Psalms 33:2
Psalms 33:2 in Multiple Translations
Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings.
Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
Give thanks unto Jehovah with the harp: Sing praises unto him with the psaltery of ten strings.
Give praise to the Lord on the corded instrument; make melody to him with instruments of music.
Praise the Lord with the lyre, play music to him on the ten-stringed harp.
Prayse the Lord with harpe: sing vnto him with viole and instrument of ten strings.
Give ye thanks to Jehovah with a harp, With psaltery of ten strings sing praise to Him,
Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre. Sing praises to him with the harp of ten strings.
Praise the LORD with harp: sing to him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall be always in my mouth.
Praise Yahweh as you play songs on the lyre/harp. Praise him as you play other instruments that have many strings.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 33:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 33:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הוֹד֣וּ
לַ/יהוָ֣ה
בְּ/כִנּ֑וֹר
בְּ/נֵ֥בֶל
עָ֝שׂ֗וֹר
זַמְּרוּ
לֽ/וֹ
הוֹד֣וּ
yâdâh
H3034
to give thanks
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
לַ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
בְּ/כִנּ֑וֹר
kinnôwr
H3658
lyre
Prep | N-ms
בְּ/נֵ֥בֶל
nebel
H5035
bag
Prep | N-ms
עָ֝שׂ֗וֹר
ʻâsôwr
H6218
ten
N-ms
זַמְּרוּ
zâmar
H2167
to sing
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 33:2
הוֹד֣וּ
yâdâh
H3034
"to give thanks"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To give thanks or praise, originally meaning to throw or cast, like shooting an arrow. In the Bible, it's used to describe worship or confession with extended hands. It appears in Psalms and other books, like 1 Chronicles.
Definition: 1) to throw, shoot, cast 1a) (Qal) to shoot (arrows) 1b) (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give thanks, laud, praise 1c2) to confess, confess (the name of God) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to confess (sin) 1d2) to give thanks Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדָא "to praise" H3029)
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). See also: Genesis 29:35; Psalms 57:10; Psalms 6:6.
לַ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בְּ/כִנּ֑וֹר
kinnôwr
H3658
"lyre"
Prep | N-ms
Kinnor is a musical instrument, specifically a lyre or harp. It is used to make music and is mentioned in the Bible as a instrument used by musicians.
Definition: lyre, harp
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: harp. See also: Genesis 4:21; Job 21:12; Psalms 33:2.
בְּ/נֵ֥בֶל
nebel
H5035
"bag"
Prep | N-ms
A harp is a musical instrument, and this word is also used to describe a skin-bag for liquids or a vase. It is often translated as a psaltery or viol in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a skin-bag, jar, pitcher 1a) skin-bottle, skin 1b) jar, pitcher (earthen)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol. See also: 1 Samuel 1:24; Nehemiah 12:27; Psalms 33:2.
עָ֝שׂ֗וֹר
ʻâsôwr
H6218
"ten"
N-ms
The number ten is significant in the Bible, often representing completeness or perfection. It can also refer to a ten-stringed instrument, like a harp. This word appears in books like Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) ten, decade 1a) ten, tenth 1b) ten-stringed, harp
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: (instrument of) ten (strings, -th). See also: Genesis 24:55; Psalms 33:2; Psalms 92:4.
זַמְּרוּ
zâmar
H2167
"to sing"
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
This word means to sing or make music, often with praise and celebration. In the Psalms, it describes singing with instruments and voice, giving thanks to God. It's about joyful noise and worship.
Definition: 1) to sing, sing praise, make music 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make music, sing 1a2) to play a musical instrument Aramaic equivalent: ze.mar (זְמָר "music" H2170)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: give praise, sing forth praises, psalms. See also: Judges 5:3; Psalms 68:5; Psalms 7:18.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 33:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 33:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 33:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 33:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 33:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 33:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 33:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 33:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 33:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 33:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 33:2
- Sermons on Psalms 33:2
Context — Praise to the Creator
1Rejoice in the LORD, O righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him.
2Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings.
3Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy. 4For the word of the LORD is upright, and all His work is trustworthy.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 150:3–6 | Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Hallelujah! |
| 2 | Psalms 98:4–5 | Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth—let your cry ring out, and sing praises! Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp. |
| 3 | Psalms 144:9 | I will sing to You a new song, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will make music to You— |
| 4 | Exodus 15:20 | Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 6:5 | David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 15:28 | So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, with the sounding of rams’ horns and trumpets, and with cymbals and the music of harps and lyres. |
| 7 | Revelation 5:8 | When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 25:3 | From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 25:6 | All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king. |
| 10 | Psalms 92:3 | with the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre. |
Psalms 33:2 Summary
This verse is telling us to worship God with joy and skill, using the best we have to offer. Just like the harp with ten strings makes beautiful music, we can make beautiful music to God with our voices, instruments, and talents. As it says in Psalms 100:1-5, we should come before God with joyful noises and songs of praise. By doing so, we can bring glory to God and express our love and gratitude for all He has done for us, as seen in Romans 12:1-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of harp is being referred to in Psalms 33:2?
The type of harp is not specified, but it is likely a reference to a common stringed instrument used in worship during the time of King David, similar to those mentioned in Psalms 92:3 and 1 Samuel 16:23.
Why are ten strings mentioned specifically in this verse?
The ten strings may symbolize completeness or perfection, emphasizing the idea of giving our best to God in worship, as seen in the emphasis on perfection in other parts of Scripture like Deuteronomy 32:4.
Is this verse suggesting that we must use a harp with ten strings to worship God?
No, the verse is using the harp and ten strings as a metaphor for joyful and skillful worship, as seen in other verses like Psalms 100:1-5, which encourages us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord with whatever instruments we have available.
How can we apply this verse to our modern-day worship?
We can apply this verse by using our talents and abilities to worship God, whether through music, singing, or other forms of expression, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can use my talents and abilities to worship God, just like the harp is used in this verse?
- How can I ensure that my worship is joyful and skillful, like the music made with the ten strings?
- In what ways can I make music to the Lord in my daily life, not just through singing or playing an instrument?
- What does it mean to 'make music to Him' and how can I apply this concept to my personal worship time?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 33:2
Praise the Lord with harp,.... An instrument David was well skilled in the use of, the inventor of which was Jubal, Genesis 4:21; sing unto, him with the psaltery; the name of this instrument is in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 33:2
Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Praise ... harp. The voice is felt inadequate to do justice to the glory of God: the aid of instruments is enlisted.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 33:2
He mentions these instruments, because they were used in the public worship and praises of God in the tabernacle.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 33:2
Psalms 33:2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery [and] an instrument of ten strings.Ver. 2. Praise the Lord with harp] Or cittern, Jubal’ s invention, Genesis 4:21, much used by David and others of old under the Jewish pedagogy, as a help to devotion, as were also other musical instruments, here and elsewhere mentioned. Now it is otherwise; the best melody is to sing psalms with grace in our hearts; and for other music, when Aristotle was asked what he thought of it, he answered, Iovem nec canere, neque citharam pulsare, that Jupiter regarded it not.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 33:2
(2) Harp.—Heb., khinnôr (LXX. and Vulg., “cithara”), most probably a trigon or three-cornered harp, such as may be seen sculptured in Egyptian bas-reliefs. The number of strings probably varied, as different accounts are given. (See Bible Educator, 1:19.) With the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.—Properly, as LXX. and Vulg., “with the ten-stringed psaltery.” (See 1 Samuel 10:5.) Evidently a more elaborate instrument than the khinnôr, and with greater capacities. (See Bible Educator, 1:70, and art. “Psaltery” in Smith’s Biblical Dictionary.) From the Greek psalterion comes the title “psalter” for the Book of Psalms. By its derivation it meant an instrument played with the fingers. The word was in use in old English: “And before hem went minstrels many one, As harpes, pipes, lutes, and sautry.” CHAUCER: The Flower and the Leaf, 237.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 33:2
Verse 2. Praise the Lord with harp] כנור kinnor; probably something like our harp: but Calmet thinks it the ancient testudo, or lyre with three strings. The psalter] נבל nebel. Our translation seems to make a third instrument in this place, by rendering עשור asor, an instrument of ten strings; whereas they should both be joined together, for נבל עשור nebel-asor signifies the nebal, or nabla, with ten strings, or holes. Calmet supposes this to have resembled our harp. In one of Kennicott's MSS., this Psalm begins with the second verse.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 33:2
2. Give thanks unto the Lord with harp: Sing praises unto him with the psaltery of ten strings (R.V.). The harp and psaltery were both stringed instruments, differing somewhat in form.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 33:2
Praise the Lord with harp - For a description of the “harp,” see the notes at Isaiah 5:12.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 33:2
2. Harp—The kinnor was an instrument ordinarily of ten strings, sometimes more, (see note on Psalms 81:2,) shaped, probably, like a modern harp, or, as some suppose, like the letter delta (Ä) of the Greek alphabet.
Sermons on Psalms 33:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Christ Magnified in Our Bodies by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of redeeming the time and not wasting opportunities. He highlights the urgency of spreading the gospel, as there are millions |
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If Any Man Be in Christ - Part 4 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of dedicating our bodies to the Lord. He refers to Psalm 59, which describes the body as an instrument with ten strings, repr |
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Revival (Joseph) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the harsh treatment of slaves in the past, where they were chained and made to work as human horses. He emphasizes the importance of bringi |
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Quiet Time - an Appointment With God by Peter Axup | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of our actions and habits. He encourages keeping a log to understand how we spend our time and make necessary c |
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Musical Instruments of God by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the significance of music in worship, drawing parallels between the Old Testament instruments of praise made by King David and the living instruments of prais |
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Kathryn With Duane Pederson and Chuck Smith - Part 6 by Jesus People | This sermon encourages young people to lift their voices in praise, singing 'Hallelujah' as a declaration of praise and worship to God. It emphasizes the power and beauty of praisi |
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We're Marching to Zion (Zion City Choir) by John Alexander Dowie | The video is a repetitive chant or song asking the Lord to let His joy be known. The phrase "And hear us, how we sing our song" is repeated multiple times throughout the video. The |