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Praise in the Bible is more than just singing songs — it is expressed through different postures, sounds, and actions. The Hebrew language uses seven distinct words for “praise,” each highlighting a different way to glorify God. Together, they show that praise involves our whole being — spirit, soul, and body.
Praise in the Bible is more than just singing songs — it is expressed through different postures, sounds, and actions. The Hebrew language uses seven distinct words for “praise,” each highlighting a different way to glorify God. Together, they show that praise involves our whole being — spirit, soul, and body.
Note: We see the Hebrew word with definition, then scriptures with certain words in bold. Those bold words are how the Hebrew word was translated in that particular verse.
Note: We see the Hebrew word with definition, then scriptures with certain words in bold. Those bold words are how the Hebrew word was translated in that particular verse.
Barak – To Kneel and Bless
Barak – To Kneel and Bless
Definition: To kneel or bow as an act of humility, reverence, and adoration.
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” (Ps 95:6)
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Ps 103:1–2)
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Ps 34:1)
Halal – To Boast and Celebrate
Halal – To Boast and Celebrate
Definition: To boast, rave, or celebrate God with great joy, even clamor. Root of hallelujah.
“Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!” (Ps 150:1–2)
“My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.” (Ps 34:2)
“And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire…” (2 Chr 20:21)
Shabach – To Shout Loudly
Shabach – To Shout Loudly
Definition: To address in a loud voice or shout triumphantly.
“Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps 117:1)
“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.” (Ps 63:3–4)
“Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!” (Ps 47:1)
Tehillah – To Sing Praise
Tehillah – To Sing Praise
Definition: To sing a song of praise, often spontaneous.
“Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” (Ps 22:3)
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” (Ps 100:4)
“…the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.” (Isa 61:3)
Towdah – To Give Thanks in Advance
Towdah – To Give Thanks in Advance
Definition: Thanksgiving expressed with uplifted hands, often before the answer comes.
“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” (Ps 50:23)
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” (Ps 100:4)
“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” (Heb 13:15)
Yadah – To Lift Hands in Surrender
Yadah – To Lift Hands in Surrender
Definition: To extend or throw out the hands in reverence or thanksgiving.
“I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.” (Ps 52:9)
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” (Ps 28:7)
“Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord!” (Ps 134:2)
Zamar – To Play Music
Zamar – To Play Music
Definition: To celebrate God with music and instruments.
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.” (Ps 92:1–3)
“My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!” (Ps 57:7–8)
“David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brothers as the singers who should play loudly on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise sounds of joy.” (1 Chr 15:16)
These seven Hebrew words remind us that praise is not one-dimensional. Sometimes it’s quiet and humble, other times loud and joyful. But in every form, it centers our hearts on God’s greatness.
These seven Hebrew words remind us that praise is not one-dimensional. Sometimes it’s quiet and humble, other times loud and joyful. But in every form, it centers our hearts on God’s greatness.
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