Psalms 150:4

What does Psalms 150:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 150:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 150:4 means

Continuing the musical theme, this verse further expands the array of instruments and actions in worship. The timbrel (or tambourine) was often associated with dance and joyful celebration, highlighting that physical expression and bodily movement can be an integral part of praise. Stringed instruments, a broader category than the specific harp and psaltery mentioned previously, ensure that a wide range of melodic potential is included. The pipe, a wind instrument, adds another texture to the blend. This diverse list demonstrates that worship should engage the whole person—body, soul, and spirit—in joyful expression.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Praise him with timbrel and dance: Praise him with stringed instruments and pipe.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Praise him with timbrel and dance: Praise him with stringed instruments and pipe.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Give him praise with instruments of brass and in the dance: give him praise with horns and corded instruments.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Praise Him with timbrel and dance, Praise Him with stringed instruments and organ.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Praise him with timbrel and choir: praise him with strings and organs.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Praise him with the tambour and dance; praise him with stringed instruments and the pipe;

Context

Building on the musical instruments introduced in verse 3, this verse continues to elaborate on the various means of praise, adding more instruments and even incorporating physical movement. It further develops the imagery of a lively and diverse worship setting. This verse, along with the previous one, lays the groundwork for the crescendo of praise that will be described in the following verse, culminating in a powerful and inclusive call.

v.3Praise him with trumpet sound: Praise him with psaltery and harp.

v.4This passage

v.5Praise him with loud cymbals: Praise him with high sounding cymbals.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 45:8

    All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia; Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made thee glad.

  • Job 30:31

    Therefore is my harpturnedto mourning, And my pipe into the voice of them that weep.

  • Exodus 15:20

    And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

  • Psalms 92:3

    With an instrument of ten strings, and with the psaltery; With a solemn sound upon the harp.

  • Psalms 33:2

    Give thanks unto Jehovah with the harp: Sing praises unto him with the psaltery of ten strings.

  • Habakkuk 3:19

    Jehovah, the Lord, is my strength; And he maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, And will make me to walk upon my high places.

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