Bible Strands
Psalms 33:3
Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist issues a musical command within a broader hymn, positioned after the instruction to praise with harp and ten strings in Psalms 33:2 and before the declaration of God's upright word in Psalms 33:4.
The words — The Hebrew הֵיטִיבוּ (hei.Ti.vu) literally means "do well," and נַגֵּן (na.Gen) means "to play," directing performers to execute their music with technical excellence.
The thread — The directive to sing a new song appears in Psalms 96:1, while the emphasis on trained musicians aligns with 1 Chronicles 25:7, and the call to make music in the heart is echoed in Ephesians 5:19.
Why it lands — The text commands active vocal and instrumental praise marked by novelty, skill, and audible joy, requiring the reader to participate deliberately rather than observe passively.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,
- 1 Chronicles 25:7 Together with their relatives, who were all trained and skillful in the songs of the LORD, they numbered 288.
- Psalms 96:1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
- Isaiah 42:10 Sing to the LORD a new song—His praise from the ends of the earth—you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who dwell in them.
- 1 Chronicles 13:8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and on harps and lyres, with tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.
- Psalms 98:1 A Psalm. Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done wonders; His right hand and holy arm have gained Him the victory.
- Psalms 144:9 I will sing to You a new song, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will make music to You—
- 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.
- Psalms 40:3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
- Psalms 149:1 Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song—His praise in the assembly of the godly.