Psalms 150:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Musical instruments—trumpet, psaltery, and harp—are means through which praise is expressed.
The Context of Psalms 150:3
Worship is expressed through instrumental music.
What Does Psalms 150:3 Mean?
The trumpet sound was central to worship in the Israelite tabernacle and temple, used in sacrificial services and festivals to call the people to attention. The psaltery and harp were instruments of lyrical praise, accompanying the singing of psalms and conveying emotion and beauty in worship.
By naming specific instruments, the psalmist affirms that all forms of musical expression available to God's people should be employed in worship. The variety of sounds—the piercing clarity of trumpet, the sustained tones of stringed instruments—creates a comprehensive picture of joyful, multifaceted praise.
Psalms 150:3 in the Original Language
shofar (שׁוֹפַר), 'trumpet' — a ram's horn; distinct from the metal trumpet (ḥatzotzerah), used for solemn calls and festival announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 150:3
What does Psalms 150:3 mean?
Musical instruments—trumpet, psaltery, and harp—are means through which praise is expressed.
What is the context of Psalms 150:3?
Worship is expressed through instrumental music.