King James Version

What Does Psalms 98:6 Mean?

Psalms 98:6 in the King James Version says “With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 98 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 98:6 · KJV


Context

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

8

Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
With trumpets and sound of cornet (בַּחֲצֹצְרוֹת וְקוֹל שׁוֹפָר, bakhatzotzerot veqol shofar)—two distinct instruments: the silver chatzotzrah (trumpet) used by priests for temple rituals (Numbers 10:2), and the ram's horn shofar used for festivals, warfare, and coronations. Together they represent priestly ministry and royal authority.

Make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King (הָרִיעוּ לִפְנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ יְהוָה, hariu lifnei hamelekh YHWH)—hariu means to shout triumphantly, to sound the battle cry of victory. This is not quiet reverence but exuberant celebration before the LORD, the King. The royal title hamelekh YHWH (the King, Yahweh) recalls the psalm's enthronement theme.

The combination of priestly trumpets and royal shofar, liturgical instruments and victory shouts, shows worship encompasses both ordered reverence and unrestrained joy. Christ unites both: our great High Priest and conquering King.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Temple worship featured silver trumpets blown by Aaronic priests (2 Chronicles 5:12-13). The shofar announced new moons, jubilee years, and military victories. This verse reflects Israel's festal assemblies where both instruments heralded God's kingly presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does acknowledging 'the LORD, the King' change the nature of our worship from entertainment to royal audience?
  2. What would it look like to combine reverent order with joyful exuberance in your worship?
  3. In what ways is Christ both our Priest (trumpet) and King (shofar)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
בַּ֭חֲצֹ֣צְרוֹת1 of 7

With trumpets

H2689

a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)

וְק֣וֹל2 of 7

and sound

H6963

a voice or sound

שׁוֹפָ֑ר3 of 7

of cornet

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

הָ֝רִ֗יעוּ4 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)

לִפְנֵ֤י׀5 of 7

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַמֶּ֬לֶךְ6 of 7

the King

H4428

a king

יְהוָֽה׃7 of 7

the LORD

H3068

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


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 98:6 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 98:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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