King James Version

What Does Psalms 98:5 Mean?

Psalms 98:5 in the King James Version says “Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 98 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 98:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. the fulness: or, all it containeth


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Sing unto the LORD with the harp (זַמְּרוּ לַיהוָה בְּכִנּוֹר, zammeru l'YHWH bekinnor)—Zimrah means to make music, to sing praise accompanied by instruments. The kinnor (lyre/harp) was David's instrument (1 Samuel 16:23), associated with prophetic worship and royal psalms.

With the harp, and the voice of a psalm (בְּכִנּוֹר וְקוֹל זִמְרָה, bekinnor veqol zimrah)—doubled emphasis on instrumental and vocal worship united. The phrase qol zimrah (voice of melody) suggests not mere singing but artful, skillful praise. Biblical worship engages both crafted beauty (instrumental music) and articulate word (psalm lyrics).

Worship befitting God's salvation requires our best offerings—cultivated skill, passionate heart, and thoughtful words. The New Testament transfers this principle: whatever we do in worship should be done skillfully and heartily to the Lord (Colossians 3:16-17, Ephesians 5:19).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Temple worship featured Levitical musicians with harps, lyres, and cymbals (1 Chronicles 15:16-24). This verse reflects Israel's sophisticated musical tradition, where worship was both spontaneous joy and disciplined artistry. David established this musical order.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge the idea that worship style doesn't matter to God?
  2. What 'instruments' (gifts, skills, resources) has God given you to employ in His praise?
  3. Is your worship characterized by both passionate joy and thoughtful excellence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
זַמְּר֣וּ1 of 6

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

לַיהוָ֣ה2 of 6

unto the LORD

H3068

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

בְּ֝כִנּ֗וֹר3 of 6

with the harp

H3658

a harp

בְּ֝כִנּ֗וֹר4 of 6

with the harp

H3658

a harp

וְק֣וֹל5 of 6

and the voice

H6963

a voice or sound

זִמְרָֽה׃6 of 6

of a psalm

H2172

a musical piece or song to be accompanied by an instrument


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 98:5 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 98:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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