King James Version

What Does Psalms 150:4 Mean?

Psalms 150:4 in the King James Version says “Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. dance: or, pipe” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 150 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 150:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Read Psalms 150 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Praise him with the timbrel and dance (הַֽלְלוּהוּ בְתֹף וּמָחוֹל)—The pairing of toph (hand drum/tambourine) with machol (dance) emphasizes rhythmic, physical worship. Women often led timbrel-and-dance celebrations after military victories (Exodus 15:20, Judges 11:34, 1 Samuel 18:6), making this joyful, triumphant praise. Dance in worship is not entertainment but embodied theology—the body proclaiming what the mouth sings.

Praise him with stringed instruments and organs (הַֽלְלוּהוּ בְּמִנִּים וְעוּגָב)—Minnim likely refers to stringed instruments collectively, while ugab (pipes/flute) represents wind instruments. The verse thus contrasts percussion-with-movement and strings-with-winds, expanding the sonic palette. The flute's softer, pastoral tone balances the timbrel's percussive energy, suggesting worship encompasses both exuberant celebration and gentle reflection. All musical expressions—loud and soft, rhythmic and melodic, energetic and contemplative—are fitting for praising the infinite God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse's breadth of instruments reflects Israel's developed temple music program under David and Solomon. 1 Chronicles 15-16 and 2 Chronicles 5:11-14 describe elaborate musical worship involving hundreds of trained Levitical musicians. The inclusion of both 'masculine' instruments (strings, winds) and 'feminine' instruments (timbrel, dance) suggests the whole community's participation. Archaeological discoveries have uncovered ancient Near Eastern musical instruments matching these biblical descriptions, confirming their historical use in worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might incorporating diverse musical styles and expressions in worship better reflect the breadth of God's character?
  2. What do your preferred worship styles reveal about your understanding of God, and what might you be missing?
  3. How does the biblical inclusion of both gentle and exuberant worship challenge either the 'hype' or 'quiet reverence only' extremes?

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

בְתֹ֣ף2 of 6

“him with the timbrel”

H8596

a tambourine

וּמָח֑וֹל3 of 6

“and dance”

H4234

a (round) dance

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

בְּמִנִּ֥ים5 of 6

“him with stringed instruments”

H4482

a part; hence, a musical chord (as parted into strings)

וְעֻגָֽב׃6 of 6

“and organs”

H5748

a reed-instrument of music

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 150:4 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 150:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 149:3Isaiah 38:20Exodus 15:20Psalms 144:9Psalms 92:3Job 30:31

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 150 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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