Psalms 33:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Rejoice {H7442} in the LORD {H3068}, O ye righteous {H6662}: for praise {H8416} is comely {H5000} for the upright {H3477}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ejoice in ADONAI, you righteous! Praise is well-suited to the upright.

Berean Standard Bible

Rejoice in the LORD, O righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him.

American Standard Version

Rejoice in Jehovah, O ye righteous: Praise is comely for the upright.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 33:1 serves as a vibrant and exultant summons to worship, initiating a psalm dedicated to extolling God's sovereign power, creative majesty, and unwavering faithfulness. It is a specific and heartfelt invitation, directed to those who live in right relationship with God—the "righteous" and "upright"—to engage in profound, joyful adoration and fitting praise of the Lord, recognizing that such worship is not merely an obligation but a beautiful and appropriate expression of their identity and God's inherent worthiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 33 immediately follows [Psalm 32](/psalms/32 "Psalm 32 - Blessedness of Forgiveness"), a psalm of confession and forgiveness, which celebrates the blessedness of having one's transgressions forgiven. This sequence suggests a natural progression: from the experience of God's grace and pardon in [Psalm 32](/psalms/32 "Psalm 32 - Blessedness of Forgiveness") to an overflowing response of joyful praise and worship in [Psalm 33](/psalms/33 "Psalm 33 - Praise for God's Word and Providence"). Psalm 33 itself is a communal hymn, distinct in its lack of a superscription attributing it to a specific author or historical event, implying its broad applicability for corporate worship. The opening call to "Rejoice in the LORD" sets the stage for the psalm's subsequent verses, which elaborate on the manifold reasons for such praise: God's creative word and power in [the heavens](/psalms/33-6 "Psalm 33:6 - By the word of the LORD were the heavens made"), His sovereignty over nations and [their plans](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10 - The LORD brings the counsel of the heathen to nought"), and His providential care for humanity [from His dwelling place](/psalms/33-13 "Psalm 33:13 - The LORD looks from heaven"). The psalm culminates in a declaration of trust and hope in the Lord, reinforcing the opening call to praise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While [Psalm 33](/psalms/33 "Psalm 33 - Praise for God's Word and Providence") lacks specific historical markers, it reflects the communal worship practices of ancient Israel. Psalms were integral to temple worship, synagogue services, and personal devotion. The call to "rejoice" and "praise" would have resonated deeply within a society whose worldview was intrinsically tied to God's active involvement in creation and history. The concept of "righteous" and "upright" individuals was foundational to Israelite covenant theology, emphasizing adherence to God's law and a life of integrity. Such individuals were considered to be in proper standing with Yahweh, making their praise not merely a ritual but a genuine expression of their covenant relationship. The imagery of God's sovereignty over nations would have been particularly significant in a geopolitical landscape often characterized by conflict and the rise and fall of empires, providing comfort and assurance to the people of Israel that their God was ultimately in control, as seen in passages like [Psalm 115:3](/psalms/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens").
* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several foundational themes that permeate [Psalm 33](/psalms/33 "Psalm 33 - Praise for God's Word and Providence") and the Psalter as a whole. The primary theme is **Exuberant Praise and Worship**, highlighted by the command to "rejoice in the LORD." This is not a passive sentiment but an active, often audible, expression of delight and adoration directed towards God for who He is and what He does. This theme is echoed throughout the Psalms, as seen in calls to [sing unto the LORD a new song](/psalms/96-1 "Psalm 96:1 - Sing unto the LORD a new song"). Another crucial theme is the **Identity of the Worshiper**, specifically the "righteous" and "upright." These terms describe those whose lives are characterized by moral integrity, fidelity to God's covenant, and a right standing before Him. The psalm suggests that genuine, beautiful praise flows naturally from such a life, implying a connection between one's character and the quality of their worship. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Appropriateness of Praise**, stating that "praise is comely for the upright." This emphasizes that praise is not just permissible but inherently fitting, beautiful, and proper for those who know and follow God. It is the natural and most harmonious response to God's majesty and goodness, a sentiment reinforced by passages like [Psalm 147:1](/psalms/147-1 "Psalm 147:1 - Praise is pleasant and comely").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _rânan'_):** The Hebrew verb רָנַן (_rânan_), from H7442, means "to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e. to shout (usually for joy)." It denotes an exuberant, often public, and audible expression of delight and triumph. This is not a quiet, internal happiness, but a vibrant, overflowing, and demonstrative celebration. In the context of worship, it implies a full-throated, unreserved outpouring of praise, reflecting a deep-seated joy in the Lord that cannot be contained.
* **Comely (Hebrew, _nâʼveh'_):** The Hebrew word נָוֶה (_nâʼveh_), from H5000, signifies "suitable, or beautiful; becometh, comely, seemly." When applied to praise, it conveys that such an offering is not only acceptable to God but also inherently graceful, harmonious, and aesthetically pleasing in His sight. It suggests that praise from the upright is the most natural and beautiful expression of their relationship with the divine, perfectly suiting their character and God's worthiness. It implies a congruence between the act of praise and the nature of the one offering it, making it a truly "becoming" response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous:"** This opening clause is an imperative command, a direct summons to the "righteous." The command to "rejoice" (from _rânan_) implies an active, often vocal, and exuberant expression of joy. The object of this joy is explicitly "the LORD" (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh_, H3068), emphasizing that the source and focus of this delight are God Himself, the self-Existent and Eternal One, not circumstances or earthly blessings. The recipients, "ye righteous" (Hebrew: _tsaddîyq_, H6662), are those who are in right standing with God, living according to His covenant and trusting in His faithfulness. This suggests that genuine praise flows from a heart aligned with God's will and character.
* **"for praise is comely for the upright."** This second clause provides the reason or justification ("for") for the preceding command. It declares that "praise" (Hebrew: _tᵉhillâh_, H8416, often meaning a song of praise or hymn) is "comely" (Hebrew: _nâʼveh_, H5000)—meaning beautiful, fitting, and appropriate—specifically for "the upright" (Hebrew: _yâshâr_, H3477). The term "upright" describes those whose conduct is straight, honest, and morally sound, often used in parallel with "righteous." The statement affirms that praise is not merely an obligation, but a natural, harmonious, and beautiful expression of a life lived in integrity and devotion to God. It is the proper and most becoming response from those who walk in His ways.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 33:1 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, as seen in the opening command "Rejoice in the LORD," which functions as a direct summons to action, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of this call to worship. **Synonymous Parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "righteous" and "upright," two terms that convey similar concepts of moral integrity and right standing with God, thereby reinforcing the identity of the intended worshipers. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **Cause-and-Effect Parallelism**, where the command to "Rejoice in the LORD" is followed by the reason: "for praise is comely for the upright." This structure not only justifies the command but also elevates praise to an inherently beautiful and appropriate act. The use of **Apostrophe** is also present, as the psalmist directly addresses "O ye righteous," creating an intimate and personal appeal to the community of faith. These devices collectively contribute to the verse's compelling and inspiring tone, making it a powerful invitation to worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 33:1 establishes a profound theological principle: praise is not an optional add-on to the life of faith, but an essential, beautiful, and fitting expression of a right relationship with God. It grounds the act of worship in the very character of the worshiper—the "righteous" and "upright"—implying that true praise flows from a life lived in alignment with God's will. This verse sets the stage for the entire psalm, which then enumerates the vast reasons for such praise, from God's creative power to His providential care over all nations. It highlights that our joy should be rooted in the Lord Himself, recognizing His inherent worthiness and supreme sovereignty, rather than being dependent on fleeting circumstances. This foundational call to joyful praise resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that worship is the proper and most beautiful response of a grateful heart to the divine majesty and goodness of God.

* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always")
* [Psalm 147:1](/psalms/147-1 "Psalm 147:1 - It is good to sing praises; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely")
* [Psalm 92:1](/psalms/92-1 "Psalm 92:1 - It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 33:1 is far more than a mere suggestion; it is a divine summons to experience and express profound joy in the Lord. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our praise is not just a duty, but a privilege and a natural outflow of a life transformed by God's grace. It challenges us to examine the source of our joy: is it rooted in fleeting circumstances, or in the unchanging character and mighty acts of the Lord? When we are truly "righteous" and "upright"—that is, striving to live in alignment with God's will through Christ—our hearts become attuned to His goodness, making praise an authentic and beautiful expression of our faith. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of active, exuberant praise, recognizing that such worship is not only pleasing to God but also deeply enriching to our own souls, strengthening our relationship with Him and reminding us of His constant presence and power in our lives. It is a call to let our lives be a continuous, "comely" offering of praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for my praise to be "comely" or "fitting" for the Lord?**
* **How does my daily life reflect the "righteous" and "upright" character that makes praise beautiful to God?**
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate a more exuberant and joyful spirit of praise, even amidst challenges?**
* **How does focusing my joy "in the LORD" change my perspective on circumstances and difficulties?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "righteous" and "upright" mentioned in this verse, and does this apply to everyone?**

Answer: In the Old Testament context, the "righteous" (Hebrew: _tsaddîyq_) and "upright" (Hebrew: _yâshâr_) refer to those who live in right relationship with God, adhering to His covenant commands, demonstrating moral integrity, and trusting in His faithfulness. They are individuals whose lives are characterized by justice, honesty, and devotion to God's ways. While the call to praise is universal in a broad sense, this verse specifically addresses those who have chosen to walk in God's path, implying that their praise is particularly fitting and beautiful because it flows from a life aligned with His will. In the New Testament, all believers are declared righteous through faith in Christ, as articulated in [Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - The Righteousness of God Through Faith in Jesus Christ"), making this call to joyful praise applicable to every follower of Jesus, as their righteousness is a gift from God.

**What is the significance of praise being "comely" or "fitting"?**

Answer: The word "comely" (Hebrew: _nâʼveh_, H5000) means beautiful, fitting, or appropriate. When praise is described as "comely," it signifies that it is not just acceptable to God, but it is inherently beautiful, harmonious, and perfectly suited to Him and to those who offer it. It suggests that praise is the natural and most aesthetically pleasing response of a heart that knows God and lives in His ways. It implies a congruence between the act of worship and the character of the worshiper, making it a genuine and delightful offering that honors God and reflects the beauty of His relationship with His people. It's not merely a duty, but an act of beauty that brings joy to God and to the worshiper, echoing the sentiment that [God delights in the upright](/proverbs/11-20 "Proverbs 11:20 - Those of perverse heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those whose ways are blameless are his delight").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 33:1, with its call to "Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament righteous strived to live according to God's law, it is through Christ that humanity is truly made "righteous" in God's sight, not by works, but by faith in His atoning sacrifice, as declared in [Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - The Righteousness of God Through Faith in Jesus Christ"). The "upright" now are those who are clothed in Christ's perfect righteousness, becoming the righteousness of God in Him, as [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Made us the righteousness of God in Him") powerfully states. Therefore, the call to "rejoice in the LORD" is, for the New Covenant believer, a call to rejoice in Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's wisdom, power, and love, for He "became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption," as we read in [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption"). Our praise is "comely" because it is offered through Him, our Great High Priest, who perfects our offerings, enabling us to "offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name," as exhorted in [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually"). The reasons for praise enumerated in [Psalm 33](/psalms/33 "Psalm 33 - Praise for God's Word and Providence")—God's creative word, His sovereignty, His providential care—all culminate in the person and work of Christ, for "by him were all things created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him," as beautifully articulated in [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - For by him were all things created"). Thus, our Christ-centered praise is the most fitting, beautiful, and eternal response to the God who has revealed Himself fully in His Son.

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 32:11

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all [ye that are] upright in heart.

Psalms 147:1

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

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.

Psalms 97:12

Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Psalms 118:15

The voice of rejoicing and salvation [is] in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

1 Corinthians 1:30

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

1 Corinthians 1:31

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.