Psalms 66:2

KJV

Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.

KJV (with Strong's)

Sing forth {H2167}{H8761)} the honour {H3519} of his name {H8034}: make {H7760}{H8798)} his praise {H8416} glorious {H3519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sing the glory of his name, make his praise glorious.

Berean Standard Bible

Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious.

American Standard Version

Sing forth the glory of his name: Make his praise glorious.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 66:2 issues a profound and universal summons to worship, urging all creation to engage in a public, vocal, and magnificent adoration of God. This verse encapsulates the essence of true worship, emphasizing both the declarative proclamation of God's inherent character and the intentional elevation of praise to reflect His supreme majesty. It calls believers not merely to acknowledge God passively but to actively and splendidly proclaim His honor, ensuring their worship is a glorious testament to His infinite worth and mighty deeds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 66 is a communal psalm of thanksgiving, commencing with a broad, universal call to worship God for His awe-inspiring deeds, as seen in the opening verses [Psalms 66:1-4](/psalms/66-1-4 "Psalms 66:1-4 - A Universal Call to Praise"). Following this initial summons, the psalm transitions to a historical recounting of God's powerful acts of deliverance for Israel, particularly the miraculous Exodus event ([Psalms 66:5-7](/psalms/66-5-7 "Psalms 66:5-7 - God's Mighty Acts of Deliverance")), and His providential care over nations ([Psalms 66:8-12](/psalms/66-8-12 "Psalms 66:8-12 - God's Sovereign Rule")). The latter half of the psalm shifts to a deeply personal testimony of thanksgiving from the psalmist, who recounts his own deliverance and vows to fulfill his offerings ([Psalms 66:13-20](/psalms/66-13-20 "Psalms 66:13-20 - Personal Thanksgiving and Vows Fulfilled")). Verse 2, "Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious," serves as a foundational imperative within the initial universal call, setting the tone for the entire psalm's focus on God's transcendent power and faithfulness, which inherently demands a response of magnificent praise from "all the earth" as stated in [Psalms 66:1](/psalms/66-1 "Psalm 66:1 - A Universal Call to Praise").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely for public worship in ancient Israel, Psalms 66 reflects a post-deliverance context, possibly after a significant national triumph or escape from oppression. The psalm's vivid references to God's power over the sea ([Psalms 66:6](/psalms/66-6 "God's Power Over the Sea")) strongly evoke the Exodus, a pivotal and foundational event in Israelite history that profoundly demonstrated God's unique power, covenant faithfulness, and redemptive might. Public worship in Israel characteristically involved communal singing, the use of various musical instruments, and fervent declarations of God's mighty deeds, particularly during major festivals and temple gatherings. The emphasis on "singing forth" and "making praise glorious" aligns with the vibrant, expressive, and often boisterous nature of Israelite worship, where the entire community participated in recounting and celebrating God's intervention in history and His ongoing sovereignty. This communal expression was not merely ritualistic but a profound act of acknowledging God's active presence and power in their lives and in the world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent within Psalms 66 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Vocal and Public Worship**, highlighting that praise is not a private, silent affair but an audible, declared act meant to be heard and witnessed by others. The imperative "Sing forth" emphasizes the active, outward expression of reverence and adoration. Secondly, the phrase "the honour of his name" introduces the crucial theme of **God's Character and Reputation**. To honor God's name is to acknowledge, proclaim, and reverence His attributes—His power, holiness, faithfulness, justice, and majesty—all of which are revealed through His actions and self-revelation. This concept is central to biblical worship, as seen in other calls to [give glory to God's name](/psalms/29-2 "Psalm 29:2 - Ascribe Glory to the Lord"). Thirdly, the command to "make his praise glorious" speaks directly to the theme of **Excellence and Magnificence in Worship**. It implies that worship should be offered with intentionality, enthusiasm, and a quality that genuinely reflects the infinite worth of the One being praised, thereby elevating God above all else and magnifying His worth in the eyes of all who witness the praise. This aligns perfectly with the purpose of God's people, who were formed to "[shew forth my praise](/isaiah/43-21 "Isaiah 43:21 - God's People Formed for His Praise")."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sing forth (Hebrew, _zâmar'_):** A primitive root meaning to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, to play upon it, to make music, accompanied by the voice. Hence, to celebrate in song and music; to give praise, sing forth praises, psalms. The imperative "Sing forth" thus commands a musical, vocal, and celebratory expression of praise.
* **Honour/Glorious (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From the root meaning "weight," this term figuratively denotes splendor, copiousness, glory, or honor. In this verse, it refers to the inherent majesty, weighty significance, and magnificent reputation of God. When we "sing forth the honour of his name" and "make his praise glorious," we are proclaiming and rendering His inherent, weighty splendor manifest through our worship.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** A primitive word signifying an appellation, a mark, or memorial of individuality. By implication, it conveys honor, authority, and character. In biblical thought, God's "name" represents the totality of His revealed character, His very essence, His authority, and His unique identity as the sovereign Lord. To honor His name is to honor His entire being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sing forth the honour of his name":** This is a direct, imperative command calling for an active, vocal, and public declaration. "Sing forth" (זַמְּרוּ, _zammeru_) implies a joyful, musical, and celebratory expression. The object of this singing is "the honour of his name," which refers to the intrinsic glory, reputation, and revealed character of God. It is a summons to proclaim aloud all that God is—His attributes, His majestic nature, and His mighty deeds—making His supreme worth known to all.
* **"make his praise glorious":** This second imperative builds upon the first, specifying the quality and nature of the praise. "Make glorious" (שִׂימוּ כָבוֹד, _simu kavod_) literally translates to "set glory" or "place glory" upon His praise. It is a command to render the act of praise itself magnificent, weighty, and awe-inspiring. This suggests that our worship should not be trivial, half-hearted, or perfunctory, but should reflect the infinite majesty and inherent glory of the God we are praising, elevating Him to His rightful place of supreme honor and adoration.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 66:2 skillfully employs several potent literary devices. Primarily, it utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, a foundational element of Hebrew poetry, where the second line ("make his praise glorious") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first line ("Sing forth the honour of his name"). Both clauses convey the imperative to publicly and magnificently extol God, with the second line amplifying the quality of that praise. The verse is also characterized by the **Imperative Mood**, using direct commands ("Sing forth," "make") to issue a universal and urgent call to action, underscoring the non-negotiable and essential nature of worship. Furthermore, the phrase "honour of his name" can be understood as a form of **Metonymy**, where "name" functions as a stand-in for the entire person, character, and revealed being of God, emphasizing that it is God Himself, in His full being and attributes, who is to be honored and praised.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of worship as humanity's primary purpose and highest calling. It asserts that worship is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate, active, and public declaration of God's inherent worth and His mighty acts. The emphasis on "His name" links worship directly to God's self-revelation and covenant faithfulness, reminding us that true praise is rooted in who God has revealed Himself to be. To make His praise "glorious" implies that our worship should reflect His infinite value, transcending human limitations and pointing to His transcendent majesty. It is a call to align our hearts, voices, and actions with the reality of God's glory, participating in the cosmic chorus that perpetually declares His greatness.

* [Psalm 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalm 145:3 - God's Greatness and Praiseworthiness")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")
* [Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 66:2 is a timeless and compelling invitation for believers to engage in worship that is both intentional and transformative. It challenges us to move beyond perfunctory rituals to a heartfelt, expressive, and magnificent declaration of God's worth. To "sing forth the honour of his name" means to consciously focus our praise on God's character, His holiness, His power, His unfailing love, and His redemptive acts, allowing His attributes to fill our minds and hearts. To "make his praise glorious" implies that our worship, whether private or corporate, should be offered with excellence, passion, and a genuine desire to magnify God above all else. This is not about human performance or seeking applause, but about the sincerity and depth of our reverence, ensuring that our praise truly reflects the infinite glory of the One we adore. When our praise is glorious, it not only honors God but also serves as a powerful witness to those around us, drawing them into the awe and wonder of His presence. Our lives, too, become a living testament to His honor when we walk in obedience, reflect His character, and embody His truth, thereby making His praise glorious in every sphere of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal worship reflect the "honour of his name" in its depth, focus, and authenticity?**
* **In what practical ways can I "make his praise glorious" in my daily life, beyond just singing or attending church?**
* **What attitudes, distractions, or spiritual disciplines might hinder or help me in offering truly glorious praise to God?**
* **How can our corporate worship gatherings better embody the call to "sing forth the honour of his name" and "make his praise glorious" for the glory of God and the edification of His people?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "sing forth the honour of his name"?**

Answer: To "sing forth the honour of his name" means to vocally and publicly declare the full character, reputation, and attributes of God. In biblical thought, God's "name" represents His entire being—His power, holiness, faithfulness, love, and sovereignty. When we sing forth His honor, we are not just uttering words; we are proclaiming who He is, acknowledging His supreme worth, and celebrating His mighty deeds. It's an active, joyful, and often musical expression that makes His glory known to ourselves, to fellow worshippers, and to the world, much like the psalmist encourages in [Psalm 96:2](/psalms/96-2 "Psalm 96:2 - Sing to the Lord, Bless His Name").

**How can we "make his praise glorious" in a practical sense?**

Answer: Making God's praise glorious involves offering worship that is excellent, intentional, and reflective of His infinite majesty. Practically, this means engaging our whole being—mind, heart, and voice—in worship. It implies sincerity over showmanship, passion over passivity, and a deep reverence for God's holiness. In corporate settings, it involves thoughtful preparation, skilled musicianship, and a unified spirit of adoration. Individually, it means cultivating a heart of gratitude, meditating on God's attributes, and allowing our lives to be a continuous offering of thanks and obedience. It's about ensuring that our worship, whether through song, prayer, or daily living, truly elevates and magnifies God, demonstrating His worth to all, as exhorted in [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call to "sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of God's "name" and "honour," for He is "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature," as powerfully declared in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebbers 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory"). In Christ, God's character, power, love, and redemptive plan are fully revealed, making Him the supreme object and enabler of truly glorious praise. Through His impeccable life of obedience, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His triumphant resurrection, Jesus perfectly honored the Father's name, demonstrating obedience and love that glorified God in every aspect. Now, as believers, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer "the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name" through Him ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Through Jesus, Our Sacrifice of Praise")). Our praise is made truly glorious because it is offered to and through the One who is "worthy... to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb")). Indeed, the eschatological vision of [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Universal Confession") promises that every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, thereby making His praise eternally and universally glorious.

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 105:2

Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.

Psalms 105:3

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

Revelation 5:13

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Isaiah 49:13

¶ Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

Isaiah 42:12

Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.

Isaiah 12:4

¶ And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

Isaiah 12:6

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.