Bible Strands
Psalms 81:1
For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. Of Asaph. Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Attributed to Asaph and designated for the choirmaster, this verse functions as a liturgical directive for communal worship. It calls the assembly to vocal praise accompanied by musical instruments, as indicated by the subsequent verse.
The words — The Hebrew verbs הַ֭רְנִינוּ (Har.ni.nu) and הָ֝רִ֗יעוּ (ha.Ri.'u) literally mean "sing for joy" and "shout for joy," respectively. These terms command audible, exuberant vocal expression directed toward God.
The thread — The command to make a joyful noise or shout for joy appears in Psalms 66:1 and Psalms 100:1, both addressing the whole earth. Jeremiah 31:7 similarly pairs shouting with singing for Jacob.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to participate in public, vocal praise directed to God as protector and covenant leader. It establishes worship as an active, communal declaration rather than a private reflection.
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
To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 31:7 For this is what the LORD says: “Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations! Make your praises heard, and say, ‘O LORD, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!’
- Psalms 66:1 For the choirmaster. A song. A Psalm. Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth!
- Psalms 100:1 A Psalm of thanksgiving. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.
- Psalms 8:1 For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. A Psalm of David. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens.
- Psalms 46:11 The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
- Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
- Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song.
- Genesis 50:17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
- Psalms 18:1 For the choirmaster. Of David the servant of the LORD, who sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: I love You, O LORD, my strength.
- Psalms 33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him.