy and beauty to those who do it.

This verse opens a psalm likely sung by the community of Israel, encouraging everyone to join in worship. The writer emphasizes that praising God is not just a duty but something that is truly enjoyable and appropriate. The words chosen underline the positive and attractive nature of genuine worship.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 147:1

  • "Praise" (הַלְלוּ, hallelu): This word is a call to give joyful, public praise, often used to invite a group to worship together.
  • "LORD" (יָהּ, Yah): This is a shortened form of God's name, emphasizing a personal and covenant relationship.
  • "Good" (טוֹב, tov): This word means something that is morally right, beneficial, and desirable, showing that praising God is not just allowed but truly worthwhile.
  • "Comely" (נָאוֶה, naveh): This word means fitting, beautiful, or appropriate, suggesting that praise is not only pleasant but also the proper response to God.

Why Psalms 147:1 matters

  • Psalms 147:1 clarifies that praising God is not just a religious obligation but something that brings real delight and is attractive in itself.
  • The verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which continues to describe reasons for praising God, helping readers see worship as both joyful and appropriate.
  • By using words like "good," "pleasant," and "comely," the verse encourages a positive view of worship, correcting any idea that it is burdensome or merely formal.

Where else these words appear

“comely” Hebrew H5000 · used in 9 verses

  • Psalms 33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
  • Proverbs 19:10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
  • Song of Solomon 2:14 O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.

“pleasant” Hebrew H5273 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 1:23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
  • Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
  • Proverbs 22:18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

“praises” 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 47:7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
  • Psalms 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

“LORD” Hebrew H3050 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
  • Psalms 135:3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.