Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:

PSALMS 147:7KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 147:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 147:7 mean?

Psalms 147:7 calls people to sing to the LORD with gratitude and to make music to God using the harp. The verse encourages joyful, thankful worship directed specifically to God.

The psalmist is addressing the community of Israel, urging them to respond to God’s goodness with songs and music. The mention of thanksgiving highlights that their praise should come from a grateful heart, not just as a ritual. The use of the harp shows that worship involved both voices and instruments, reflecting the culture’s way of honoring God with all they had.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 147:7

  • "Sing" (עָנָה, ‘anah): While often translated as "sing," this word can also mean "respond" or "answer," suggesting that singing is a reply to God’s actions or character.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing a direct relationship rather than a distant deity.
  • "Thanksgiving" (תוֹדָה, todah): This word means more than just saying "thank you"; it implies a public declaration of gratitude, often accompanied by offerings or songs.
  • "Praise" (זָמַר, zamar): This verb specifically means to make music or sing praises, especially with instruments, highlighting the musical aspect of worship.
  • "Harp" (כִּנּוֹר, kinnor): The harp was a common stringed instrument in ancient Israel, showing that worship was both vocal and instrumental.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is a general term for God, used here to stress His power and majesty.

Why Psalms 147:7 matters

  • The verse clarifies that worship in ancient Israel was not just about words but involved music and instruments, showing a full-bodied, joyful response to God.
  • By linking singing and thanksgiving, the verse emphasizes that true praise comes from a grateful heart, not just from obligation or tradition.
  • The call to praise the LORD by name connects this act of worship to the personal relationship between God and His people, setting it apart from generic religious rituals.

Where else these words appear

“thanksgiving” 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 100:1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

“praise” 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.

“harp” Hebrew H3658 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 4:21 And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:3 Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.
  • Psalms 71:22 I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.