Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

PSALMS 149:1KJV
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Psalms 149:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 149:1 mean?

Psalms 149:1 calls on people to praise the LORD by singing a new song to Him, and to do so together with others who are devoted to God. The verse highlights both personal and communal worship, inviting a group of faithful people to celebrate God with fresh expressions of praise.

This verse opens a psalm that encourages joyful worship among God’s people. The speaker is likely a worship leader or psalmist, addressing the gathered community of Israel. The setting is a public assembly, where those considered “saints” or faithful ones are urged to join in singing something new to God, showing that worship can be both creative and shared.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 149:1

  • "Praise" (הַלְלוּ, hallelu): This word is a call to celebrate or boast about God, not just quietly but with enthusiasm. It sets the tone for the whole psalm as an invitation to joyful, energetic worship.
  • "LORD" (יָהּ, Yah and יְהוָה, Yahweh): Both forms refer to God’s personal name, emphasizing a direct relationship with Him. The use of God’s name twice in one verse highlights the focus on God Himself, not just the act of singing.
  • "New" (חָדָשׁ, chadash): This word means something fresh or not seen before. The call for a “new song” suggests that worship should not become stale or routine, but should reflect ongoing experiences and gratitude.
  • "Congregation" (קָהָל, qahal): This word means an assembly or gathering, often used for the community of Israel. It shows that this praise is meant to be shared with others, not just done alone.
  • "Saints" (חָסִיד, chasid): This word refers to those who are faithful, loyal, or devoted to God. The verse is directed to people who are committed to living according to God’s ways.

Why Psalms 149:1 matters

  • Psalms 149:1 reminds readers that worship is not only a private act but also something meant to be shared in community, strengthening the bonds among those who are faithful.
  • The call for a “new song” encourages creativity and freshness in worship, showing that expressing gratitude to God can take many forms and should reflect current experiences.
  • By addressing the “congregation of saints,” the verse highlights that praise is especially fitting among those who are devoted to God, setting the tone for the rest of the psalm’s focus on joyful, communal celebration.

Where else these words appear

“saints” Hebrew H2623 · used in 32 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:8 And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;
  • Psalms 32:6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
  • Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

“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.

“new” Hebrew H2319 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 1:8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
  • 2 Samuel 21:16 And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.
  • Isaiah 41:15 Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

“praise” Hebrew H8416 · used in 57 verses

  • Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
  • Psalms 66:8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
  • Isaiah 42:10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.