Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Hebrew word for "break forth" suggests an explosive, unstoppable release of joy, implying that praise for God shouldn't be contained or held back. It's a picture of praise bursting out uncontrollably, not a polite offering, and it's meant for the entire earth, not just a select few.
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a powerful celebration of God's righteous judgment and victory, extending an invitation for the entire earth to join in praise. Following the opening call to sing a "new song" for God's marvelous deeds, this verse bursts forth with an urgent, overflowing joy. It sets the stage for verses that describe the natural world itself responding, all in anticipation of God arriving to judge the earth with justice.
The Bible doesn't just call for a quiet nod of thanks. It explodes with an invitation for the entire planet to join in praise. What does it mean for 'all the earth' to make a joyful noise?
This verse expands the audience for praise far beyond just one nation or people. It's a cosmic call to worship!
A Universal Invitation
The phrase "all the earth" signals that God's reign and redemption aren't meant for a select few. It anticipates a time when His praises will be sung by every tongue, in every corner of the globe.
The Scope of God's Work
This isn't just about a local victory; it's about God's mighty acts that impact the whole world. This calls for a response that matches the scale of His power and love, a joy that overflows to encompass everything.
The Bible uses a cascade of words for praise here: 'joyful noise,' 'break forth,' 'joyous song,' 'sing praises.' It's not just sound, but a deep, enthusiastic expression. What fuels this kind of worship?
The abundance of verbs in Psalm 98:4 isn't redundant; it paints a vibrant picture of worship that engages the whole person and expresses profound emotion.
Unleashing the Soul
The call to "make a loud noise," "rejoice," and "sing praise" suggests worship that is unrestrained and full of energy. It’s about letting go and letting God's greatness fill you.
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The Source of Joy
This isn't mere human celebration. The "joyful noise" is directed "to the LORD" because of His mighty deeds. The deepest praise springs from recognizing who God is and what He has done, especially in salvation and deliverance.
Understand the original words
teru'ah · Hebrew Noun
A loud, exuberant shout or exclamation, often used in corporate worship to express praise, victory, or adoration to God. It signifies an uninhibited, vocal response to God's presence or deeds.
zamar · Hebrew Verb
The act of extolling God's character and deeds, often involving music, singing, and the declaration of His majesty. It is a fundamental response of the creature to the greatness of the Creator.
This passage describes the Levites appointed to 'sing with instruments of music, with harps, and lyres, and cymbals, resounding loudly and joyfully,' echoing the exuberant praise called for in Psalm 98:4.
Psalm 100:1Similar to Psalm 98:4, Psalm 100:1 is a powerful call to 'make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth,' emphasizing the universal nature of praise for God's goodness.
Isaiah 44:23This verse from Isaiah commands the heavens to 'Shout, O heavens, for the LORD has done it; cry aloud, O lower parts of the earth,' mirroring the all-encompassing call to joyous noise and song found in Psalm 98:4.
Nehemiah 12:43This passage details a time of great rejoicing in Jerusalem, where they 'offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice greatly; the Levites and the priests also rejoiced, with great joy,' showing a historical instance of the kind of ecstatic praise Psalm 98:4 anticipates.
pulpitPsalms 98:4: "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise."
Verse 4. - Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth. God is to be praised heartily - with a loud and ringing voice. The body is to unite with the soul in giving him thanks, and to perform its part vigorously and with zeal (comp. Psalm 5:3; Psalm 66:1; Psalm 81:1; Psalm 95:1, 2; Psalm 100:1, etc.). And in the praise of God the whole earth is to join. Make a loud noise, and re…
ellicottPsalms 98:4: "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise."
(4) Make a joyful noise. —Better, Break out into songs and music.
The Hebrew word for "break forth" suggests an explosive, unstoppable release of joy, implying that praise for God shouldn't be contained or held back. It's a picture of praise bursting out uncontrollably, not a polite offering, and it's meant for the entire earth, not just a select few.
This psalm is a powerful celebration of God's righteous judgment and victory, extending an invitation for the entire earth to join in praise. Following the opening call to sing a "new song" for God's marvelous deeds, this verse bursts forth with an urgent, overflowing joy. It sets the stage for verses that describe the natural world itself responding, all in anticipation of God arriving to judge the earth with justice.
This psalm is a powerful celebration of God's righteous judgment and victory, extending an invitation for the entire earth to join in praise. Following the opening call to sing a "new song" for God's marvelous deeds, this verse bursts forth with an urgent, overflowing joy. It sets the stage for verses that describe the natural world itself responding, all in anticipation of God arriving to judge the earth with justice.
"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" — The Hebrew word for "break forth" suggests an explosive, unstoppable release of joy, implying that praise for God shouldn't be contained or held back. It's a picture of praise bursting out uncontroll…
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Last reviewed October 2026