King James Version

What Does Psalms 81:2 Mean?

Psalms 81:2 in the King James Version says “Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 81 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.”

Psalms 81:2 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. of Asaph: or, for Asaph

2

Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.

3

Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.

4

For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Take a psalm (שְׂאוּ־זִמְרָה)—The verb se'û ('lift up, raise') with zimrâh (melody, song) commands the congregation to elevate praise through music. Bring hither the timbrel (tôph)—a hand drum used in joyful celebrations (Exodus 15:20, Psalm 150:4), often played by women in processions.

The triad of instruments—the pleasant harp (kinnôr, David's instrument) and the psaltery (nevel, a larger stringed instrument)—creates full orchestration for temple worship. This verse demonstrates that biblical worship engages the whole person: voice (v. 1), body (percussion), and skillful artistry (strings). God delights in beauty and excellence offered to His glory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Temple worship under David and Solomon featured professional Levitical musicians (1 Chronicles 15:16-24). The instruments mentioned here—timbrel, harp, and psaltery—formed the core of Israel's liturgical orchestra. Unlike pagan worship that used music for manipulation or ecstasy, Israel's music declared God's character and mighty acts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your church's use of music and instruments enhance worship, and what can be improved to bring greater glory to God?
  2. Why does God command beauty and artistry in worship rather than merely functional or plain expressions?
  3. What role should joy and celebration play in Christian worship, not just reverence and solemnity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
שְֽׂאוּ1 of 8

“Take”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

זִ֭מְרָה2 of 8

“a psalm”

H2172

a musical piece or song to be accompanied by an instrument

וּתְנוּ3 of 8

“and bring”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

תֹ֑ף4 of 8

“hither the timbrel”

H8596

a tambourine

כִּנּ֖וֹר5 of 8

“harp”

H3658

a harp

נָעִ֣ים6 of 8

“the pleasant”

H5273

delightful (objective or subjective, literal or figurative)

עִם7 of 8
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

נָֽבֶל׃8 of 8

“with the psaltery”

H5035

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

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 81:2 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 81:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 149:1-3Psalms 92:3Colossians 3:16Exodus 15:20Ephesians 5:19Mark 14:26

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