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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 81:1 Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/81-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/19_Psa_081_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 81:1 - Sing for Joy to God, Our Strength" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/81-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/81-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/81.htm">Chapter 81</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/80-19.htm" title="Psalm 80:19">◄</a> Psalm 81:1 <a href="/psalms/81-2.htm" title="Psalm 81:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/81.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/81.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For the director of music. According to gittith. Of Asaph. Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/81.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Sing praises to God, our strength. Sing to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/81.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/81.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. Of Asaph. Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/81.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />To the chief Musician upon Gittith, <i>A Psalm</i> of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/81.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />To the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. <i>A Psalm</i> of Asaph. Sing aloud to God our strength; Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/81.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the music director; on the Gittith. <i>A Psalm</i> of Asaph. Sing for joy to God our strength; Shout joyfully to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/81.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For the choir director; on the Gittith. A Psalm of Asaph. Sing for joy to God our strength; Shout joyfully to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/81.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Sing for joy to God our strength; Shout joyfully to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/81.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For the choir director. According to the Gittith. Of Asaph. Sing for joy to God our strength; Make a loud shout to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/81.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />To the Chief Musician; set to the Philistine lute. <i>A Psalm</i> of Asaph. Sing aloud to God our strength; Shout for joy to the God of Jacob (Israel).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/81.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the choir director: on the Gittith. Of Asaph. † Sing for joy to God our strength; shout in triumph to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/81.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the choir director: on the Gittith. Of Asaph. Sing for joy to God our strength; shout in triumph to the God of Jacob. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/81.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For the Chief Musician; set to the Gittith. A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/81.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Be happy and shout to God who makes us strong! Shout praises to the God of Jacob. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/81.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For the Chief Musician; set to the Gittith. A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/81.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[For the choir director; on the [gittith]; by Asaph.] Sing joyfully to God, our strength. Shout happily to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/81.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Shout for joy to God our defender; sing praise to the God of Jacob! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/81.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Sing joyfully to God, our strength. Raise a shout to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/81.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. Of Asaph. Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/81.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For the music director; according to the gittith style; by Asaph. Shout for joy to God, our source of strength! Shout out to the God of Jacob! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/81.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />[For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. By Asaph.] Sing aloud to God, our strength. Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/81.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud to God our strength: make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/81.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. By Asaph. Sing aloud to God, our strength! Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/81.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />TO THE OVERSEER. ON THE GITTITH. BY ASAPH. Cry aloud to God our strength, "" Shout to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/81.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To the Overseer. -- 'On the Gittith.' By Asaph. Cry aloud to God our strength, Shout to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/81.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To the overseer upon the stringed instrument; to Asaph. Rejoice ye in God our strength: shout to the God of Jacob.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/81.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Unto the end, for the winepresses, a psalm for Asaph himself. Rejoice to God our helper: sing aloud to the God of Jacob. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/81.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 80:1>Unto the end. For the wine and oil presses. A Psalm of Asaph himself. <V 80:2>Exult before God our helper. Sing joyfully to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/81.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For the leader; “upon the <i>gittith</i>.” Of Asaph. [2] Sing joyfully to God our strength; raise loud shouts to the God of Jacob! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/81.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/81.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />SING aloud to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/81.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Praise God, our Champion, and cry to the God of Jacob!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/81.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For the Leader; upon the Gittith. [A Psalm] of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength; Shout unto the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/81.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For the end, a Psalm for Asaph, concerning the wine-presses. Rejoice ye in God our helper; shout aloud to the God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/81-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=10208" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/81.htm">Sing for Joy to God, Our Strength</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5329.htm" title="5329: lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ (Prep-l, Art:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- Preeminent or enduring. A primitive root; properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. To be eminent; also, to be permanent.">For the choirmaster.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">According to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1665.htm" title="1665: hag·git·tîṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- A musical term of unc. meaning. Feminine of Gittiy; a Gittite harp.">Gittith.</a> <a href="/hebrew/623.htm" title="623: lə·’ā·sāp̄ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Gatherer, the name of several Isr. From 'acaph; collector; Asaph, the name of three Israelites, and of the family of the first.">Of Asaph.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7442.htm" title="7442: har·nî·nū (V-Hifil-Imp-mp) -- To give a ringing cry. A primitive root; properly, to creak, i.e. To shout."> Sing for joy</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: lê·lō·hîm (Prep-l:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">to God</a> <a href="/hebrew/5797.htm" title="5797: ‘ūz·zê·nū (N-msc:: 1cp) -- Strength, might. Or rowz; from azaz; strength in various applications.">our strength;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7321.htm" title="7321: hā·rî·‘ū (V-Hifil-Imp-mp) -- To raise a shout, give a blast. A primitive root; to mar; figuratively, to split the ears, i.e. Shout.">make a joyful noise</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: lê·lō·hê (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">to the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: ya·‘ă·qōḇ (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">of Jacob.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/15-1.htm">Exodus 15:1-2</a></span><br />Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted. The horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. / The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/12-5.htm">Isaiah 12:5-6</a></span><br />Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things. Let this be known in all the earth. / Cry out and sing, O citizen of Zion, for great among you is the Holy One of Israel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/5-13.htm">2 Chronicles 5:13</a></span><br />The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/12-27.htm">Nehemiah 12:27</a></span><br />At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from all their homes and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/95-1.htm">Psalm 95:1-2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/47-1.htm">Psalm 47:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout unto God with a voice of triumph. / How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/98-4.htm">Psalm 98:4-6</a></span><br />Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth—let your cry ring out, and sing praises! / Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp. / With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/100-1.htm">Psalm 100:1-2</a></span><br />A Psalm of thanksgiving. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. / Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/66-1.htm">Psalm 66:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A song. A Psalm. Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! / Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/149-1.htm">Psalm 149:1-3</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/150-1.htm">Psalm 150:1-6</a></span><br />Hallelujah! Praise God in His sanctuary. Praise Him in His mighty heavens. / Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him for His excellent greatness. / Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-10.htm">Isaiah 42:10-12</a></span><br />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. / Let the desert and its cities raise their voices; let the villages of Kedar cry aloud. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them cry out from the mountaintops. / Let them give glory to the LORD and declare His praise in the islands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-19.htm">Ephesians 5:19-20</a></span><br />Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, / always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-15.htm">Hebrews 13:15</a></span><br />Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Sing aloud to God our strength: make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/8-1.htm">Psalm 8:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent <i>is</i> thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.</p><p class="hdg">A Psalm.</p><p class="hdg">Sing</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/67-4.htm">Psalm 67:4</a></b></br> O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/31-7.htm">Jeremiah 31:7</a></b></br> For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.</p><p class="hdg">our strength</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-1.htm">Psalm 18:1,2</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, <i>A Psalm</i> of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day <i>that</i> the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/28-7.htm">Psalm 28:7</a></b></br> The LORD <i>is</i> my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/52-7.htm">Psalm 52:7</a></b></br> Lo, <i>this is</i> the man <i>that</i> made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, <i>and</i> strengthened himself in his wickedness.</p><p class="hdg">make</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/33-1.htm">Psalm 33:1-3</a></b></br> Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: <i>for</i> praise is comely for the upright… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1-7</a></b></br> To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God <i>is</i> our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/66-1.htm">Psalm 66:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, A Song <i>or</i> Psalm. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:</p><p class="hdg">the God</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/46-11.htm">Psalm 46:11</a></b></br> The LORD of hosts <i>is</i> with us; the God of Jacob <i>is</i> our refuge. Selah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/50-17.htm">Genesis 50:17</a></b></br> So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/22-32.htm">Matthew 22:32</a></b></br> I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/77-1.htm">Aloud</a> <a href="/psalms/80-19.htm">Asaph</a> <a href="/psalms/79-1.htm">Asaph&Gt</a> <a href="/psalms/80-19.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Choirmaster</a> <a href="/psalms/79-11.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/psalms/77-1.htm">Director</a> <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Gath</a> <a href="/psalms/80-19.htm">Gittith</a> <a href="/psalms/84-1.htm">Gittithof</a> <a href="/psalms/70-4.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/psalms/61-1.htm">Instrument</a> <a href="/psalms/79-7.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/psalms/75-9.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/psalms/68-3.htm">Joyful</a> <a href="/psalms/66-1.htm">Joyfully</a> <a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Leader</a> <a href="/psalms/77-1.htm">Music</a> <a href="/psalms/80-19.htm">Musician</a> <a href="/psalms/77-1.htm">Music-Maker</a> <a href="/psalms/77-17.htm">Noise</a> <a href="/psalms/77-1.htm">Overseer</a> <a href="/psalms/80-19.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/71-23.htm">Shout</a> <a href="/psalms/75-9.htm">Sing</a> <a href="/psalms/78-63.htm">Song</a> <a href="/psalms/80-2.htm">Strength</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/95-1.htm">Aloud</a> <a href="/psalms/81-16.htm">Asaph</a> <a href="/psalms/82-1.htm">Asaph&Gt</a> <a href="/psalms/83-18.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/84-1.htm">Choirmaster</a> <a href="/psalms/81-7.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/psalms/84-1.htm">Director</a> <a href="/psalms/84-1.htm">Gath</a> <a href="/psalms/83-18.htm">Gittith</a> <a href="/psalms/84-1.htm">Gittithof</a> <a href="/psalms/85-6.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/psalms/81-2.htm">Instrument</a> <a href="/psalms/81-4.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/psalms/84-2.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/psalms/89-15.htm">Joyful</a> <a href="/psalms/95-1.htm">Joyfully</a> <a href="/psalms/85-1.htm">Leader</a> <a href="/psalms/81-2.htm">Music</a> <a href="/psalms/83-18.htm">Musician</a> <a href="/psalms/84-1.htm">Music-Maker</a> <a href="/psalms/93-4.htm">Noise</a> <a href="/psalms/84-1.htm">Overseer</a> <a href="/psalms/81-2.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/89-12.htm">Shout</a> <a href="/psalms/84-2.htm">Sing</a> <a href="/psalms/81-2.htm">Song</a> <a href="/psalms/83-8.htm">Strength</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 81</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/81-1.htm">An exhortation to a solemn praising of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/81-4.htm">God challenges that duty by reason of his benefits</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/81-8.htm">God, exhorting to obedience, complains of their disobedience, which proves their own hurt.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/81.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/81.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For the choirmaster.</b><br>This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was directed to the leader of the temple musicians. The role of the choirmaster was crucial in organizing and leading the musical aspects of worship, which were integral to Israelite religious life. This reflects the structured and communal nature of worship in ancient Israel.<p><b>According to Gittith.</b><br>"Gittith" is a term whose exact meaning is uncertain, but it is believed to refer to a musical instrument or a tune associated with Gath, a Philistine city. This suggests a cultural exchange and the incorporation of diverse musical influences in Hebrew worship, highlighting the universality of worship and the adaptability of Israelite culture.<p><b>Of Asaph.</b><br>Asaph was one of the chief musicians appointed by King David, and he is credited with several psalms. His role as a Levite and a leader in worship underscores the importance of music in the spiritual life of Israel. The Asaphite tradition continued through his descendants, emphasizing the enduring legacy of worship leaders in Israel's history.<p><b>Sing for joy to God our strength;</b><br>This phrase calls the congregation to express their joy through singing, recognizing God as their source of strength. The act of singing is a powerful form of worship that engages the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. The acknowledgment of God as "our strength" reflects a deep reliance on divine power and protection, a recurring theme throughout the Psalms.<p><b>make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.</b><br>The call to make a joyful noise emphasizes the exuberant and communal nature of worship. The reference to the "God of Jacob" connects the worshippers to their patriarchal heritage, reminding them of God's covenantal faithfulness to Jacob and his descendants. This phrase ties the present act of worship to the historical and spiritual lineage of Israel, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, referred to as the source of strength and the object of joyful worship.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>Represents the nation of Israel, as Jacob was renamed Israel and is the patriarch of the twelve tribes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist.htm">The Psalmist</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed to Asaph, a leader of one of the temple choirs during King David's reign, who calls the people to worship.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/j/joyful_worship_as_a_command.htm">Joyful Worship as a Command</a></b><br>The verse is an imperative, calling believers to actively engage in joyful worship. This is not merely a suggestion but a command to express joy in God's presence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god_as_our_strength.htm">God as Our Strength</a></b><br>Recognize that God is the source of our strength. In times of weakness or challenge, turning to God in worship can renew our strength.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/covenantal_relationship.htm">Covenantal Relationship</a></b><br>The reference to the "God of Jacob" reminds us of the covenant relationship God has with His people. Worship is a response to His faithfulness and promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_worship.htm">Community Worship</a></b><br>The call to make a joyful noise suggests a communal aspect of worship. Believers are encouraged to gather and express their joy together.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_and_historical_context.htm">Cultural and Historical Context</a></b><br>Understanding the historical context of temple worship and the role of music in Israel's worship can enrich our appreciation and practice of worship today.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_81.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 81</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_non-believers_shout_joyfully.htm">How can 'all the earth' (Psalm 100:1) be expected to shout joyfully if many do not believe in or acknowledge this God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_faithful_remain_childless.htm">(Psalm 113:9) How can God's promise to make the 'barren woman' into a mother be taken literally in light of countless faithful individuals who remain childless despite prayers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_devout_believers_still_suffer.htm">Psalm 128:1 promises blessing for those who fear God--how do we reconcile this with the reality that many devout believers still suffer?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_joyful_noise.htm">What defines a joyful noise?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/81.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Sing aloud unto God our Strength.</span> "Loud" singing is regarded as indicative of earnestness and sincerity (see <a href="/2_chronicles/20-19.htm">2 Chronicles 20:19</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/12-42.htm">Nehemiah 12:42</a>; <a href="/psalms/33-3.htm">Psalm 33:3</a>; <a href="/psalms/98-4.htm">Psalm 98:4</a>, etc.). (On God as Israel's "Strength," see <a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/28-8.htm">Psalm 28:8</a>; <a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/111-7.htm">Psalm 111:7</a>.) <span class="cmt_word">Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.</span> The word translated "make a joyful noise" is especially used of the blare of trumpets (<a href="/leviticus/23-24.htm">Leviticus 23:24</a>; <a href="/numbers/29-1.htm">Numbers 29:1</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/81-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">For the choirmaster.</span><br /><span class="heb">לַמְנַצֵּ֬חַ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5329.htm">Strong's 5329: </a> </span><span class="str2">To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">According to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Gittith.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגִּתִּ֬ית</span> <span class="translit">(hag·git·tîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1665.htm">Strong's 1665: </a> </span><span class="str2">A musical term of uncertain meaning</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Of Asaph.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאָסָֽף׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’ā·sāp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_623.htm">Strong's 623: </a> </span><span class="str2">Asaph -- 'gatherer', the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Sing for joy</span><br /><span class="heb">הַ֭רְנִינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(har·nî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7442.htm">Strong's 7442: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give a ringing cry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to God</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵאלֹהִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(lê·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our strength;</span><br /><span class="heb">עוּזֵּ֑נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ūz·zê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5797.htm">Strong's 5797: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strength, might</span><br /><br /><span class="word">make a joyful noise</span><br /><span class="heb">הָ֝רִ֗יעוּ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rî·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7321.htm">Strong's 7321: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mar, to split the ears, shout</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the God</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵאלֹהֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lê·lō·hê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Jacob.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲקֹֽב׃</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/81-1.htm">Psalm 81:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/81-1.htm">Psalm 81:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/81-1.htm">Psalm 81:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/81-1.htm">Psalm 81:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/81-1.htm">Psalm 81:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/81-1.htm">Psalm 81:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/81-1.htm">Psalm 81:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/81-1.htm">Psalm 81:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/81-1.htm">Psalm 81:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/81-1.htm">Psalm 81:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/81-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 81:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/80-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 80:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 80:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/81-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 81:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 81:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>