Psalms 98:5 · Bible study
Psalms 98:5 Commentary: Harp and Voice
Hebrew · 9 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Explore the call to praise with harp and voice in Psalm 98:5. Does this command literal instruments or symbolize creation’s joy? Get scholarly insight.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The verse commands joyful praise to God using stringed instruments and the human voice, as a response to his saving acts.
- Key words: zameru (sing praises/make music), kinnor (harp/lyre), zimrah (melody/song), all emphasize skilled, joyful musical expression.
- Main debate: Whether the instruments are a literal requirement for Christian worship or a symbol of expressive joy, given the shift from Old Testament ceremonial practices to New Testament spiritual worship.
- Theological theme: Praise as the proper response to God’s salvation and kingship; the whole earth (including nature) is called to join the celebration.
- Best use: As a text for preaching and teaching on worship, the role of music in liturgy, and the connection between God’s mighty acts and our joyful response.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp.
WEB World English Bible 2000
Sing praises to Yahweh with the harp, with the harp and the voice of melody.
KJV King James Version 1769
Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
Sing praises unto Jehovah with the harp; With the harp and the voice of melody.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
Sing to Jehovah with harp, With harp, and voice of praise,
Darby Darby Bible 1890
Sing psalms unto Jehovah with the harp: with the harp, and the voice of a song;
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore his footstool, for it is holy.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Salmead á Jehová con arpa; con arpa y voz de cántico.
Tocai ao SENHOR com harpa; com harpa, e com a voz da música;
Chantez à l’ Éternel avec la harpe;
Lobet den HERRN mit Harfen, mit Harfen und Psalmen!
Psalmzingt den HEERE met de harp, met de harp en met de stem des gezangs,
salmeggiate all’Eterno con la cetra, con la cetra e la voce del canto.
Grajcie Panu na harfie; na harfie, głosem przyśpiewując.
Превозносите Господа, Бога нашего, и поклоняйтесь подножию Его: свято оно!
要用琴 歌頌 耶和華，用琴 和詩歌 的聲音歌頌他！
Make melody to the Lord with instruments of music; with a corded instrument and the voice of song.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Psalms 98:5
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators broadly agree that Psalm 98:5 summons joyful praise using both instruments and voice. Barnes notes the harp deepens the impression of the words, making music serve truth. Gill sees an allusion to Old Testament temple worship, but interprets the ‘harp’ as a figure for the spiritual melody in believers’ hearts, a common reading among those who view the New Testament as replacing the old ceremonial forms. Keil & Delitzsch point to the union of song and stringed instruments as practiced by the Levites, grounding the verse in Israel’s liturgical history. The repetition of ‘harp’ (twice) is taken by some (Aben Ezra, Kimchi, cited in Gill) to mean first a solo instrument, then joined by voice. The general consensus: this verse pictures praise as a full-bodied response to God’s saving acts, whether understood literally or symbolically.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Literal command for instrumental worship: The specific mention of the harp and voice in tandem, with the wider context of temple worship (1 Chronicles 15:16; 25:1) and the call for all the earth to make joyful noise.
- Symbolic of heart-praise: Gill’s comment that New Testament saints have ‘harps in their hands’ only figuratively (Revelation 5:8), and that the Old Testament language is adapted to express spiritual melody, not to prescribe instruments.
- Poetic intensification of joy: The repetition of the harp, along with the mounting calls to all creation (vv.7–8), suggests a literary device to heighten the sense of universal celebration, not a detailed rubric for liturgy.
What is clear: The verse calls for joyful praise using both instrument and voice as a response to God’s salvation and coming reign; the exact form of that praise in different eras and traditions is a matter of faithful application, not a strict command.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Instrumental music in worship | The verse describes praise with harp and voice as a fitting response to God. | Some Christians (e.g., Reformed Baptist, some Presbyterian) argue the Old Testament instrumental worship was temporary and replaced by a cappella singing in the New Testament; others (most Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox traditions) see instruments as an acceptable part of worship that express joy. |
| Meaning of 'harp' repetition | The double mention of the harp is emphatic and highlights its importance. | Jewish commentators (Aben Ezra, Kimchi) suggest it means first the harp alone, then the harp with voice; other interpreters see it as poetic repetition for intensification. |
| Literal vs. symbolic interpretation | The verse calls for praise that involves both instrument and voice. | Some (Barnes) take it as a literal prescription for worship with instruments and song; others (Gill) see it as an Old Testament expression that points to the spiritual melody in the heart, not to be taken as a rule for external worship forms today. |
| Universal call to praise | The surrounding context (vv.4, 9) calls all the earth and creation to praise God. | Whether this universal scope includes non-human elements (sea, rivers, mountains) as literal participants or is a poetic personification of nature’s joy at God’s coming. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Psalm 98 is part of a cluster of enthronement psalms (Psalms 95, 100) that celebrate Yahweh’s kingship and his coming to judge the earth. The verse sits within a crescendo of calls to praise that began in verse 4: ‘Make a joyful noise to Yahweh, all the earth!’ The specific instruments named, the kinnor (harp or lyre) and the voice of melody (zimrah), were staples of Israelite worship. The kinnor, a stringed instrument often depicted in Egyptian reliefs, was used by the Levites in temple liturgy (1 Chronicles 15:16; 25:1, 6). The word zimrah can mean a melody or a song, and appears similarly in Isaiah 51:3 (‘voice of melody’) in a context of comfort and restoration.
Historically, the psalm likely dates from the post-exilic period, when the temple was rebuilt and worship restored. The call for ‘all the earth’ to join in praise (v.4) reaches beyond Israel, anticipating a universal recognition of God’s salvation (v.3). The repetition of the harp may be a poetic device for emphasis, or it may indicate two distinct types or sizes of harps (ten-stringed lyres are mentioned in Psalm 33:2; 92:3). The Hebrew imperative zammeru (from the Piel stem of zamar) intensifies the command: it suggests ‘make music skillfully’ or ‘sing praises with enthusiasm.’ This is no quiet nod, it is a loud, joyful summons to celebrate God’s righteous reign.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for Psalm 98:5. The Hebrew text is stable across manuscripts. The only minor variation appears in the English translations: some render zimrah as ‘psalm’ (KJV, Darby) while others have ‘melody’ (WEB, ASV) or ‘song’ (BSB). These reflect lexical choices rather than textual differences.
Reception History
Psalm 98 has been used liturgically in both Jewish and Christian traditions as a call to worship, especially during seasons celebrating God’s kingship (e.g., Advent in some Christian calendars). The specific verse about harp and voice has featured in debates over instrumental music: early Reformed traditions (Calvin, Geneva Notes) often emphasized the vocal praise, while later hymnists like Isaac Watts paraphrased the psalm (Joy to the World) highlighting the universal joy. In the medieval church, the psalm was sung in the Divine Office. The repetition of the harp has also been interpreted allegorically: some early church fathers saw the harp as a symbol of the body (strings = virtues) playing the melody of the soul.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Command to Praise, The verse twice calls for the harp and adds the voice. This is not optional; it is a joyful duty in response to God’s salvation (vv.1, 3). The repetition underlines the depth of gratitude demanded.
- The Instruments of Praise, The harp (stringed instrument) and voice (vocal melody) together represent the full range of human musical expression. Both are offered to God as the best we can bring.
- The God of Praise, The reason for this music is the coming King (v.9). He has done marvellous things, made known his salvation, and will judge the earth with righteousness. This future hope fuels present worship.
Five-point outline
- Joyful noise as the earth’s response (v.4), The call to sing, burst out, and rejoice sets the tone. Praise is not a quiet duty but a loud celebration.
- The harp: instrument of skill and beauty (v.5a), The kinnor was a refined instrument. The command implies thoughtful, excellent music, not careless sound.
- The voice: more than sound (v.5b), ‘Voice of melody’ (zimrah) can mean a sung song or a tune. The voice gives words to music, making praise intelligible and personal.
- The repetition: intentional emphasis, The double mention of the harp may indicate different types (soprano and bass harps?) or simply reinforce the call: this is how you praise, with everything.
- The universal chorus (vv.7, 9), Sea, rivers, mountains join the orchestra. Human music participates in a cosmic celebration of God’s righteous rule.
Illustration hooks
- A wedding reception where the groom’s family plays instruments and everyone sings, the music unites the gathering in shared joy. Psalm 98 pictures a similar celebration for God’s salvation.
- A sports stadium after a winning goal: the crowd erupts in shouts, songs, and noise. That unrestrained joy mirrors the ‘joyful noise’ the psalm commands.
- A family around a campfire, with a guitar and voices blending, simple, unpolished, but sincere. True worship doesn’t require perfection, only a heart that overflows with gratitude.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Does this verse require churches to use instruments today? Or is it only describing temple worship under the old covenant?
- What if our church doesn’t have musicians, can we still ‘sing praises’ acceptably?
- How do we balance joyful, exuberant worship with reverence and decorum?
Leading a Discussion
Psalm 98:5 invites us to consider how we express joy in worship. The psalmist calls for harp and voice, instruments and singing, as a fitting response to God’s salvation. But what does this mean for Christians today? Does it command a style, or is it a picture of wholehearted praise? As you discuss, look at the surrounding verses (especially vv.1, 4 and 7, 9) to see the bigger picture of why praise erupts.
Discussion questions
- Observation: What instruments are mentioned in Psalm 98:5? How many times is the harp named?
- Observation: Look at verses 1, 3. What has God done that prompts this call to praise? List the actions.
- Interpretation: Why do you think the psalm repeats ‘with the harp’? What effect does that repetition create?
- Interpretation: In verse 6, other instruments (trumpets, ram’s horn) join. What does the variety of instruments tell you about the worship being described?
- Interpretation: How do the universal calls to nature (sea, rivers, mountains in vv.7, 8) relate to the human singing in verse 5?
- Application: If your church had to choose only one instrument for worship, what would it be? Does this verse suggest that variety matters, or is the principle simply ‘praise with your best’?
- Application: Think of a time when you felt like ‘singing praises’ spontaneously. What situations or events in your life today might call for that kind of joyful outburst to God?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| I Chronicles 15:16 | David spoke to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers with instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, sounding aloud and lifting up their voices with joy. |
| I Chronicles 25:1 | Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with harps, with stringed instruments, and with cymbals. The number of those who did the work according to their service was: |
| I Chronicles 25:6 | All these were under the hands of their father for song in Yahweh’s house, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of God’s house: Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman being under the order of the king. |
| II Chronicles 29:25 | He set the Levites in Yahweh’s house with cymbals, with stringed instruments, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and Nathan the prophet; for the commandment was from Yahweh by his prophets. |
| Psalms 33:2 | Give thanks to Yahweh with the lyre. Sing praises to him with the harp of ten strings. |
| Psalms 92:3 | with the ten-stringed lute, with the harp, and with the melody of the lyre. |
| Psalms 92:4 | For you, Yahweh, have made me glad through your work. I will triumph in the works of your hands. |
| Isaiah 51:3 | For Yahweh has comforted Zion. He has comforted all her waste places, and has made her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of Yahweh. Joy and gladness will be found in them, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
With - the voice of a Psalm - I think זמרה zimrah, which we translate Psalm, means either a musical instrument, or a species of ode modulated by different voices.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes insists that instrumental music in worship must always be accompanied by the voice singing intelligible words. Music alone fails its purpose; its only proper function is to deepen the impression the words make on the heart. Vocal praise, not instruments, carries the meaning.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin highlights that when the psalm says God's own right hand "hath gotten him the victory," it does not mean God was in danger. Rather, it means God personally designed and accomplished the deliverance by his own immediate power, without any other help. This extraordinary work calls for a new, exceptional song of praise.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
Make melody unto Jehovah with the harp: d With the harp and the sound of melody. d Cp. Isa_51:3 .
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The note emphasizes that praise to the Lord should combine both harp and singing voice. Repeating "upon the harp" drives home that the instrument and the vocal melody work together as one act of worship, not separately.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill distinguishes Old Testament worship, which used literal harps, from New Testament worship, where references to harps in Revelation symbolize spiritual melody in the heart. For him, the Old Testament language describes Gospel realities; it does not prescribe musical instruments for the church.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch distinguishes three specific kinds of joyful response: shouts from the mouth, stringed instruments linked to the Levites, and wind instruments tied to the priests. The psalm calls for each category to join together in praise, not just general noise.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange highlights that God's "holy arm" and "right hand" signify His direct miraculous intervention, not ordinary means. He argues the clapping hands and roaring sea represent universal joy at God's coming as King, rejecting interpretations linking them to the Purim festival.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry sees this psalm as the coronation ceremony for Christ the King, calling all the earth to welcome Him with loud shouts and joyful music. He distinguishes between the gentle harp and the martial trumpet, since this is a victorious King whose conquests must be proclaimed with celebration.