Psalms 98:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Make a joyful noise {H7321} unto the LORD {H3068}, all the earth {H776}: make a loud noise {H6476}, and rejoice {H7442}, and sing {H2167} praise.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shout for joy to ADONAI, all the earth! Break forth, sing for joy, sing praises!

Berean Standard Bible

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth—let your cry ring out, and sing praises!

American Standard Version

Make a joyful noise unto Jehovah, all the earth: Break forth and sing for joy, yea, sing praises.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 98:4 issues a vibrant, universal call to worship and celebration, commanding all the earth to express unreserved joy and praise to the LORD. This verse encapsulates the exuberant spirit of the psalm, inviting not only humanity but creation itself to participate in acknowledging God's majesty, His righteous acts, and His saving power, culminating in a boisterous and uninhibited acclamation of divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 98 belongs to a collection of "enthronement psalms" (Psalms 93, 96-99) that celebrate the LORD's kingship and anticipate His coming reign. It opens with a call to "Sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things" ([Psalms 98:1](/psalms/98-1 "Psalm 98:1 - A Call to Sing a New Song")). Verses 1-3 establish the foundation for this praise by recounting God's "right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory" and His remembrance of "his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel," which has been revealed "in the sight of the heathen." Building on these mighty acts of salvation and righteousness, verse 4 broadens the scope of praise from Israel to the entire world, urging a collective, boisterous acclamation of God's universal reign. It transitions from God's specific acts for Israel to a global response, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that depict the natural world joining in this cosmic symphony of praise, as seen in [Psalms 98:7-9](/psalms/98-7-9 "Psalm 98:7-9 - Let the Sea Roar and the Rivers Clap Their Hands").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, public worship was often characterized by enthusiastic, audible expressions of praise, including shouts, singing, and musical accompaniment. The concept of a "joyful noise" (Hebrew: _teru'ah_, derived from the root _rûwaʻ_) was associated with shouts of triumph, battle cries, or the sound of trumpets signaling a significant event, such as a coronation or a victory celebration. This was not a quiet, introspective worship but a communal, demonstrative outpouring of emotion. The idea that "all the earth" would praise the LORD reflects the Israelite understanding of their God as the sovereign Creator and Ruler of all nations, not just a tribal deity. While Israel was God's chosen people, their prophets consistently envisioned a future where God's glory would be known and celebrated by all peoples, a theme found throughout prophetic literature, such as in [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House"). This universal outlook was a core aspect of Israel's theological identity, even if its full realization was yet to come.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within Psalm 98 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Universal Praise** is paramount; the directive "all the earth" emphasizes that worship of the LORD is not confined to one nation or people group but is a global mandate, anticipating a future where God's glory is recognized by all creation. This theme resonates deeply with other psalms, such as [Psalm 100:1](/psalms/100-1 "Psalm 100:1 - A Call to All Lands to Make a Joyful Noise"), which similarly calls "all ye lands" to make a joyful noise. Secondly, **Exuberant Joy** is highlighted through the repetition of commands like "make a joyful noise," "make a loud noise," and "rejoice," underscoring an active, unreserved, and audible expression of delight in God. This is not quiet contemplation but an enthusiastic shout of triumph and adoration. Thirdly, **God's Salvation as Reason for Praise** is implicitly reinforced; the call to praise in verse 4 flows directly from the "marvellous things" and acts of "victory," "mercy," and "truth" described in the preceding verses. Worship is thus a direct response to God's character and His mighty deeds. Finally, **Musical Worship** is explicitly affirmed through the inclusion of "sing praise," underscoring the vital role of music and song in expressing devotion and adoration to the Creator.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Make a joyful noise (Hebrew, _rûwaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H7321) means to mar (especially by breaking) or, figuratively, to split the ears with sound, i.e., to shout for alarm or joy. In this context, it signifies a triumphant shout of joy, a boisterous acclamation rather than a quiet murmur. It conveys an uninhibited, celebratory sound, an unrestrained outburst of praise, indicating a deep, overflowing joy that cannot be contained.
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _rânan'_):** This primitive root (H7442) properly means to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy). It points to an overflowing, demonstrative happiness that often involves audible expression. It suggests a profound inner delight that spills over into outward, visible, and energetic celebration, often characterized by a joyful shout or song.
* **Sing praise (Hebrew, _zâmar'_):** This primitive root (H2167) refers to touching the strings or parts of a musical instrument, playing upon it, or making music accompanied by the voice. Hence, it means to celebrate in song and music, to give praise, or to sing forth psalms. While _rûwaʻ_ emphasizes the loud, uninhibited sound, _zâmar_ brings in the element of organized, melodic, and intentional musical expression, combining spontaneous joy with artistic devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth:"** This opening clause is a direct, imperative command, extending the call to worship from Israel to the entire globe. The phrase "all the earth" (Hebrew: _ʼerets_) is a sweeping hyperbole, personifying the whole world as a participant in this cosmic acclamation. It establishes the universal scope of God's sovereignty and the appropriate response from all creation to His revealed glory and salvation. The "joyful noise" (Hebrew: _hari'u_, from _rûwaʻ_) implies a loud, triumphant shout, a boisterous acclamation of God's victory and reign.
* **"make a loud noise, and rejoice,"** This second clause intensifies the command for exuberant praise through synonymous parallelism. "Make a loud noise" (Hebrew: _patz'chu_, from _pâtsach_) is another strong imperative, echoing and reinforcing the "joyful noise," emphasizing the uninhibited volume and enthusiasm of the worship. The addition of "rejoice" (Hebrew: _gilu_, from _rânan_) introduces the element of profound inner delight and exultation, suggesting that the outward noise is a genuine overflow of deep-seated joy and gladness in the LORD. This is not a reluctant or forced praise but an enthusiastic, heartfelt response.
* **"and sing praise."** This final clause specifies a particular form of the loud, joyful noise: musical worship. "Sing praise" (Hebrew: _zammeru_, from _zâmar_) indicates that the boisterous acclamation should also take the form of song and melody. It combines the raw energy of the "joyful noise" with the intentionality and beauty of musical expression, inviting all creation to join in a harmonious, yet powerful, chorus of adoration to the LORD.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 98:4 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of universal, exuberant worship. The most prominent is **Repetition** and **Synonymous Parallelism**, seen in the repeated commands: "Make a joyful noise," "make a loud noise," "rejoice," and "sing praise." This piling up of imperatives intensifies the call, emphasizing the urgency, variety, and sheer volume expected in the act of worship. It ensures that the reader grasps the uninhibited and comprehensive nature of the commanded praise. **Hyperbole** and **Personification** are powerfully used in the phrase "all the earth." This extends the call to praise beyond humanity to the entire created order, suggesting a cosmic response to God's majesty. The earth itself is depicted as capable of making noise and singing praise, underscoring God's universal sovereignty and the pervasive recognition of His glory. Finally, the use of the **Imperative Mood** throughout the verse ("Make," "rejoice," "sing") transforms these expressions of worship from mere suggestions into divine commands, highlighting the mandatory and non-negotiable nature of praising the LORD.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 98:4 profoundly shapes our understanding of worship, revealing it as an active, universal, and joyful response to God's character and deeds. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation; He is not merely the God of Israel but the LORD (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh_) of "all the earth," deserving of global adoration. This verse anticipates an eschatological reality where God's righteous rule is fully established and universally acknowledged, prompting a cosmic chorus of praise. It challenges any notion of passive or reserved worship, instead calling for an uninhibited, audible, and even boisterous expression of delight in God's salvation and justice. This kind of worship is not merely an obligation but a natural overflow of gratitude and awe for the God who performs "marvellous things."

* [Psalm 100:1](/psalms/100-1 "Universal Call to Worship")
* [Isaiah 42:10-12](/isaiah/42-10-12 "New Song to the Lord from All the Earth")
* [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Every Creature Praising God and the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 98:4 serves as a timeless invitation and command for believers today to engage in worship with passion, freedom, and an unreserved spirit. It reminds us that our praise should be a heartfelt, often audible, and demonstrative response to God's magnificent character and His mighty works of salvation in our lives and throughout history. For individuals, it's an invitation to let go of inhibitions, societal expectations, or self-consciousness, and instead express genuine, overflowing delight in the Lord, allowing our inner joy to manifest outwardly. For communities of faith, it underscores the importance of vibrant, collective worship that celebrates God's universal reign and His victory over sin and death. It challenges us to consider if our corporate worship truly reflects the "joyful noise" and "loud noise" of exultation that this psalm commands, or if we have allowed reverence to stifle exuberant adoration. Ultimately, this verse calls us to worship the sovereign, saving God with all our being, recognizing that our praise is a small echo of the cosmic acclamation He deserves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "making a joyful noise" look like in your personal worship?**
* **What might inhibit you from expressing unreserved joy and praise to the LORD?**
* **How does understanding God's "marvellous things" (His salvation and righteousness) fuel your desire to "rejoice and sing praise"?**
* **In what ways can your community of faith more fully embody the universal and exuberant call to worship found in this verse?**

### FAQ

**What does "make a joyful noise" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase translated "make a joyful noise" comes from the verb _rûwaʻ_ (H7321), which implies a loud, triumphant shout or blast, often associated with a battle cry, a trumpet call, or a shout of acclamation during a coronation or victory celebration. It's not a quiet, contemplative hum but an uninhibited, boisterous, and public expression of joy and triumph. In [Psalms 98:4](/psalms/98-4 "Psalm 98:4 - Make a Joyful Noise"), it signifies an enthusiastic, unrestrained outburst of praise to the LORD, reflecting deep inner joy and awe at His mighty deeds and universal reign. It's a call for worship that is audible, energetic, and demonstrative, befitting the King of all the earth.

**Why is "all the earth" commanded to praise the LORD? Does this include non-believers?**

Answer: The command for "all the earth" to praise the LORD reflects the biblical understanding of God's universal sovereignty. He is not just the God of Israel, but the Creator and Ruler of all nations and all creation. This phrase encompasses all humanity, regardless of their current faith, as well as implicitly personifying the entire natural world, which is also called to bear witness to God's glory (as seen in [Psalms 19:1-4](/psalms/19-1-4 "Psalm 19:1-4 - The Heavens Declare the Glory of God")). Theologically, it points to an eschatological vision where God's righteous rule will be fully established and acknowledged by everyone. While not all people currently acknowledge God, the psalm declares that they _should_ and _will_ ultimately do so, either in willing worship or in compelled submission to His undeniable authority. It's both a present mandate and a prophetic anticipation of a future reality.

**Is quiet, contemplative worship less valid than the "joyful noise" described here?**

Answer: No, quiet, contemplative worship is not less valid. The Bible presents a rich tapestry of worship expressions, including silent meditation ([Psalms 4:4](/psalms/4-4 "Psalm 4:4 - Commune with your own heart")), humble reverence ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Worship with Reverence and Awe")), and deep introspection. [Psalms 98:4](/psalms/98-4 "Psalm 98:4 - Make a Joyful Noise") however, emphasizes a particular facet of worship: the outward, audible, and exuberant expression of joy and triumph. It serves as a corrective to any tendency towards overly reserved or passionless praise. It reminds us that genuine worship can and often should involve uninhibited, even boisterous, celebration of God's greatness. Both contemplative and exuberant forms of worship are vital and complementary, reflecting the multifaceted nature of God and our diverse human responses to Him. This verse particularly calls us to embrace the active, joyful, and communal dimensions of praise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Psalms 98:4](/psalms/98-4 "Psalm 98:4 - Make a Joyful Noise"), with its universal call to "make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The "marvellous things" and the "victory" of God, which serve as the foundation for this exuberant praise in the psalm, are most perfectly and definitively accomplished in Christ's life, death, and resurrection. He is the ultimate revelation of God's "mercy and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and through His atoning sacrifice, He has "gotten him the victory" over sin and death ([1 Corinthians 15:57](/1-corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory Through Our Lord Jesus Christ")). The call for "all the earth" to praise God is realized in the New Covenant, where salvation is extended to "whosoever believes" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). The Holy Spirit, poured out at Pentecost, empowers believers from "every nation under heaven" ([Acts 2:5](/acts/2-5 "Acts 2:5 - Devout Men from Every Nation")) to worship God in spirit and truth. Ultimately, the prophetic vision of [Psalms 98:4](/psalms/98-4 "Psalm 98:4 - Make a Joyful Noise") culminates in the glorious future depicted in Revelation, where "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" ([Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Every Creature Praising God and the Lamb")). This cosmic chorus of praise is directed to the Lamb of God, who alone is worthy, having taken away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thus enabling all creation to truly make a joyful noise unto the LORD.

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

Isaiah 44:23

Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done [it]: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

Psalms 100:1

¶ A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Psalms 66:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Song [or] Psalm. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:

Revelation 19:6

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Jeremiah 33:11

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD [is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: [and] of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

Psalms 47:1

¶ 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.

Psalms 47:5

¶ God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.