Psalms 47:1

KJV

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

KJV (with Strong's)

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)}, A Psalm {H4210} for the sons {H1121} of Korah {H7141}. O clap {H8628}{H8798)} your hands {H3709}, all ye people {H5971}; shout {H7321}{H8685)} unto God {H430} with the voice {H6963} of triumph {H7440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the leader. A psalm of the descendants of Korach: Clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with cries of joy!

Berean Standard Bible

Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout unto God with a voice of triumph.

American Standard Version

Oh clap your hands, all ye peoples; Shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 47:1 serves as an exhilarating summons to universal worship, inviting all peoples to participate in a boisterous acclamation of God's sovereign reign. This opening verse, set within an "Enthronement Psalm," establishes a tone of triumphant celebration, calling for physical expressions of joy—clapping and shouting—as a fitting response to the Lord's ultimate authority and victorious dominion over all the earth. It anticipates the grand themes of divine kingship and global recognition that unfold throughout the remainder of the psalm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 47 is widely categorized as an "Enthronement Psalm," a genre that celebrates God's kingship, often in connection with His ascension or a victory over His enemies. The superscription, "To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah," immediately signals its liturgical purpose, indicating it was intended for public worship and likely accompanied by musical performance. This verse acts as an overture, a grand invitation to the cosmic assembly to acknowledge God's supreme rule, setting the stage for the declaration of God's enthronement and His universal dominion that follows in verses such as [Psalm 47:5-8](/psalms/47-5 "Psalm 47:5-8 - God Ascends His Throne"). The call to "clap your hands" and "shout unto God" is a prelude to the specific reasons for this praise: God's awesome deeds and His establishment as King over all nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The actions of clapping hands and shouting were deeply ingrained expressions of joy, acclamation, and affirmation in the ancient Near East. Clapping could signify enthusiastic approval, agreement, or delight, much like applause today. More significantly, it was also associated with the coronation of kings, as seen in the anointing of [Joash in 2 Kings 11:12](/2_kings/11-12 "2 Kings 11:12 - Joash Crowned King"), where the people clapped their hands and shouted, "Long live the king!" Similarly, shouting (often a war-cry or a shout of triumph) was a common expression of victory, celebration, or intense emotion, such as the jubilant shouts accompanying the fall of [Jericho's walls in Joshua 6:20](/joshua/6-20 "Joshua 6:20 - The Fall of Jericho"). Thus, the psalmist's command draws upon familiar cultural practices to evoke a profound, communal, and physically expressive acknowledgment of God's kingly authority and His triumph over all rivals.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout Psalm 47 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Universal Sovereignty of God**, extending the call to worship beyond Israel to "all ye people," highlighting God's dominion over every nation and tribe, a theme echoed in [Psalm 96:1-3](/psalms/96-1 "Psalm 96:1-3 - Sing to the Lord a New Song"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Joyful Acclamation and Celebration**, portraying worship not as a solemn duty but as an exuberant, uninhibited outpouring of delight in God's majesty and power. This celebratory spirit is central to the psalms, as seen in [Psalm 100:1-2](/psalms/100-1 "Psalm 100:1-2 - Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord"). Finally, the phrase "voice of triumph" introduces the theme of **Divine Victory and Kingship**, anticipating God's ultimate triumph over chaos and opposition, and His rightful enthronement as the supreme ruler, a concept foundational to the entire book of Psalms and prophetic literature, such as [Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - How Beautiful are the Feet").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Clap your hands" (Hebrew, _tiq'u kaph'_):** This phrase is derived from the verb תָּקַע (*taqa'*) meaning "to thrust, clap, blow (a trumpet)," and the noun כַּף (*kaph*) meaning "palm, hand." The combination literally means "strike the palm" or "strike the hand." It denotes a vigorous, resounding action of applause, signifying intense joy, approval, and excitement. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, it was a gesture of acclamation, often associated with public celebration, agreement, or the installation of a king, as seen when the people clapped their hands at the coronation of [Joash in 2 Kings 11:12](/2_kings/11-12 "2 Kings 11:12 - Joash Crowned King"). It implies a communal, physical, and unrestrained expression of delight and affirmation of God's kingship.
* **"Shout unto God with the voice of triumph" (Hebrew, _hari'u le'elohim b'qol rinnah'_):** This phrase combines two powerful Hebrew terms. הָרִיעוּ (*hari'u*) comes from the root רוּעַ (*rua'*), meaning "to shout, raise a war-cry, make a loud noise," often associated with military acclamation, a trumpet blast, or a shout of joy. It conveys a loud, often boisterous, declaration. בְּקוֹל רִנָּה (*b'qol rinnah*) means "with a ringing cry" or "with a joyful shout/singing." רִנָּה (*rinnah*) refers to a ringing cry, a joyful shout, or a song of joy. Together, these words paint a picture of a resounding, jubilant, and victorious acclamation. It is not merely a polite cheer but a full-throated, passionate declaration of God's triumph and sovereign rule, akin to the celebratory noise of a victorious army returning home or the joyous clamor accompanying a king's enthronement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.":** This is the superscription, a traditional heading found in many Psalms, providing crucial information regarding the psalm's authorship, purpose, and musical setting. "To the chief Musician" (or "choirmaster") indicates its intended use in public worship, likely under the direction of a skilled musician. "A Psalm for the sons of Korah" identifies the particular Levitical family responsible for its composition or performance. The Sons of Korah were a prominent guild of temple musicians and gatekeepers, suggesting this psalm was a core part of Israel's communal liturgy and praise, emphasizing its role in corporate worship.
* **"O clap your hands, all ye people;":** This is a direct, imperative command, an impassioned invitation or exhortation. The address "all ye people" broadens the scope of the worship beyond Israel to include all humanity, emphasizing God's universal sovereignty. The act of "clapping hands" is a physical, visible expression of enthusiastic approval, joy, and acclamation. It is a spontaneous, uninhibited gesture that conveys delight and agreement, setting a tone of vibrant, communal celebration.
* **"shout unto God with the voice of triumph.":** This second imperative command complements the first, calling for an audible, vocal expression of praise. "Shout unto God" implies a loud, unrestrained vocalization directed specifically toward the divine. The qualifying phrase "with the voice of triumph" specifies the *nature* of this shout: it is a cry of victory, a jubilant declaration of God's successful reign and ultimate authority. This phrase imbues the worship with a sense of exultation over a vanquished foe or a completed conquest, anticipating the themes of God's enthronement and dominion over the nations that follow in the psalm.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 47:1 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of universal, triumphant worship. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, here directed to "all ye people," inviting a global response to God's reign. This is reinforced by **Imperative** verbs ("clap," "shout"), which issue direct commands, urging active participation rather than passive observation. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "clap your hands" and "shout unto God with the voice of triumph" express similar ideas of enthusiastic praise through different but complementary actions. This repetition amplifies the call to worship and underscores the intensity of the desired response. Furthermore, the phrase "voice of triumph" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "triumph" (the abstract concept) stands for the victorious outcome or the celebration of victory itself, effectively transforming the shout into a declaration of divine conquest. The overall effect is one of vibrant, urgent, and all-encompassing celebration, designed to evoke a visceral and joyful response from the hearers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 47:1 lays a foundational theological truth: God is not merely the God of Israel, but the sovereign King over "all ye people." This universal call to worship underscores His supreme authority and the global scope of His kingdom. The enthusiastic, triumphant nature of the commanded worship reveals that acknowledging God's kingship is not a somber obligation but a joyous celebration of His victory and majesty. This verse connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, which ultimately encompasses all nations, inviting them to recognize and rejoice in His reign. It anticipates the eschatological vision where every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord, and all creation will worship the King of kings.

* [Psalm 96:1-3](/psalms/96-1 "Psalm 96:1-3 - Sing to the Lord a New Song"): A similar call for all the earth to sing a new song to the Lord, declaring His glory among the nations.
* [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord Will Be King Over All the Earth"): Prophesies a future day when the Lord will be King over all the earth, and His name the only one.
* [Revelation 19:6](/revelation/19-6 "Revelation 19:6 - Hallelujah! For Our Lord God Almighty Reigns!"): Depicts a great multitude in heaven shouting "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns!" echoing the triumphant acclamation of Psalm 47:1.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 47:1 is a vibrant invitation to engage in worship that is both expressive and deeply rooted in the recognition of God's supreme authority. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's kingship and to embrace a worship that is physically and vocally demonstrative of our joy and awe. In a world often characterized by chaos, division, and uncertainty, this verse calls us to remember that God remains enthroned, sovereign over all circumstances and all peoples. Our clapping and shouting become not just acts of praise, but declarations of faith in His ultimate victory and an affirmation of His unwavering control. This psalm encourages us to cultivate a heart of triumph, knowing that our God reigns, and to allow that truth to infuse every aspect of our worship, transforming it into a joyful acclamation of His unfailing power and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the call to "clap your hands" and "shout unto God with the voice of triumph" challenge or expand your understanding of appropriate worship expressions?**
* **In what practical ways can you, as an individual or as part of a community, more fully embrace and express the "voice of triumph" in your worship of God?**
* **Considering God's universal sovereignty, how might this verse influence your prayers and actions regarding global events and the spread of the Gospel to "all ye people"?**
* **What specific "triumphs" of God in your life or in the world today prompt you to respond with uninhibited joy and acclamation?**

### FAQ

**Why does the psalm command "all ye people" to clap and shout, rather than just Israel?**

Answer: The command to "all ye people" (Hebrew: כָּל־הָעַמִּים, *kol-ha'ammim*) signifies God's universal sovereignty, a core theme in Psalm 47 and throughout the biblical narrative. While God had a special covenant relationship with Israel, His dominion extends over all nations and creation. This psalm, often associated with God's enthronement or a celebration of His victory, therefore invites a cosmic response. It anticipates a future where all peoples will acknowledge God's ultimate authority and participate in His worship, as prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House") and [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord Will Be King Over All the Earth"). It's a prophetic vision of global recognition of God's kingship.

**What is the significance of the "Sons of Korah" in the superscription of this psalm?**

Answer: The "Sons of Korah" were a prominent family of Levites, descendants of Korah, who served in the temple as musicians, singers, and gatekeepers (see [1 Chronicles 6:31-33](/1_chronicles/6-31 "1 Chronicles 6:31-33 - The Sons of Korah as Musicians")). Despite their ancestor Korah's rebellion against Moses (recorded in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion")), his descendants remained faithful and were granted significant roles in temple worship. Their association with Psalm 47:1 indicates that this psalm was part of the official liturgical repertoire of the Jerusalem Temple, likely composed by or for this guild of professional worship leaders. Their name in the superscription lends authority and context to the psalm's use in communal worship, suggesting it was a well-known and regularly performed piece for celebrating God's kingship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 47:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "voice of triumph" anticipated in this verse echoes the resounding victory achieved by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") through His death, resurrection, and ascension. While the psalm celebrates God's enthronement, the New Testament reveals that this divine kingship is now exercised through Christ, who has been [given "all authority in heaven and on earth"](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). The call for "all ye people" to clap and shout becomes a prophetic foreshadowing of the universal worship of Christ, as every knee will one day [bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow") to the glory of God the Father. His ascension, described in [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus Ascends to Heaven"), is the ultimate "shout unto God with the voice of triumph," signifying His enthronement at the right hand of the Father, having conquered sin, death, and the grave (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Thus, the exuberant call to worship in Psalm 47:1 becomes a joyful response to the accomplished triumph of our King, Jesus, who reigns now and will reign forevermore.

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 98:4

¶ Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

Psalms 106:47

Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise.

Jeremiah 31:7

For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.

Psalms 46:1

¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Isaiah 55:12

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands.

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Revelation 19:2

For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.