Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

PSALMS 96:12KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 96:12 (KJV)

What does Psalms 96:12 mean?

Psalms 96:12 describes nature itself—fields and trees—joining in joyful celebration. The verse uses poetic language to picture all of creation rejoicing, as if the natural world is alive with praise.

In this psalm, the writer (traditionally King David) calls on all the earth to praise God. Here, the focus shifts from people to the land and trees, showing that worship is not just for humans but for all creation. The verse is part of a larger song celebrating God’s rule and goodness, inviting everything in the world to join in gladness.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 96:12

  • "Field" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh): This word refers to open land or countryside, not just farmland. The verse invites even the wild, uncultivated parts of the earth to be joyful.
  • "Joyful" (עָלַז, alaz): This word often means to exult or be exceedingly glad. It paints a picture of overflowing happiness, not just quiet contentment.
  • "Trees" (עֵץ, ets) and "wood" (יַעַר, ya'ar): "Ets" means individual trees, while "ya'ar" refers to the forest as a whole. The verse includes both, showing a vision of every part of the natural world joining in.
  • "Rejoice" (רָנַן, ranan): This word carries the sense of shouting for joy or singing out. The trees are pictured as if they have voices to praise.

Why Psalms 96:12 matters

  • Psalms 96:12 helps readers see that the Bible sometimes uses poetic images, not just literal statements, to express worship and joy.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s goodness and kingship are so great that they affect not just people but all creation.
  • This verse connects to a larger biblical theme where nature itself is seen as praising God, reminding readers that faith and worship are part of a much bigger picture than just human experience.

Where else these words appear

“joyful” 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.

“rejoice” Hebrew H7442 · used in 52 verses

  • Leviticus 9:24 And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.
  • Psalms 81:1 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
  • Isaiah 24:14 They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea.

“wood” Hebrew H3293 · used in 58 verses

  • Deuteronomy 19:5 As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live:
  • Psalms 83:14 As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;
  • Isaiah 56:9 All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.