Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

PSALMS 149:3KJV
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Psalms 149:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 149:3 mean?

Psalms 149:3 calls for people to praise God’s name with joyful dancing and music, specifically mentioning singing with the timbrel and harp. The verse highlights a lively, physical, and musical expression of worship.

The psalmist is encouraging the community of Israel to celebrate God with their whole selves—body, voice, and instruments. This verse comes from a psalm that focuses on praising God for His salvation and faithfulness, inviting everyone to join in a communal, festive act of worship.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 149:3

  • praise (הָלַל, halal): This word means to boast, celebrate, or shine. Here, it suggests an enthusiastic, public kind of praise, not something quiet or hidden.
  • name (שֵׁם, shem): Refers to God’s reputation or character. Praising God’s “name” means honoring who God is and what He has done.
  • dance (מָחוֹל, machol): This word specifically refers to a round dance, a common form of joyful group dancing in ancient Israel. It shows that worship involved movement and community participation.
  • timbrel (תֹּף, toph): A hand drum or tambourine, often used by women in celebrations. Its mention points to the use of accessible, everyday instruments in worship.
  • harp (כִּנּוֹר, kinnor): A stringed instrument, likely similar to a lyre. Including both percussion and string instruments shows the variety and richness of musical praise.

Why Psalms 149:3 matters

  • Psalms 149:3 shows that worship in ancient Israel was not just about words or rituals but included joyful movement and music, making praise a full-body experience.
  • The verse emphasizes that praising God’s “name” is about celebrating God’s character and deeds, not just repeating a title.
  • By mentioning specific instruments and dance, the verse connects worship to everyday life and community, making it accessible and inviting for all people, not just religious leaders.

Where else these words appear

“dance” Hebrew H4234 · used in 6 verses

  • Psalms 30:11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
  • Psalms 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
  • Jeremiah 31:13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

“timbrel” Hebrew H8596 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • 2 Samuel 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
  • Isaiah 5:12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

“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.

“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.