A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

PSALMS 98:1KJV
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Psalms 98:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 98:1 mean?

Psalms 98:1 calls people to sing a new song to the LORD because He has done wonderful things, winning victory by His own power and holiness. The verse celebrates God’s mighty acts and invites worship in response to what He has accomplished.

This psalm is attributed to an anonymous author, speaking to the community of Israel and inviting everyone to praise the LORD (the personal name for God in Hebrew). The “new song” points to a fresh act of God that deserves special recognition, likely a recent deliverance or victory. The verse highlights God’s strength (“right hand”) and holiness (“holy arm”) as the reasons for His victory.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 98:1

  • "Sing" (שִׁירוּ, shiru): This word is an active call, urging the people to respond with joyful music, not just quiet praise.
  • "New" (חָדָשׁ, chadash): This word means something fresh or unprecedented, suggesting God’s work is not routine but remarkable and worth celebrating in a new way.
  • "Victory" (יָשַׁע, yasha): This word often means salvation or deliverance, so the verse is not just about military victory but any act where God rescues or saves.

Why Psalms 98:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies that worship is a response to God’s actions, not just a routine; people are called to sing because God has done something truly extraordinary.
  • The focus on God’s “right hand” and “holy arm” emphasizes that the victory is entirely God’s doing, not human achievement.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which continues to describe God’s saving acts and calls all creation to join in praise.

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.

“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 38:1 A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
  • Psalms 77:1 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.

“things” 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!

“sing” Hebrew H7891 · used in 79 verses

  • Exodus 15:1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
  • Ezra 7:7 And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
  • Psalms 65:13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.