King James Version

What Does Psalms 98:1 Mean?

Psalms 98:1 in the King James Version says “A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath got...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 98 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.”

Psalms 98:1 · KJV

Context

1

A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

2

The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. openly: or, revealed

3

He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This opening verse calls for a new song in celebration of God's marvellous works. 'O sing unto the LORD a new song' echoes the opening of Psalm 96 but adds crucial context. 'For he hath done marvellous things' provides the reason for the new song: God's recent or ongoing merciful acts demand fresh, responsive praise. 'Marvellous things' (Hebrew 'pele' - wonders) refers to extraordinary divine acts that demonstrate His power and character. 'His right hand, and his holy arm' shifts from God's abstract power to specific demonstrations of saving might. The 'right hand' and 'arm' are anthropomorphic images suggesting God's direct, powerful intervention. 'Right hand' is associated with victory and redemption throughout the Psalms (Psalm 48:10, 63:8); 'holy arm' emphasizes the sacred character of God's power. The progression from calling for a new song to affirming God's marvellous deeds shows that authentic worship responds to experienced mercy. The verse establishes that our praise should be renewed precisely because God's mercies are new and continuous. The focus on God's arm - His active intervention - indicates that worship acknowledges not merely abstract theology but concrete, experienced salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 98, like Psalms 96 and 97, belongs to the group of 'Enthronement Psalms' likely composed in the post-exilic period. The affirmation of God's marvellous works in a context of exile and restoration suggests recent experience of God's deliverance. The return from Babylonian exile, though partial and incomplete, demonstrated God's faithfulness to His promises despite apparent abandonment. The call for a 'new song' reflects the post-exilic community's sense that God had freshly demonstrated His power through restoration and return. The language of God's 'right hand' and 'holy arm' echoes the exodus narrative (Exodus 15:12-13), the foundational narrative of salvation that had been rehearsed throughout Israel's history. In the new context of restoration, such language affirmed that God remained the saving God, capable of delivering His people. The emphasis on both 'marvellous things' and God's 'holiness' reflects the renewed emphasis on covenant faithfulness and God's sacred character that characterized post-exilic Judaism.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does the experience of God's marvellous works call for a 'new song' rather than merely repeating familiar worship?
  2. How does focusing on God's 'right hand' and 'holy arm' connect abstract theology to concrete experience of salvation?
  3. What are the 'marvellous things' God has done that deserve celebration in our own spiritual journey?
  4. In what ways does recognizing God's past acts empower hope for future salvation?
  5. How should the expectation that God continues to do marvellous things shape our worship and witness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
שִׁ֤ירוּ1 of 12

“O sing”

H7891

to sing

לַֽיהוָ֨ה׀2 of 12

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שִׁ֣יר3 of 12

“song”

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

חָ֭דָשׁ4 of 12

“a new”

H2319

new

כִּֽי5 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִפְלָא֣וֹת6 of 12

“marvellous things”

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

עָשָׂ֑ה7 of 12

“for he hath done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הוֹשִֽׁיעָה8 of 12

“hath gotten him the victory”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

לּ֥וֹ9 of 12
H0
יְ֝מִינ֗וֹ10 of 12

“his right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

וּזְר֥וֹעַ11 of 12

“arm”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

קָדְשֽׁוֹ׃12 of 12

“and his holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 98:1 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 98:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 15:6Isaiah 52:10Revelation 14:3Psalms 33:3Psalms 96:3Psalms 96:1

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