King James Version

What Does Psalms 47:6 Mean?

Psalms 47:6 in the King James Version says “Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.”

Psalms 47:6 · KJV

Context

4

He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.

5

God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.

6

Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.

7

For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. with: or, every one that hath

8

God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. This verse issues a fourfold repetition of the command to 'sing praises,' emphasizing the urgency, importance, and perpetual nature of worship. The parallel between 'God' and 'our King' affirms that Yahweh—not mere human monarchs—is the true King worthy of continual praise.

"Sing praises" (זַמְּרוּ/zammeru) repeats four times in one verse—extraordinary repetition creating rhythmic emphasis. Zamar means to make music, sing praise, play instruments in worship. The intensive repetition suggests continuous, perpetual praise—worship that never ceases because God's worthiness never diminishes. Revelation 4:8-11 pictures heavenly beings who 'rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty' in continuous worship.

The fourfold repetition may structure the command: sing praises 1) to God, 2) [sing praises—general], 3) to our King, 4) [sing praises—general]. Alternatively, it may simply intensify the imperative through repetition. Either way, the effect is emphatic: this is what God's people do—we sing praises continuously, enthusiastically, wholeheartedly.

"To God" (לֵאלֹהִים/le'Elohim) identifies the object of praise: God Himself, not human heroes or created things. Worship directs praise, honor, and adoration to God alone. The prohibition of idolatry (Exodus 20:3-5) demands exclusive worship of Yahweh—no creature may receive the glory due to the Creator (Romans 1:25).

"Unto our King" (לְמַלְכֵּנוּ/lemalkenu) parallels 'to God,' equating God with 'our King.' The possessive pronoun 'our' indicates covenant relationship—He is not a distant, impersonal deity but our King, our God, bound to us in covenant love. Israel's confession 'The LORD is our God' (Deuteronomy 6:4) expressed this intimate relationship. Christians confess 'our Lord Jesus Christ,' acknowledging personal relationship with the King who loved us and gave Himself for us.

The alternation between 'God' (Elohim—emphasizing power and deity) and 'our King' (malkenu—emphasizing sovereignty and relationship) reveals worship's dual focus: awe at His transcendent majesty and intimacy in covenant relationship. He is the infinite God worthy of reverence and our King who graciously relates to His people personally.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Music held central place in Israel's worship. David organized Levitical musicians (1 Chronicles 25:1-7), establishing singers, cymbal players, harpists, and lyre players for temple worship. The superscription of this psalm ('To the chief Musician') indicates its liturgical use. Israel sang God's praises in congregational worship, not merely as performance but as participatory expression of covenant relationship.

The Book of Psalms served as Israel's hymnbook. These songs shaped Israel's theology, affections, and communal identity. They were sung at festivals, during pilgrimages to Jerusalem, in temple worship, and in private devotion. Psalm 47's exuberant celebration of God's kingship would have been sung at festivals, particularly those celebrating God's reign and covenant faithfulness.

Jesus and His disciples sang psalms. After the Last Supper, 'when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives' (Matthew 26:30)—likely the Hallel Psalms (113-118) traditionally sung at Passover. Early Christians continued this practice, singing 'psalms and hymns and spiritual songs' (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). The psalms formed the core of Christian worship for centuries.

Throughout church history, believers have sung God's praises during persecution, suffering, and trials. Paul and Silas sang hymns in prison at midnight (Acts 16:25). Martyrs sang psalms as they faced lions, fire, or execution. Prisoners in concentration camps, gulags, and dungeons sang praise to God. Singing expresses faith, strengthens courage, and witnesses to God's sustaining grace.

The emphasis on continuous praise anticipates heaven, where worship never ceases. Revelation 5:9-14 describes new songs sung to the Lamb, worship from every creature, perpetual praise of Him who sits on the throne and the Lamb. Earthly worship prepares us for and participates in heaven's eternal worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does the psalmist repeat 'sing praises' four times in one verse, and how does this repetition emphasize worship's importance?
  2. What does it mean that believers are called to 'sing praises' continuously, not just during formal worship services?
  3. How does music and singing enhance worship beyond merely speaking words of praise?
  4. In what ways do psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs shape our theology, affections, and relationship with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
זַמֵּֽרוּ׃1 of 6

“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

אֱלֹהִ֣ים2 of 6

“to 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

זַמֵּֽרוּ׃3 of 6

“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

זַמֵּֽרוּ׃4 of 6

“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

לְמַלְכֵּ֣נוּ5 of 6

“unto our King”

H4428

a king

זַמֵּֽרוּ׃6 of 6

“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

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 47:6 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 47:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 25:34Psalms 68:4Isaiah 33:22Isaiah 12:4-6Psalms 117:1-2Psalms 145:1

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