Old Testament

Psalms 150:5

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Praise him with the loud cymbals; praise him with the high sounding cymbals.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

What Psalms 150:5 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Psalms 150:5, the psalmist emphasizes the importance of praising God with musical instruments, specifically loud and high-sounding cymbals. This verse highlights the joy and exuberance that should accompany worship. Cymbals, known for their bright and resonant sound, symbolize a vibrant expression of praise. The repetition of the call to praise with these instruments suggests that worship should be enthusiastic and full of life. The psalmist encourages all creation to join in this act of worship, indicating that praise is not just a personal act but a communal one. By using loud cymbals, the psalmist illustrates that worship can be a powerful and dynamic experience, inviting everyone to participate in glorifying God. This verse serves as a reminder that our expressions of worship can take many forms, and that we should not hold back in our praise, but rather celebrate God's greatness with all our might.

How to apply Psalms 150:5 to your life

Incorporate music into your worship practices, whether in church or at home. Use instruments or sing loudly to express your joy and gratitude to God. Remember that worship is a communal experience, inviting others to join in celebrating God's greatness together.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Samuel anointing the young David in Bethlehem

Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

David

An old color photograph of Hebron on a hillside above olive groves.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Hebron

Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Psalms 150:5

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Psalms 150:5

At a Glance — the Book of Psalms

Author
David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
Written
Around 1000-500 BC
Genre
Poetry and worship
Original Audience
Worshipers of Israel

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Psalms 150:5 mean?

Psalms 150:5 emphasizes the importance of praising God with loud and high-sounding cymbals, symbolizing vibrant and enthusiastic worship. It encourages believers to express their joy and gratitude through music, highlighting that worship should be a lively and communal experience.

What is the meaning of cymbals in Psalms 150:5?

In Psalms 150:5, cymbals represent a bright and resonant sound that enhances the act of worship. They symbolize exuberance and joy, suggesting that praise to God should be expressed with energy and enthusiasm.

How can I apply Psalms 150:5 in my life?

You can apply Psalms 150:5 by incorporating music into your worship, whether in church or at home. Sing loudly or use instruments to express your joy and gratitude, and invite others to join in celebrating God's greatness.

Why does Psalms 150:5 repeat the call to praise?

The repetition in Psalms 150:5 emphasizes the importance of enthusiastic worship. It reinforces the idea that praising God should be a dynamic and lively act, encouraging all to actively participate in glorifying Him.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.