And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

PSALMS 40:3KJV
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Psalms 40:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 40:3 mean?

Psalms 40:3 describes how God has given the psalmist a new song of praise, and that this public expression of gratitude will cause many people to notice, feel awe, and put their trust in the LORD. The verse highlights a transformation where personal deliverance leads to public faith.

In this psalm, David is speaking about his own experience of being rescued by God from trouble. The "new song" represents a fresh response of thankfulness, not just a repeated old tune. David expects that others will witness what God has done for him, be moved by it, and be encouraged to trust God themselves.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 40:3

  • "new" (חָדָשׁ, chadash): This word means something fresh or not seen before. The idea is that God's help inspires a response that is not routine or stale, but heartfelt and alive.
  • "song" (שִׁיר, shir): This is the common Hebrew word for a song, often used for songs of praise or worship. It suggests a joyful, public declaration.
  • "praise" (תְּהִלָּה, tehillah): This word means praise or adoration, especially directed toward God. It emphasizes that the song is not just about the psalmist's feelings, but is meant to honor God.
  • "fear" (יָרֵא, yare): In this context, "fear" means awe or reverence, not terror. It describes the reaction of people who see God's work and are moved to respect and trust Him.

Why Psalms 40:3 matters

  • Psalms 40:3 shows that personal experiences with God can have a ripple effect, encouraging faith in others who witness them.
  • The verse clarifies that worship is not just private but can be a testimony that draws a community toward trust in God.
  • By emphasizing a "new song," the verse points to the idea that God's help brings about real change, leading to fresh expressions of gratitude rather than routine or empty words.

Where else these words appear

“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 71:6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
  • 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.

“song” Hebrew H7892 · used in 87 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?
  • Psalms 18:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
  • Psalms 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

“trust” Hebrew H982 · used in 117 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:52 And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.
  • Psalms 44:6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.
  • Isaiah 30:12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: