Psalms 147:1

KJV

¶ Praise ye the LORD: for [it is] good to sing praises unto our God; for [it is] pleasant; [and] praise is comely.

KJV (with Strong's)

Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}: for it is good {H2896} to sing praises {H2167} unto our God {H430}; for it is pleasant {H5273}; and praise {H8416} is comely {H5000}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Halleluyah! How good it is to sing praises to our God! How sweet, how fitting to praise him!

Berean Standard Bible

Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and lovely to praise Him!

American Standard Version

Praise ye Jehovah; For it is good to sing praises unto our God; For it is pleasant, andpraise is comely.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 147:1 serves as a vibrant call to worship, initiating a psalm dedicated to extolling the Lord's greatness and goodness. It declares that praising God is not merely an obligation but an inherently good, delightful, and fitting activity. This verse establishes a foundational truth: the act of offering laudation to the Creator is profoundly beneficial for the worshiper, supremely pleasing to God, and perfectly aligned with the beauty and order of His divine character and creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 147:1 opens the penultimate psalm in the Psalter, belonging to the collection often referred to as the "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150). These psalms are characterized by their emphatic and repeated calls to "Praise ye the LORD" (Hebrew: *Hallelujah*), serving as a grand crescendo of worship that culminates the entire book of Psalms. Psalm 147 itself is a hymn of praise that beautifully interweaves two primary themes: God's majestic power over creation (e.g., His control over snow, frost, and wind in [Psalms 147:16-18](/psalms/147-16 "Psalms 147:16-18 - God's Control Over Nature")) and His tender, providential care for His people, particularly Israel (e.g., His healing of the brokenhearted in [Psalms 147:3](/psalms/147-3 "Psalms 147:3 - God Heals the Brokenhearted") and His rebuilding of Jerusalem in [Psalms 147:2](/psalms/147-2 "Psalms 147:2 - God Builds Up Jerusalem")). Verse 1 sets the tone, inviting the reader into this dual celebration of God's universal sovereignty and particular covenant faithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise authorship and historical setting of Psalm 147 are not explicitly stated, many scholars suggest it was composed during the post-exilic period, following the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and temple. This era was marked by a renewed emphasis on communal worship, the restoration of national identity, and a deep reflection on God's faithfulness despite national chastisement. The psalm's references to "building up Jerusalem" and "gathering together the outcasts of Israel" ([Psalms 147:2](/psalms/147-2 "Psalms 147:2 - God Rebuilds Jerusalem and Gathers Israel")) strongly support this view. In this context, the call to praise was not merely a ritual but a profound expression of gratitude and renewed trust in God's covenant promises, celebrating His active involvement in their restoration and His unique relationship with His chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** The opening verse of Psalm 147 introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it establishes the **imperative and inherent goodness of praise**. The command "Praise ye the LORD" is not a suggestion but a fundamental call to worship, highlighting that praise is a necessary and beneficial act for humanity, aligning the worshiper's heart with divine truth. Secondly, the psalm emphasizes the **delightful and pleasing nature of worship**. Praise is presented not as a burdensome duty but as an enjoyable and satisfying experience, reflecting the joy found in acknowledging God's character and deeds (as seen in [Psalms 92:1](/psalms/92-1 "Psalms 92:1 - It is good to give thanks to the LORD")). Finally, the verse underscores the **appropriateness and beauty of praise**. The declaration that "praise is comely" suggests that it is the most fitting, harmonious, and aesthetically beautiful response to the Creator, reflecting the order and beauty of His divine nature and His creation (a theme echoed in [Psalms 150:6](/psalms/150-6 "Psalms 150:6 - Let everything that has breath praise the LORD")). These themes collectively portray praise as a holistic, joyful, and essential aspect of a right relationship with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** This primitive root (H1984) conveys a sense of being clear, shining, making a show, boasting, or celebrating. In the context of worship, it means to celebrate, commend, or make renowned. It implies a loud, enthusiastic, and often public declaration of God's excellencies, reflecting a joyful and unreserved extolling of His character and works. The imperative "Praise ye" (H1984 with H8761, a verbal suffix) commands this active, vibrant celebration.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** Derived from H2896, this word signifies "good" in its widest sense, encompassing concepts of excellence, benefit, pleasantness, and moral righteousness. When applied to praise, it means that praise is inherently beneficial, wholesome, and advantageous, not just for God but also for the one offering it. It suggests that praise aligns us with what is right and brings about a positive state of being.
* **Comely (Hebrew, _nâʼveh'_):** From H5000, this term means suitable, beautiful, becoming, or seemly. It describes praise as something that is fitting, appropriate, and aesthetically pleasing. It suggests that praise is not only beautiful in itself but also perfectly suited to the nature of God and the relationship between the Creator and His creation, a harmonious and becoming act of adoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Praise ye the LORD:"** This opening phrase is a direct, imperative command, "Hallelujah" (Hebrew: *Hallelû Yah*), urging all to actively and enthusiastically laud Yahweh, the personal covenant name of God (H3050). It is a universal call to acknowledge and celebrate God's supreme worth and power.
* **"for [it is] good to sing praises unto our God;"** This clause provides the first reason for the imperative to praise. The act of "singing praises" (H2167, *zâmar*, indicating musical praise) is declared "good" (H2896, *ṭôwb*). This goodness is multifaceted: it is morally right, inherently beneficial for the worshiper, and pleasing in God's sight. The phrase "unto our God" (H430, *ʼĕlôhîym*) emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship, highlighting that this praise is directed to the one true God who is intimately involved with His people.
* **"for [it is] pleasant;"** This second reason emphasizes the delightful and enjoyable nature of genuine worship. The Hebrew word *nâʻîym* (H5273) conveys a sense of something delightful, agreeable, and lovely. True praise should not be a burdensome duty but a joyful expression arising from a heart filled with appreciation and love for God. It brings joy to the worshiper and is pleasing to God.
* **"[and] praise is comely."** The final clause offers a third reason, asserting that praise (H8416, *tᵉhillâh*, laudation or hymn) is "comely" (H5000, *nâʼveh*). This signifies that praise is fitting, appropriate, beautiful, and becoming. Just as a beautiful garment adorns a person, praise adorns the worshiper and is a beautiful offering before God, perfectly suited to His majesty and holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 147:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second and third clauses ("for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; [and] praise is comely") reiterate and expand upon the initial imperative "Praise ye the LORD." Each subsequent phrase offers a reason or a quality of praise, building upon the previous one. There is also a strong use of **Imperative Mood** ("Praise ye"), which functions as a direct command, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of worship. Furthermore, the psalm uses **Figurative Language**, particularly in describing praise as "comely" or "beautiful." This personification or metaphor suggests that praise has an aesthetic quality, making it appealing and fitting, much like a beautiful adornment. The **Repetition** of the concept of "praise" (using both the verb *hâlal* and the noun *tᵉhillâh*) reinforces the central theme and emphasizes its paramount importance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 147:1 lays a profound theological foundation for worship, asserting that praise is not merely a human obligation but a divine imperative rooted in God's inherent worthiness and the beneficial nature of such an act for humanity. It highlights that God is not only worthy of all praise due to His majestic power and providential care, but that the very act of praising Him is "good," "pleasant," and "comely." This suggests that worship is deeply integrated into the fabric of creation and human flourishing, aligning the worshiper with truth, joy, and beauty. Theologically, it underscores that genuine praise flows from a heart that recognizes God's character and deeds, transforming the worshiper and bringing delight to the Creator. This verse invites believers into a reciprocal relationship where God's goodness inspires praise, and that praise, in turn, is a good and beautiful offering.

* [Psalm 92:1](/psalms/92-1 "Psalm 92:1 - It is good to give thanks to the LORD")
* [Psalm 150:6](/psalms/150-6 "Psalm 150:6 - Let everything that has breath praise the LORD")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 147:1 serves as a powerful reminder that praise is not an optional add-on to the Christian life, but its very essence. In a world often consumed by anxiety, complaint, and self-focus, this verse calls us to intentionally reorient our hearts and minds towards God. When we praise the Lord, we are not just fulfilling a duty; we are engaging in an act that is inherently good for our souls, bringing us into alignment with divine truth and fostering a spirit of gratitude and joy. The pleasantness and comeliness of praise suggest that worship should be a delightful and beautiful experience, transforming our perspective and deepening our relationship with our Creator. This verse encourages us to cultivate a lifestyle of praise, recognizing God's hand in both the grand cosmic order and the intimate details of our lives, thereby finding profound spiritual nourishment and expressing our deepest adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for praise to be "good," "pleasant," and "comely" in your personal experience of worship?**
* **How might intentionally shifting your focus to God's character and works cultivate a more consistent spirit of praise in your daily life?**
* **In what ways can you make your personal and corporate worship more "comely" or beautiful as an offering to God?**

### FAQ
**Why is praise described as "good" in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "good" (*ṭôwb*) carries a broad meaning, encompassing excellence, benefit, and moral rightness. When applied to praise, it means that praising God is inherently beneficial for the worshiper, aligning their heart and mind with truth and gratitude. It's good because it reorients our perspective from self to God, fosters a spirit of joy, and is the morally appropriate response to the Creator and Sustainer of all things. It brings spiritual health and well-being, as seen in other passages like [Psalms 92:1](/psalms/92-1 "Psalms 92:1 - It is good to give thanks to the LORD").

**What does "praise is comely" signify?**

Answer: The word "comely" (*nâʼveh*) means suitable, beautiful, or fitting. It suggests that praise is not only aesthetically beautiful in itself but also perfectly appropriate and harmonious as a response to God's majesty and holiness. Just as a beautiful garment adorns a person, praise adorns the worshiper and is a beautiful offering before God. It implies that praise is the most fitting and becoming way for humanity to relate to its Creator, reflecting the divine order and beauty.

**Does this verse imply that praise should always be joyful and easy?**

Answer: While the verse emphasizes the "pleasant" and "comely" nature of praise, it doesn't negate the reality that praise can sometimes be a "sacrifice" (as mentioned in [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")) offered in difficult circumstances. The "pleasantness" refers to the inherent delight and spiritual benefit of genuine worship, even when emotions may not immediately align. It points to the ultimate satisfaction and rightness of praising God, regardless of immediate feelings, because God Himself is always worthy and good.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 147:1, with its fervent call to praise the Lord, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Psalmist praises Yahweh for His power over creation and His care for Israel, the New Testament reveals that it is through Christ that we truly know and access this God. Jesus Himself is the perfect worshiper, embodying the "good," "pleasant," and "comely" nature of praise in His earthly life, perfectly glorifying the Father in all things ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). Moreover, Christ is the one who enables our praise; through His atoning sacrifice, we are reconciled to God, granting us the privilege and ability to approach God's throne with confidence and offer "a sacrifice of praise" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")) that is truly "good" and "acceptable" to Him. He is the Lamb of God, worthy of all praise, honor, and glory ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - The Lamb is Worthy")). Therefore, the call to "Praise ye the LORD" becomes a call to praise God through Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, as we anticipate the day when every tongue will confess Him as Lord to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Our praise is truly comely because it is offered in and through the One who is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 135:3

Praise the LORD; for the LORD [is] good: sing praises unto his name; for [it is] pleasant.

Psalms 33:1

¶ Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: [for] praise is comely for the upright.

Psalms 92:1

¶ A Psalm [or] Song for the sabbath day. [It is a] good [thing] to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:

Psalms 63:3

¶ Because thy lovingkindness [is] better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Psalms 63:5

My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips:

Psalms 42:4

When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

Revelation 5:9

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;