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7 Hebrew Words for Praise

by Chris Clough

Among the many "worship words" of the Bible are several Old Testament words often translated simply as "praise" or even "bless." A closer look at the meanings of these words can add depth, color and texture to our understanding of worship and therefore, our expression of it. Let's get started.

Halal

To be clear. To shine a light on. To boast, show, rave or celebrate. To be clamorously foolish.
Halal is a primary Hebrew root word for praise. Our word "hallelujah" comes from this base word (halal + Yah (shortened form of Yahweh)).

"Praise (halal) the LORD. Praise (halal), O servants of the LORD, praise (halal) the name of the LORD. (Psalm 113:1-3 NIV)

Yadah

Root means "the extended hand, to throw out the hand, therefore to worship with extended hand."
The opposite meaning (according to the Lexicon) is "to bemoan, the wringing of the hands."

"Oh that men would praise (yadah) the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men. (Psalm 107:15)

Towdah

Literally means, "an extension of the hand in adoration, avowal, or acceptance."
Comes from the same principle root word as yadah, but is used more specifically. It is apparent in the Psalms and elsewhere that it is used for thanking God for "things not yet received" as well as things already at hand.

"Offer unto God praise (towdah) and pay thy vows unto the Most High. (Psalm 50:14)

Shabach

Means, "to shout, to address in a loud tone, to command, to triumph."

"One generation shall praise (shabach) thy works to another and declare thy mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4)

Barak

Means "to kneel down, to bless God as an act of adoration."

"I will bless (barak) the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1)

Zamar

Means "to pluck the strings of an instrument, to sing, to praise."
A musical word which is largely involved with joyful expressions of music with musical instruments.

"Be exalted O Lord, in Thine own strength, so will we sing and praise (zamar) Thy power. (Psalm 21:13)

Tehillah

Derived from the word halal and means "the singing of halals, to sing or to laud."
Perceived to involve music, especially singing hymns of the Spirit.

"Yet Thou art holy, O Thou who art enthroned upon the praises (tehillah) of Israel. (Psalm 22:3)