King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Praise him with tambourines and dancing! Praise him with flutes and strings!
Berean Standard Bible:
Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute.
American Standard Version:
Praise him with timbrel and dance: Praise him with stringed instruments and pipe.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Praise{H1984} him with the timbrel{H8596} and dance{H4234}: praise{H1984} him with stringed instruments{H4482} and organs{H5748}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Psalms 149:3
- Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
Isaiah 38:20
- The LORD [was ready] to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.
Exodus 15:20
- And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
Psalms 92:3
- Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.
Psalms 144:9
- ¶ I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery [and] an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.
Job 30:31
- My harp also is [turned] to mourning, and my organ into the voice of them that weep.
Psalms 45:8
- All thy garments [smell] of myrrh, and aloes, [and] cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
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Commentary for Psalms 150:4
Psalm 150:4 is part of the final psalm in the Book of Psalms, which serves as a grand doxology to the entire collection. This verse, along with the rest of Psalm 150, emphasizes the theme of praise and worship of God. The historical context of the Psalms spans many centuries, with various authors, but this particular psalm reflects a culmination of the Hebrew tradition of praising God through music and dance, which was a significant aspect of worship in the Temple of Jerusalem.
In the verse, "Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs," the psalmist calls for a joyful and exuberant form of worship. The timbrel, or tambourine, was a popular percussion instrument among the Israelites, often used in festive occasions and religious ceremonies. It was typically played by women and associated with dancing, which was an expression of jubilation and reverence to God. Stringed instruments, such as the lyre or harp, were also central to Hebrew music, and "organs" here likely refers to wind instruments, possibly the pipes or flutes known in ancient Israel.
The verse encourages the use of these instruments and dance as a means to honor and glorify God. It reflects the communal and celebratory nature of worship in ancient Israel, inviting all of creation to join in the praise of the Creator. The broader context of Psalm 150 suggests that this praise is to be offered everywhere and by everyone, as it concludes the Book of Psalms with a universal call to worship. This verse, therefore, captures the essence of joyful adoration that is due to God, encouraging believers to express their devotion through the arts, particularly music and dance, which transcend time and culture.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H1984
There are 140 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: הָלַל
Transliteration: hâlal
Pronunciation: haw-lal'
Description: a primitive root; to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify; (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. - Strong's Number: H8596
There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תֹּף
Transliteration: tôph
Pronunciation: tofe
Description: from תָּפַף contracted; a tambourine; tabret, timbrel. - Strong's Number: H4234
There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מָחוֹל
Transliteration: mâchôwl
Pronunciation: maw-khole'
Description: from חוּל; a (round) dance; dance(-cing). - Strong's Number: H4482
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מֵן
Transliteration: mên
Pronunciation: mane
Description: from an unused root meaning to apportion; a part; hence,; a musical chord (as parted into strings); in (the same) (Psalm 68:23), stringed instrument (Psalm 150:4), whereby (Psalm 45:8 (defective plural)). - Strong's Number: H5748
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עוּגָב
Transliteration: ʻûwgâb
Pronunciation: oo-gawb'
Description: or עֻגָּב; from עֲגַב in the original sense of breathing; a reed-instrument of music; organ.