שִׁיר (shir)
shir
to sing
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 63 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shir means to sing, a basic act of vocal expression that appears sixty-three times in the Old Testament. Its usage spans from personal devotion to public worship, capturing moments where speech becomes melody. In Exodus 15:21, Miriam leads the women in song after the crossing of the sea, while Psalms frequently commands the community to sing praises to God, such as in Psalm 96:1.
Beyond the simple act of singing, shir also denotes the song itself or the singers who perform it. The sources note a distinct emphasis on joyous celebration, often contrasted with mourning songs called qinah. This joyful character is evident in Amos 8:10, where lament is replaced by music. The term even extends to instrumental accompaniment, as seen in Nehemiah 12:27, which describes the dedication of Jerusalem’s walls with cymbals and singing.
A notable feature of shir is its connection to organized worship. Chronicles and Nehemiah highlight professional singers who led temple liturgy, suggesting that singing was a structured part of Israel’s religious life rather than just spontaneous emotion. The phrase "song of songs" in Song of Solomon 1:1 uses the superlative form to describe the most excellent song, showing how the word could elevate praise to its highest expression.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shir captures more than just a musical performance; it describes the act of giving voice to gratitude and awe. When life brings moments of deliverance or deep joy, this verb reminds us that praise is a natural response. It invites you to move beyond silent thanks into vocal expression, whether in private prayer or communal worship.
In Scripture, singing often marks significant turning points. After crossing the Red Sea, Miriam led others in song, transforming a moment of fear into one of celebration. This pattern shows that music helps us process God’s faithfulness. It turns memory into testimony, helping you hold onto hope even when circumstances change.
Whether you are singing alone or with others, this word encourages honest expression. It suggests that your voice matters in the story of faith. Let your heart find its melody in gratitude, knowing that praise connects you to a long line of believers who have trusted God through every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 63 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ singers14×
- sing13×
- and/ the/ singers10×
- I will sing7×
- male singers3×
- and/ female singers3×
- for the/ singers2×
- will we sing1×
- to/ sing1×
- they sang1×
- they have sung1×
- the/ male singers1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׁ֤ירוּ5×
- וְ/הַ/מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים4×
- הַ/מְשֹׁ֣רְרִ֔ים4×
- שִׁ֣ירוּ3×
- שִֽׁירוּ\־2×
- שִׁ֥ירוּ2×
- מְשֹֽׁרֲרִים֙2×
- לַ/שָּׁרִ֑ים2×
- וְ/הַ/מְשֹׁרְרִ֧ים2×
- וְ/הַ/מְשֹׁ֣רְרִ֔ים2×
- הַֽ/מְשֹׁרְרִ֑ים2×
- הַ/מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 15:21
Miriam answered them, “Sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphed gloriously. He has thrown the horse and his rider into the sea.”
Miriam uses this command to lead the women in immediate celebration after God’s deliverance at the sea.
-
I Chronicles 16:9
Sing to him. Sing praises to him. Tell of all his marvelous works.
David instructs the community to actively tell of God's works through song, linking praise with remembrance.
-
II Chronicles 20:21
When he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to Yahweh and give praise in holy array as they go out before the army, and say, “Give thanks to Yahweh, for his loving kindness endures forever.”
Jehoshaphat places singers at the front of the army, showing that praise is a spiritual strategy for facing fear.