Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

PSALMS 68:4KJV
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Psalms 68:4 (KJV)

What does Psalms 68:4 mean?

Psalms 68:4 calls people to joyfully sing and praise God, lifting up his name and celebrating him as the one who rides upon the heavens, using the special name "JAH" for God. The verse is an invitation to worship God with gladness and recognize his greatness and majesty.

The psalm is attributed to David and is directed to the congregation of Israel, encouraging them to praise God together. The phrase about God "riding upon the heavens" paints a picture of God's power and authority over all creation. The use of "JAH" (a shortened form of the divine name) highlights a personal and reverent way to address God, emphasizing both his closeness and his greatness.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 68:4

  • "Sing" (שִׁירוּ, shiru) means to sing out or make music, emphasizing an active, joyful response rather than silent admiration.
  • "JAH" (יָהּ, Yah) is a shortened, poetic form of God's personal name, often used in praise and worship, showing both intimacy and reverence.
  • "Rideth" (רֹכֵב, rokev) describes God as one who rides or moves above the heavens, a vivid image of his supreme authority and presence over all things.
  • "Heavens" (עֲרָבוֹת, aravot) can refer to the highest skies or realms above, suggesting God's rule is not limited to earth but extends over the entire universe.

Why Psalms 68:4 matters

  • The verse clears up that praising God is not just a private act but a communal, joyful expression meant to be shared out loud.
  • The use of "JAH" shows that the Bible sometimes uses different names for God, each carrying its own sense of closeness or awe.
  • Connecting God with the heavens reminds readers that God is not distant or uninvolved but actively present and powerful over all creation, setting the tone for the rest of the psalm.

Where else these words appear

“extol” Hebrew H5549 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 9:17 As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?
  • Proverbs 4:8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
  • Isaiah 62:10 Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.

“rejoice” Hebrew H5937 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Samuel 1:20 Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
  • Psalms 108:7 God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
  • Jeremiah 15:17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.

“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 98:5 Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.

“JAH” 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 113:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
  • Psalms 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.