King James Version

What Does Psalms 147:3 Mean?

Psalms 147:3 in the King James Version says “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. wounds: Heb. griefs” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 147 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 147:3 · 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

4

He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.

5

Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. his: Heb. of his understanding there is no number

Read Psalms 147 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse turns from the goodness of worship itself to God's specific works: 'Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God.' The command 'Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving' (shiroh la-Adonai be-toda) connects singing with gratitude, suggesting that praise should be grounded in recognition of specific benefits. The phrase 'upon the harp' invokes instrumental accompaniment, indicating musical sophistication and emotional expression. 'Our God' personalizes the cosmic God to the community's relationship. The verse establishes that praise should emerge from thanksgiving - grateful recognition of God's gifts and actions. This distinguishes true worship from mere flattery or abstract theology. True praise responds to experienced goodness. The harp specifically, an instrument associated with David (1 Samuel 16:23), connects worship to Israel's royal tradition while making it accessible to the community through professional musicians and perhaps congregational participation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Stringed instruments feature prominently in Israel's temple worship. Psalm 33:2 mentions 'ten-stringed instrument' (asor), and Chronicles extensively documents temple musicians with lyres and harps (1 Chronicles 15:20-21). The Second Temple period saw development of more elaborate musical practice, though debates exist about continuity with First Temple practice. The harp (Hebrew 'chinor') was associated with pastoral and prophetic contexts as well as temple worship. The phrase 'with thanksgiving' (be-toda) points to the Hebrew word todah, which in some contexts refers to a specific sacrifice of thanksgiving (Leviticus 7:12-15). Connecting singing with thanksgiving may reflect the integration of music into the sacrificial system, though post-exilic contexts increasingly emphasized music and prayer as substitutes for or supplements to sacrifice. The phrase 'sing praise unto our God' (zamru elohenu) employs the verb zamar, which specifically connotes musical praise with instruments, distinguishing it from other forms of prayer.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why should praise always be accompanied by thanksgiving, and how does this ground worship in reality?
  2. What role do instruments play in worship, and how do they differ from or complement vocal praise?
  3. How does the phrase 'our God' establish both personal relationship and communal identity?
  4. In what ways does the harp as symbol connect contemporary worship to Israel's tradition?
  5. How should the connection between singing, thanksgiving, and instrumental music inform modern worship practices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
הָ֭רֹפֵא1 of 5

“He healeth”

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

לִשְׁב֣וּרֵי2 of 5

“the broken”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

לֵ֑ב3 of 5

“in heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וּ֝מְחַבֵּ֗שׁ4 of 5

“and bindeth up”

H2280

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

לְעַצְּבוֹתָֽם׃5 of 5

“their wounds”

H6094

a idol; also, a pain or wound

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 147:3 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 147:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 34:18Job 5:18Jeremiah 33:6Luke 4:18Isaiah 61:1Hosea 6:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 147 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes