King James Version

What Does Psalms 147:1 Mean?

Psalms 147:1 in the King James Version says “Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 147 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.”

Psalms 147:1 · KJV

Context

1

Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

2

The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.

3

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. wounds: Heb. griefs

Read Psalms 147 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse opens with what appears to be a simple affirmation that becomes theologically profound: 'Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.' The word 'good' (Hebrew 'tov') establishes that praise is objectively valuable and morally appropriate. 'To sing praises unto our God' uses the plural, suggesting corporate worship rather than solitary devotion. The phrase 'it is pleasant' (Hebrew 'naa'im') suggests that praise brings genuine delight, not merely duty. 'Praise is comely' (navah) means praise is fitting, proper, and aesthetically beautiful. The verse establishes multiple grounds for praise: it is morally good, spiritually appropriate, personally delightful, and aesthetically proper. This multivalent justification answers potential objections that praise is mere obligation. Rather, the verse claims that praise aligns with reality itself - it is good, pleasant, and beautiful because it reflects ultimate truth about God's worthiness. The structure progresses from rational affirmation ('good') to emotional response ('pleasant') to aesthetic judgment ('comely').

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse reflects the integration of theology and aesthetics characteristic of post-exilic Jewish worship. The emphasis on praise being 'pleasant' and 'comely' suggests a period when music and beauty were valued in worship, likely corresponding to Second Temple musical practice. Chronicles records that David appointed professional musicians and singers (1 Chronicles 15:19-24), establishing a tradition of musical sophistication. The phrase 'sing praises unto our God' employs the corporate 'our,' suggesting congregational liturgical use. The repeated emphasis that praise is intrinsically good and pleasant counters ascetic or guilt-based approaches to worship that emphasize only obligation. In Jewish tradition, particularly in Hasidic movements, this verse became important in establishing that joy (simcha) in worship was not indulgent but spiritually essential. The aesthetic dimension ('praise is comely') connects to the broader ancient Near Eastern understanding that beauty itself reflects divine order.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does affirming that praise is 'good' and 'pleasant' transform our understanding of worship?
  2. Why does the verse provide multiple justifications for praise rather than a single reason?
  3. What does it mean that praise is 'comely' (aesthetically appropriate), and how does beauty relate to authentic worship?
  4. In what ways does the corporate dimension ('our God') deepen the meaning of praise?
  5. How should the understanding that praise is intrinsically good affect our participation in worship that feels difficult or dry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
הַ֥לְלוּ1 of 10

“Praise”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

יָ֨הּ׀2 of 10

“ye the LORD”

H3050

jah, the sacred name

כִּי3 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ט֭וֹב4 of 10

“for it is good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

זַמְּרָ֣ה5 of 10

“to sing praises”

H2167

properly, to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e., play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in so

אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ6 of 10

“unto our God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

כִּֽי7 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נָ֝עִים8 of 10

“for it is pleasant”

H5273

delightful (objective or subjective, literal or figurative)

נָאוָ֥ה9 of 10

“is comely”

H5000

suitable, or beautiful

תְהִלָּֽה׃10 of 10

“and praise”

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 147:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 147:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 135:3Psalms 42:4Psalms 33:1Psalms 92:1Revelation 5:9-14Psalms 63:3-5

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 147 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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