Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.

PSALMS 98:5KJV
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Psalms 98:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 98:5 mean?

Psalms 98:5 calls people to make music and sing to the LORD, specifically using the harp and lifting their voices in song. The verse highlights using both instruments and vocal praise to honor God.

In this psalm, the writer is encouraging a public and joyful celebration directed toward the LORD, who is the God of Israel. The mention of the harp and the "voice of a psalm" points to a worship setting where music and singing are important ways to express gratitude and reverence. The verse fits into a larger passage that celebrates God's saving acts and invites all people to join in praise.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 98:5

  • "Sing" (זמרו, zamaru): This word often means to make music or sing praises, especially with instruments. It suggests more than just singing—it involves a musical celebration.
  • "Harp" (כִּנּוֹר, kinnor): The kinnor was a stringed instrument, similar to a lyre. Its mention shows that music in worship was both vocal and instrumental.
  • "Voice" (קוֹל, qol): This word means "voice" or "sound." Here, it emphasizes that praise is not silent but expressed out loud.
  • "Psalm" (זְמִרָה, zemerah): This refers to a song of praise, often one that is sung to music. It highlights the poetic and musical nature of worship in ancient Israel.

Why Psalms 98:5 matters

  • Psalms 98:5 shows that worship in ancient Israel was not just private or silent but involved public music and singing, encouraging everyone to participate.
  • The verse emphasizes that honoring God can be done with both instruments and voices, showing a broad and creative approach to praise.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of Psalms 98, which is about celebrating God's victories and inviting all creation to join in joyful worship.

Where else these words appear

“psalm” Hebrew H2172 · used in 4 verses

  • Psalms 81:2 Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.
  • Isaiah 51:3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
  • Amos 5:23 Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.

“Sing” 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 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

“harp” Hebrew H3658 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 4:21 And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:3 Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.
  • Psalms 71:22 I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.