Psalms 81:2
Psalms 81:2 in Multiple Translations
Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre.
Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.
Raise a song, and bring hither the timbrel, The pleasant harp with the psaltery.
Take up the melody, playing on an instrument of music, even on corded instruments.
Start the song! Play the tambourine, sweet-sounding lyre, and harp.
Take the song and bring forth the timbrel, the pleasant harpe with the viole.
Lift up a song, and give out a timbrel, A pleasant harp with psaltery.
Raise a song, and bring here the tambourine, the pleasant lyre with the harp.
Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.
How long will you judge unjustly: and accept the persons of the wicked?
Start playing the music, and beat the tambourines, and play nice music on the harps and ◄lyres/other stringed instruments►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 81:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 81:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ֭רְנִינוּ
לֵ/אלֹהִ֣ים
עוּזֵּ֑/נוּ
הָ֝רִ֗יעוּ
לֵ/אלֹהֵ֥י
יַעֲקֹֽב
הַ֭רְנִינוּ
rânan
H7442
to overcome
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
לֵ/אלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp
עוּזֵּ֑/נוּ
ʻôz
H5797
strength
N-ms | Suff
הָ֝רִ֗יעוּ
rûwaʻ
H7321
to shout
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
לֵ/אלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp
יַעֲקֹֽב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 81:2
הַ֭רְנִינוּ
rânan
H7442
"to overcome"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew verb means to sing or shout for joy, often used to express praise or triumph, as seen in Psalm 98:4 where believers are called to shout for joy to the Lord. It can also mean to cry aloud in distress or to summon others. This word is used to describe a loud, vocal expression of emotion.
Definition: 1) to overcome 1a) (Hithpolel) to be overcome
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: aloud for joy, cry out, be joyful (greatly, make to) rejoice, (cause to) shout (for joy), (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph. See also: Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 132:9; Psalms 5:12.
לֵ/אלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
עוּזֵּ֑/נוּ
ʻôz
H5797
"strength"
N-ms | Suff
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Definition: 1) might, strength 1a) material or physical 1b) personal or social or political
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 84:6; Psalms 8:3.
הָ֝רִ֗יעוּ
rûwaʻ
H7321
"to shout"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
This word means to shout or make a loud noise, like a war cry or a joyful sound. In Numbers 10:9, the Israelites would shout to sound the alarm for war or to signal a gathering. It is about making a loud noise to get attention.
Definition: 1) to shout, raise a sound, cry out, give a blast 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to shout a war-cry or alarm of battle 1a2) to sound a signal for war or march 1a3) to shout in triumph (over enemies) 1a4) to shout in applause 1a5) to shout (with religious impulse) 1a6) to cry out in distress 1b) (Polal) to utter a shout 1c) (Hithpolel) 1c1) to shout in triumph 1c2) to shout for joy 2) (Niphal) destroyed
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: blow an alarm, cry (alarm, aloud, out), destroy, make a joyful noise, smart, shout (for joy), sound an alarm, triumph. See also: Numbers 10:7; Psalms 60:10; Psalms 41:12.
לֵ/אלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יַעֲקֹֽב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 81:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 81:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 81:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 81:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 81:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 81:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 81:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 81:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 81:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 81:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 81:2
- Sermons on Psalms 81:2
Context — Sing for Joy to God Our Strength
1Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.
2Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre.
3Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and at the full moon on the day of our Feast. 4For this is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 149:1–3 | Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song— His praise in the assembly of the godly. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp. |
| 2 | Psalms 92:3 | with the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre. |
| 3 | Colossians 3:16 | Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. |
| 4 | Mark 14:26 | And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. |
| 5 | Exodus 15:20 | Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. |
| 6 | Ephesians 5:19 | Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, |
| 7 | James 5:13 | Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. |
| 8 | Psalms 95:1–2 | Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song. |
Psalms 81:2 Summary
[This verse is telling us to express our joy and gratitude to God through music and song, using instruments like the tambourine, harp, and lyre. We can apply this principle today by singing hymns and psalms to God, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. By doing so, we can bring joy and reverence to our worship, and honor God with our praise. We can also look to examples in the Bible, like the Psalms, for inspiration on how to express our emotions and thoughts to God in a way that is both joyful and reverent.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of song should we lift up to God according to Psalms 81:2?
The song we lift up to God should be a joyful expression of praise, as seen in the context of Psalms 81:1, where we are told to sing for joy to God our strength.
What is the significance of the tambourine, harp, and lyre in this verse?
These instruments are mentioned to emphasize the joyful and celebratory nature of our praise to God, similar to the use of instruments in other biblical celebrations, such as in Psalms 150:3-5.
Is this verse only applicable to the Israelites, or can it be applied to believers today?
While this verse is addressed to the Israelites, the principle of joyful praise to God is still applicable to believers today, as seen in verses like Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, which encourage us to sing psalms and hymns to God.
How can we balance the command to make a joyful noise with the need for reverence in our worship?
We can look to verses like Psalms 96:9, which tells us to worship the Lord with reverence and awe, and also to verses like Psalms 100:1, which encourages us to shout for joy to the Lord, to find a balance between joy and reverence in our worship.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can express my joy and gratitude to God in my daily life, and how can I make sure to prioritize praise and worship?
- How can I use music and other forms of artistic expression to honor God and bring joy to those around me?
- What are some things that prevent me from fully expressing my joy and praise to God, and how can I overcome these obstacles?
- How can I cultivate a sense of reverence and awe in my worship, while still expressing my joy and enthusiasm for God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 81:2
Take a psalm,.... Or "lift one up" (y); hold up the book, and read and sing it; or rather, lift up the voice in singing a psalm: and bring hither the timbrel; or "give one" (z), put the hand to one:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 81:2
Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery. Take a psalm - `raise the psalm.' And bring hither the timbrel - literally, 'give' it. Or else, 'cause it to give forth its sound' (Maurer).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 81:2
All which instruments were then prescribed and used in their solemn meetings.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 81:2
Psalms 81:2 Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.Ver. 2. Bring hither the timbrel] These instruments then used in God s service (as a part of the Jewish pedagogy) were types of that spiritual joy which we should express in holy duties, no less than if we heard the most exquisite music. There should be continual music (habitual joy) in the temple of the Holy Ghost.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 81:2
(2) Take a psalm.—Rather, Strike up a tune (with voice and harp).Bring hither the timbrel.—Literally, Give a timbrel (or, drum), which evidently means “sound the timbrel,” and may, perhaps, be explained by a phrase sometimes found in Hebrew—“Give a voice,” i.e., speak. Such phrases as “Let them have the drum,” “Give them the drum,” may illustrate the expression. (For the instrument, tôph, see Exodus 15:20, and consult Bible Educator, 2:214 seq.) Harp . . . psaltery.—See Note, Psalms 33:2.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 81:2
Verse 2. Take a psalm] זמרה zimrah. I rather think that this was the name of a musical instrument. Bring hither the timbrel] תף toph; some kind of drum or tom tom. The pleasant harp] כנור kinnor. Probably a sistrum, or something like it. A STRINGED instrument. With the psaltery.] נבל nebel, the nabla. The cithara, Septuagint.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 81:2
2. Take a psalm &c.] Or, Raise a psalm and sound the timbrel. The timbrel, or tabret, was a tambourine or hand drum; the psaltery, like the harp, a stringed instrument.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 81:2
Take a psalm - literally, “Lift up a psalm; perhaps, as we should say, “Raise the tune.” Or, it may mean, Take an ode, a hymn, a psalm, composed for the occasion, and accompany it with the
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 81:2
2. Take a psalm—Bring a song: addressed to the Levites appointed for choristers, as the “shout aloud,” (Psalms 81:1,) was to the people.
Sermons on Psalms 81:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Written Judgment of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God to set people free and give them a sound mind. He encourages the audience to trust in God and surrender their lives to Him. |
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The Failure of the Church in Japan by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of effectively communicating the truth of the Gospel and winning others to it. He warns that failure to do so will lead to dis |
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Developing Personal Leadership by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses various topics related to the preaching of the word of God. He mentions the importance of leaders having a clear mission and being |
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Challenge by R.G. Flexon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just attending conventions and gatherings, but also reaching out to the world with the message of God's love. He share |
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Becoming More Saint and Less Sinner by Keith Hartsell | In this sermon, the speaker describes a hypothetical scenario of a multicultural crowd coming together to celebrate the name of Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the importance of prai |
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Taking It by Force by Jack Hayford | Jack Hayford delves into the often misunderstood words of Jesus regarding the kingdom of heaven suffering violence and the violent taking it by force. He emphasizes the need for be |
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He Appointed Singers Unto the Lord, That Should by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the beauty of holiness and the importance of praising God, even before facing life's battles. He reflects on how King Jehoshaphat appointed singers to lead th |