King James Version

What Does Psalms 98:4 Mean?

Psalms 98:4 in the King James Version says “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 98 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.”

Psalms 98:4 · KJV

Context

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.

4

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

5

Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.

6

With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse intensifies the call to worship, expanding from singing to a comprehensive, joyful response. 'Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth' repeats a command from Psalm 95:1 but here applies it universally - 'all the earth' should make joyful noise. 'Joyful noise' (Hebrew 'rinnah') denotes loud, exultant shouting or singing - unrestrained expression of joy. 'Make a loud noise' emphasizes the intensity and volume - this is not quiet, private devotion but public, exuberant celebration. 'And rejoice' (Hebrew 'gilu') means to spin, leap, or celebrate with bodily movement and expression. 'And sing praise' adds structured musical expression to the joyful noise. The parallelism shows that authentic joy and celebration can include both unrestrained emotion ('loud noise,' 'rejoice') and structured expression ('sing praise'). This verse establishes that worship should engage the whole person and should be expressed with the intensity of genuine emotion. The universal scope ('all the earth') reiterates the conviction that God's greatness is worthy of universal recognition and response. The verse moves from the theological reality of God's marvellous works to the appropriate human response: comprehensive, uninhibited, joyful celebration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The command for 'joyful noise' and bodily expression ('rejoice') echoes the worship practices described throughout Scripture - David danced before the ark (2 Samuel 6:14-15), and in Temple worship, shouting and instrumental music accompanied celebrations. In ancient Jewish worship, such exuberant expression was valued as genuine response to God's greatness. The command to 'all the earth' reflects the eschatological hope that ultimately all creation would recognize and celebrate God's rule. During the post-exilic period, when the Jewish community was rebuilding Temple worship and their religious identity, such emphatic calls to joyful celebration would have strengthened community resolve and commitment. The verse rejects any notion that serious faith requires somber restraint - rather, genuine encounter with God's greatness demands joyful, exuberant response. This stands in contrast to certain religious traditions that value stoicism or emotional restraint, asserting instead that joy and celebration are appropriate and valued expressions of worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the relationship between experiencing God's greatness and responding with joyful, exuberant celebration?
  2. Why might unrestrained joy in worship challenge both contemporary sensibilities and certain religious traditions?
  3. How does the command for 'all the earth' to rejoice reflect hope that ultimately all creation will recognize God's sovereignty?
  4. In what ways does structured worship ('sing praise') complement unrestrained expression ('joyful noise')?
  5. How should our worship be characterized differently if we truly grasped the magnitude of God's marvellous works?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הָרִ֣יעוּ1 of 7

“Make a joyful noise”

H7321

to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)

לַֽ֭יהוָה2 of 7

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

כָּל3 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָ֑רֶץ4 of 7

“all the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

פִּצְח֖וּ5 of 7

“make a loud noise”

H6476

to break out (in joyful sound)

וְרַנְּנ֣וּ6 of 7

“and rejoice”

H7442

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

וְזַמֵּֽרוּ׃7 of 7

“and sing”

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 98:4 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 98:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 44:23Revelation 19:6Psalms 100:1Psalms 66:1Psalms 47:1-5Isaiah 12:6

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 98 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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