To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David. I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

PSALMS 9:1KJV
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Psalms 9:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 9:1 mean?

Psalms 9:1 describes David’s intention to praise the LORD with his whole heart and to openly tell about all the wonderful things God has done. The verse highlights a personal, wholehearted gratitude and a desire to make God’s actions known to others.

David is the speaker, addressing the LORD (the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible) in a song meant for public worship. The verse sets the tone for the psalm by showing David’s deep thankfulness and his commitment to sharing God’s “marvellous works” with the community, not keeping them private.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 9:1

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a close, covenant relationship rather than a distant deity.
  • Heart (לֵב, lev): The Hebrew word for “heart” often means the whole inner self—thoughts, emotions, and will—so David is saying he praises God with everything he is, not just outwardly.
  • Praise (יָדָה, yadah): This word can mean to give thanks or confess openly, suggesting that David’s praise is both grateful and public.
  • Forth (סָפַר, saphar): This word means to recount or declare, so “shew forth” means to actively tell or make known, not just to remember silently.

Why Psalms 9:1 matters

  • The verse shows that true praise involves the whole person, not just words or ritual, but genuine feeling and intention.
  • By choosing to “shew forth” God’s works, David models that faith is not private but meant to be shared, encouraging others to recognize God’s actions.
  • The opening sets a theme for the psalm: remembering and telling about God’s deeds is central to worship and community life in ancient Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Muthlabben” Hebrew H4192 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 39:1 To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
  • Psalms 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

“Musician” Hebrew H5329 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
  • Psalms 31:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
  • Psalms 61:1 To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

“works” Hebrew H6381 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
  • Job 5:9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:
  • Psalms 107:15 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!