Sing to the Lord A New Song: What Does Psalm 96:1 Mean?

Psalm 96:1, “O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.” King James Version (KJV)

TranslationPsalm 96:1
ESVOh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!
NASBSing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
NIVSing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
NLTSing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD!

Also, see the meaning of Gain the World and Lose Your Soul in the Bible.

Sing to the Lord A New Song: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

96:1-9 When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name.

His apostles and evangelists showed forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people.

All the earth is here summoned to worship the Lord. We must worship him in the beauty of holiness, as God in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself.

Glorious things are said of him, both as motives to praise and matter of praise.

Also, see the meaning of Do Not Let the Sun Go Down On Your Anger in the Bible.

Psalm 96:1 | Pulpit Bible Commentary

Verse 1. – O sing unto the Lord a new song (comp. Psalm 33:3; Psalm 98:1; Psalm 144:9; Psalm 149:1; Isaiah 42:10). This clause does not occur in 1 Chronicles 16.

It seems to belong to the second recension of the psalm, when it was recast to suit some “new” occasion. Sing unto the Lord, all the earth.

So in Isaiah 42:10, “Sing unto the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth.”

The psalmist at once makes known his “universalism” by calling on the whole earth to join in his song of praise (comp. Psalm 66:1, 4). This psalm has been well called “a missionary hymn for all ages.”

Also, see the meaning of Hope Deferred Makes the Heart Sick in the Bible.

Daniel Isaiah Joseph

Daniel's seminary degree is in Exegetical Theology. He was a pastor for 10 years. As a professor, he has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities. Please see his About page for details.

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