King James Version

What Does Psalms 150:3 Mean?

Psalms 150:3 in the King James Version says “Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. trumpet: or, cornet” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 150 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. trumpet: or, cornet”

Psalms 150:3 · KJV

Context

1

Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise ye: Heb. Hallelujah

2

Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

3

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. trumpet: or, cornet

4

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

5

Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

Read Psalms 150 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet (הַֽלְלוּהוּ בְּתֵקַע שׁוֹפָר)—The shofar (ram's horn) was Israel's most theologically significant instrument, announcing holy days (Leviticus 25:9), battles (Joshua 6:4), and coronations (1 Kings 1:34). Its piercing blast called the assembly to worship and will herald Christ's return (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Beginning the instrumental catalogue with the shofar emphasizes worship as covenant response to divine summons.

Praise him with the psaltery and harp (הַֽלְלוּהוּ בְּנֵבֶל וְכִנּוֹר)—The nebel (psaltery/lute) and kinnor (lyre/harp) were stringed instruments providing melodic accompaniment. David played the kinnor before Saul (1 Samuel 16:23), and these instruments regularly appear in temple worship (1 Chronicles 15:16). String instruments suggest sustained, meditative praise contrasting with the trumpet's urgent call. Together they represent both the召唤 to worship and the sustained offering of melody.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 150 is the grand doxological finale to the entire Psalter, its five-verse structure commanding praise with escalating intensity. Each verse layers additional instruments, creating a literary crescendo that mirrors the acoustic crescendo of full temple orchestra. Written likely for Second Temple worship (515 BC onward), this psalm reflects Judaism's conviction that all creation—and all human creative capacity—should magnify Yahweh. The specific instruments mentioned were all used in temple worship, making this both liturgical instruction and poetic inspiration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does using instruments in worship honor God with human creativity and craftsmanship He Himself gave?
  2. What modern 'instruments'—technology, arts, media—could be consecrated for praise as temple musicians consecrated ancient tools?
  3. How might the shofar's historical associations (covenant, gathering, battle, coronation) inform your understanding of worship as something more than personal preference?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הַֽ֝לְל֗וּהוּ1 of 6

“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

בְּתֵ֣קַע2 of 6

“him with the sound”

H8629

a blast of a trumpet

שׁוֹפָ֑ר3 of 6

“of the trumpet”

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

הַֽ֝לְל֗וּהוּ4 of 6

“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

בְּנֵ֣בֶל5 of 6

“him with the psaltery”

H5035

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

וְכִנּֽוֹר׃6 of 6

“and harp”

H3658

a harp

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 150:3 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 150:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 33:2Psalms 149:3Psalms 98:5-6Psalms 81:2-3Psalms 92:31 Chronicles 15:28

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