Psalms 81:1
Psalms 81:1 in Multiple Translations
Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.
Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
Make a song to God our strength: make a glad cry to the God of Jacob.
Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob.
To him that excelleth upon Gittith. A Psalme committed to Asaph. Sing ioyfully vnto God our strength: sing loude vnto the God of Iaakob.
To the Overseer. — 'On the Gittith.' By Asaph. Cry aloud to God our strength, Shout to the God of Jacob.
Sing aloud to God, our strength! Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob!
To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud to God our strength: make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.
A psalm for Asaph. God hath stood in the congregation of gods: and being in the midst of them he judgeth gods.
Sing songs to praise God, who enables us to be strong when we fight our enemies; shout joyfully to God, whom we ◄descendants of Jacob/Israeli people► worship!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 81:1
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 81:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֬חַ
עַֽל
הַ/גִּתִּ֬ית
לְ/אָסָֽף
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֬חַ
nâtsach
H5329
to conduct
Prep | V-Piel
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/גִּתִּ֬ית
Gittîyth
H1665
Gittith
Art | N-fs
לְ/אָסָֽף
ʼÂçâph
H623
Asaph
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 81:1
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֬חַ
nâtsach
H5329
"to conduct"
Prep | V-Piel
To conduct or oversee, this word describes a leader or chief musician. In the Bible, it is used in the book of Psalms to describe the role of a music director. The word implies a sense of leadership and guidance.
Definition: 1) to excel, be bright, be preeminent, be perpetual, be overseer, be enduring 1a) (Niphal) enduring (participle) 1b) (Piel) to act as overseer or superintendent or director or chief Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsach (נְצַח "to distinguish oneself" H5330)
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: excel, chief musician (singer), oversee(-r), set forward. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:21; Psalms 49:1; Psalms 4:1.
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/גִּתִּ֬ית
Gittîyth
H1665
"Gittith"
Art | N-fs
Gittith is a type of harp, possibly originating from Gath, and is mentioned in the titles of Psalms 8, 81, and 84. It is associated with the Feast of Booths and is a musical instrument used in worship.
Definition: § Gittith = "a wine-press" a musical instrument? from Gath? and used in three Psalm titles- Ps 8:1; 81:1; 84:1; a song title used for the Feast of Booths
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Gittith. See also: Psalms 8:1; Psalms 81:1; Psalms 84:1.
לְ/אָסָֽף
ʼÂçâph
H623
"Asaph"
Prep | N-proper
Asaph means gatherer, the name of several Israelites, including a Levite and the father of Hezekiah's secretary. He is mentioned in Exodus 6:24 and 1 Chronicles 26:1. Asaph was a common name in biblical times.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.24; son of: Korah (H7141I); brother of: Assir (H0617) and Elkanah (H0511); father of: Assir (H0617H) and Kore (H6981); also called Abiasaph at Exo.6.24; Asaph at 1Ch.26.1; Another name of ev.ya.saph (אֶבְיָסָף, אֲבִיאָסָף "Ebiasaph" H0043) § Asaph = "gatherer" 1) the father of Hezekiah's secretary 2) a son of Berechiah, chief Levite musician under David 3) a Persian officer over the royal forest
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Asaph. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; Ezra 3:10; Psalms 50:1.
Study Notes — Psalms 81:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 81:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 81:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 81:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 81:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 81:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 81:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 81:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 81:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 81:1
- Sermons on Psalms 81:1
Context — Sing for Joy to God Our Strength
1Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.
2Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre. 3Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and at the full moon on the day of our Feast.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 31:7 | For this is what the LORD says: “Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations! Make your praises heard, and say, ‘O LORD, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!’ |
| 2 | Psalms 66:1 | Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! |
| 3 | Psalms 100:1–2 | Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs. |
| 4 | Psalms 46:11 | The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah |
| 5 | Psalms 8:1 | O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens. |
| 6 | Philippians 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. |
| 7 | Psalms 28:7 | The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song. |
| 8 | Psalms 67:4 | Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth. Selah |
| 9 | Psalms 52:7 | “Look at the man who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his wealth and strengthened himself by destruction.” |
| 10 | Psalms 33:1–3 | Rejoice in the LORD, O righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy. |
Psalms 81:1 Summary
[This verse is an invitation to express joyful praise to God, who is our source of strength and comfort. We can do this by singing, playing music, or simply thanking him for all the good things in our lives. As Psalm 107:1 says, 'Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.' By praising God, we can bring joy to ourselves and to those around us, and we can remember that he is always with us, just as Deuteronomy 31:6 says, 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'sing for joy to God our strength'?
This phrase means to express joyful praise to God, who is our source of strength and comfort, just as Psalm 28:7 says, 'The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.'
Why is Jacob mentioned specifically in this verse?
Jacob is mentioned to remind us of God's covenant promises to his people, as seen in Genesis 28:13-15, where God promises to be with Jacob and his descendants, and to bless all nations through them.
What kind of 'joyful noise' are we supposed to make to God?
The kind of joyful noise we are to make is one that comes from a heart full of praise and gratitude, as expressed in Psalm 100:1, which says, 'Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.'
Is this verse only for people who like to sing or play music?
No, this verse is for everyone, as it's not just about singing or playing music, but about expressing joyful praise to God from the heart, as seen in Romans 15:11, where it says, 'Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'sing for joy to God' in my daily life, even if I don't like to sing?
- How can I make a 'joyful noise' to God when I'm feeling sad or struggling with difficult circumstances?
- What are some things I can thank God for, and how can I express my gratitude to him?
- How can I use my talents and abilities to praise God and bring joy to others?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 81:1
Sing aloud unto God our strength,.... The strength of Israel, who, by strength of hand, and a mighty arm, brought Israel out of Egypt, protected and upheld them in the wilderness, and brought them
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 81:1
Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. Psalms 81:1-16.-I.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 81:1
Psalms 81 THE This Psalm seems to have been made for the use of the church in solemn feasts; particularly either upon every first day of the month, or upon the first day of the seventh mouth, which was celebrated with more solemn blast of trumpets, ; because that month was more sacred than others by reason of the concurrence of divers religious solemnities in it. Gittith; of which title See Poole "". An exhortation to a solemn praising of God, ; which he requireth for his manifold mercies and deliverances, ; and, exhorting to obedience, and the worshipping of him the true God, , complaineth of their disobedience, which tended to their own hurt and affliction, . Our strength; who is all our refuge and safeguard against all our enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 81:1
Psalms 81:1 « To the chief Musician upon Gittith, [A Psalm] of Asaph. » Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.Upon Gittith] An instrument brought from Gath, or used by Obed Edom, the Gittite; or a psalm to be sung at the vintages, i.e. at the Feast of Tabernacles. It containeth a solemn thanksgiving (for which cause also that feast was instituted), with so great joy, that Plutarch took occasion therehence to write, but falsely, that the Jews did then keep a feast, or holy day, to Bacchus, ωσχοφορια. Ver. 1. Sing aloud unto God] Be loud and large in his praises, set them forth cheerfully and courageously. God loveth zeal in all his services, In symposio gaudium cantu accendite.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 81:1
PSALM LXXXI An exhortation to the people to praise God for his benefits, 1-7; and to attend to what he had prescribed, 8-10; their disobedience lamented, 11; the miseries brought on themselves by their transgressions, 12-16. NOTES ON PSALM LXXXI The title is the same as to Psalms 8:1, which see. There are various opinions concerning the occasion and time of this Psalm: but it is pretty generally agreed that it was either written for or used at the celebration of the Feast of Trumpets, (see on Leviticus 23:24,) which was held on the first day of the month Tisri, which was the beginning of the Jewish year; and on that day it is still used in the Jewish worship. According to Jewish tradition, credited by many learned Christians, the world was created in Tisri, which answers to our September. The Psalm may have been used in celebrating the Feast of Trumpets on the first day of Tisri, the Feast of Tabernacles on the fifteenth of the same month, the creation of the world, the Feasts of the New Moons, and the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt; to all which circumstances it appears to refer. Verse 1. Sing aloud unto God our strength] There is much meaning here: as God is our strength, let that strength be devoted to his service; therefore, sing aloud! This is principally addressed to the priests and Levites.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 81:1
1–3. A call to the joyous celebration of the festival, addressed to the whole congregation (Psalms 81:1), to the Levites as the appointed leaders of the Temple music (Psalms 81:2), and to the Priests, whose special duty it was to blow the trumpets (Psalms 81:3). See Numbers 10:8; Numbers 10:10; Joshua 6:4 ff.; 2 Chronicles 5:12 ff; 2 Chronicles 7:6; Ezra 3:10.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 81:1
Sing aloud unto God our strength - The strength and support of the nation; he from whom the nation has derived all its power. The word rendered sing aloud means to rejoice; and then, to make or cause to rejoice.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 81:1
1. Sing aloud—This call upon the people to join together, to shout aloud joyfully to God, is according to all Old and New Testament ideas of divine worship.
Sermons on Psalms 81:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 81-90 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reflecting the beauty of Jesus in our lives. He encourages the congregation to let God's beauty be seen through their acti |
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K-469 Israel - a Prophetic Glimpse by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to rely on God rather than human answers. He encourages the audience to spend time with the Lord, reading the Bible an |
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Exposition on Psalm 82 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine delves into the interpretation of Psalms 81, explaining the significance of God standing in the synagogue of gods as a representation of the people of Israel. He cont |
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Singing the Praises of God by Paul Bramsen | Paul Bramsen emphasizes the significance of singing in worship, tracing its roots back to biblical times when God's people praised Him through song. The Bible showcases believers i |
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Psalm 81 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the importance of observing public ordinances as a constant duty to publicly worship God and assemble in joyful crowds within the sanctuary. He emphasizes the |
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The Time of Jacob's Trouble by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the time of Jacob's trouble, which refers to a period of great suffering and judgment for Israel and the Jewish people. The spe |
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Covenant Consciousness by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher quotes from Karl Barth, a Swiss German theologian, who emphasizes the inseparable connection between creation and covenant. According to Barth, God's a |