Expressing reverence and adoration for God in word and action.
1. The Biblical Definition of Praise
In Scripture, praise is far more than a religious sentiment or a musical style. It is a God-ordained, faith-filled response to who God is and what He has done, expressed in words, song, posture, and action.
Key Hebrew Words for Praise
The Old Testament uses several rich Hebrew words that reveal the nature of praise:
Halal (הָלַל) – To boast, to glory, to shine, to rave, to celebrate, to be clamorously foolish (e.g., “Praise the LORD” – Hallelujah – Psalm 150:1). This is not quiet, reserved appreciation; it is exuberant, God-focused celebration.
Yadah (יָדָה) – To extend the hand, to throw out the hand in worship, to confess, to give thanks (Psalm 107:8,15,21,31). Praise often involves lifted hands and verbal acknowledgment.
Tehillah (תְּהִלָּה) – A song of praise, a laudation (Psalm 22:3). This is not just any song, but Spirit-inspired praise that God Himself inhabits.
Barak (בָּרַךְ) – To bless, to kneel (Psalm 103:1). Praise includes kneeling and speaking well of God.
Zamar (זָמַר) – To make music, to sing praises with instruments (Psalm 147:7). Musical praise is not optional; it is commanded.
Shabach (שָׁבַח) – To shout, to address in a loud tone, to commend (Psalm 117:1). Biblical praise often includes volume and bold declaration.
These words show that praise is:
Vocal (spoken, sung, shouted)
Physical (hands lifted, kneeling, dancing)
Public and unashamed
Focused on God’s character and works
Key Greek Words for Praise
In the New Testament, two primary Greek words are used:
Aineō (αἰνέω) – To praise, to extol, to speak well of (Luke 2:13, Acts 2:47). This is verbal, intentional commendation of God.
Epainos (ἔπαινος) – Praise, commendation, approval (Ephesians 1:6,12). This word is often used in connection with God’s eternal purpose—that we should be “to the praise of His glory.”
Biblically, then, praise is the verbal and physical expression of adoration, thanksgiving, and honor to God, rooted in revelation of who He is and what He has done. It is not primarily about how we feel; it is about who He is.
2. Old Testament Foundation of Praise
From Genesis to Malachi, praise is central to God’s relationship with His people.
Created for God’s Glory
Israel was formed as a people for God’s praise:
“This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise” (Isaiah 43:21).
God did not simply save Israel from Egypt; He formed them as a worshiping, praising nation.
Praise in the Law and Early History
Moses’ Song – After the Red Sea deliverance, Moses and Israel sang a song of praise (Exodus 15). Their first major act as a redeemed people was corporate praise.
The Tribe of Judah – “Judah” means “praise” (Genesis 29:35). Significantly, Judah often went first in battle (Judges 1:1–2; 20:18). Prophetically, this shows that praise leads the way in spiritual warfare.
The Tabernacle and Temple – The Levitical system included continual praise and worship with instruments and song (1 Chronicles 16:4–6; 25:1–7). Praise was not an optional extra, but part of the God-ordained pattern of worship.
Praise in the Psalms
The Psalms are the Spirit-inspired hymnbook of Israel. They show praise as:
Continuous – “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).
Sacrificial – “Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving” (Psalm 50:14; cf. Hebrews 13:15).
Powerful – “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength… to silence the enemy and the avenger” (Psalm 8:2).
Psalm 149 is especially revealing:
“Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
To execute vengeance on the nations,
And punishments on the peoples…” (Psalm 149:6–7).
Here, praise is directly linked to spiritual authority and victory.
Prophetic Praise
The prophets foresaw a time when praise would fill the earth:
“From the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles… in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering” (Malachi 1:11). Incense is often a picture of prayer and praise (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8).
The Old Testament establishes praise as:
A commanded response to God
Central in worship
A weapon in spiritual conflict
A prophetic sign of God’s kingdom
3. The Fulfillment of Praise in Christ
Jesus is both the object of our praise and the model of perfect praise.
Jesus, the Praising Son
Jesus Himself praised the Father: “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…” (Matthew 11:25).
At the Last Supper, before going to the cross, Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26). In the face of suffering, Jesus chose praise.
Hebrews applies Psalm 22 to Jesus:
“In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You” (Hebrews 2:12; cf. Psalm 22:22).
Jesus is portrayed as the worship leader in the midst of His people, leading us in praise to the Father.
Jesus, the Focus of Our Praise
The New Testament reveals that:
Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:9–11).
The heavenly scene in Revelation is filled with praise to the Lamb:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12).
Praise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ because:
He reveals the Father perfectly (John 14:9).
He is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
He is the risen, exalted Lord (Acts 2:36).
A New Priesthood of Praise
Through Christ’s finished work:
We are made “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
The purpose of our priesthood is not only intercession but proclamation of His praises. In Christ, praise becomes our priestly ministry.
4. The Power of Praise for Today (By the Holy Spirit)
This is where continuationist theology is vital: praise is not a mere ritual; it is a Spirit-empowered weapon and channel of God’s presence and power.
The Holy Spirit and Praise
On the Day of Pentecost, the first manifestation of the Spirit-filled Church was:
“We hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God” (Acts 2:11).
Spirit-baptized believers spontaneously praised God in languages they had never learned. This was not just emotional overflow; it was the Holy Spirit magnifying Jesus through their mouths (cf. John 16:14).
Ephesians 5:18–19 links being filled with the Spirit directly to praise:
“Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
When the Holy Spirit fills a believer, praise becomes:
Natural (a spontaneous response)
Supernatural (energized and guided by the Spirit)
Powerful (releasing God’s presence and intervention)
Praise as a Throne for God’s Presence
Psalm 22:3 (often rendered):
“But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.”
God chooses to manifest His rule and presence where His people praise Him. Praise does not make God more powerful, but it changes the atmosphere and aligns us with His rule, making room for His power to be displayed.
Where there is genuine, Spirit-led praise:
Demonic oppression is disturbed and driven back.
Faith rises.
The gifts of the Spirit flow more freely.
Miracles and healings are more easily received.
Praise as Spiritual Warfare
2 Chronicles 20 gives a powerful picture. Surrounded by enemies, Jehoshaphat and Judah did not begin with military strategy but with praise:
“Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir…” (2 Chronicles 20:22).
Notice:
The ambushes were set when they began to praise.
The singers went ahead of the army (2 Chronicles 20:21).
In the New Covenant, “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God” (2 Corinthians 10:4). One of those weapons is high praise. When you praise God in faith:
You shift focus from the problem to the Problem-Solver.
You resist the devil by exalting God’s truth above Satan’s lies.
You release God’s authority into the situation.
Praise Unlocks Deliverance and Breakthrough
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were beaten, chained, and imprisoned. At midnight:
“Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake… and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed” (Acts 16:25–26).
Key observations:
They praised in pain, not comfort.
Their praise was loud enough that others heard.
God responded with a supernatural intervention.
The result was not only their freedom but the salvation of the jailer and his household (Acts 16:31–34).
Praise, in the power of the Spirit, often precedes:
Emotional and mental deliverance (oppression lifting).
Physical healings (as faith rises and God’s presence manifests).
“He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.”
As Abraham glorified God (praised Him for His faithfulness), his faith was strengthened. Praise is not only a result of faith; it is also a means by which faith is strengthened.
When you choose to praise:
You declare God’s character above your circumstances.
You agree with heaven’s perspective.
You silence the accusing voice of the enemy (cf. Psalm 8:2; Matthew 21:16).
In a continuationist framework, we expect that as we praise, the Holy Spirit actively moves—healing, delivering, speaking, and manifesting the kingdom of God.
5. Practical Application: Walking in a Lifestyle of Praise
Here are concrete steps to cultivate powerful, Spirit-filled praise:
1. Offer a Daily “Sacrifice of Praise”
Hebrews 13:15 commands:
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”
A sacrifice costs something. Decide that every day, regardless of feelings:
You will verbally thank and praise God.
You will speak out loud at least several specific reasons to praise Him (His attributes, His works, His promises).
This trains your soul to submit to your spirit and to the Word of God.
2. Use Your Body in Praise
Biblical praise involves the whole person. Begin to:
Lift your hands (Psalm 63:4; 1 Timothy 2:8).
Kneel or bow in reverence (Psalm 95:6).
Sing and shout (Psalm 47:1; Psalm 100:1–2).
Clap and even dance before the Lord (Psalm 47:1; Psalm 149:3; 2 Samuel 6:14–16).
This is not about emotionalism; it is about obedience and alignment. Your body will often follow your spirit when you act in faith.
3. Praise Especially in Trials
Make a deliberate choice: When I face pressure, I will praise.
When anxiety comes, begin to declare: “Lord, I praise You that You are my peace (John 14:27).”
When lack threatens, praise Him as your Shepherd and Provider (Psalm 23:1; Philippians 4:19).
When you feel oppressed, put on “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3).
You are not denying the problem; you are exalting the One who is greater than the problem.
4. Cultivate Spirit-Led Praise (Including in Tongues)
Ask the Holy Spirit to lead your praise:
Before you begin, pray: “Holy Spirit, glorify Jesus through my praise. Fill my mouth with what pleases the Father.”
If you are baptized in the Holy Spirit, use praying and singing in tongues as a powerful form of praise:
“For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God” (1 Corinthians 14:2).
“I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding” (1 Corinthians 14:15).
Allow the Spirit to expand and deepen your praise beyond your natural vocabulary.
5. Make Praise Corporate and Missional
Praise is not only personal; it is corporate and evangelistic:
Join with other believers in robust, biblical praise.
Expect that as you praise together, the Spirit will move—gifts will operate, people will be healed, demons will flee, and unbelievers will be convicted (1 Corinthians 14:24–25).
Also, use praise as a testimony:
When God answers prayer, tell others and give Him public praise (Psalm 105:1–2). This glorifies God and builds others’ faith.
6. Key Scriptures on Praise (With Brief Commentary)
Psalm 34:1 – “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Praise is a continual choice, not a seasonal activity. David wrote this in a time of danger, showing that praise is for every circumstance.
Psalm 22:3 – “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.”
Praise creates a throne, a place for God’s manifest rule. As we praise, we invite His kingly presence into our situation.
Psalm 149:6–9 – “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand…”
High praise is directly linked with executing God’s judgments. In New Covenant terms, as we praise, we enforce Christ’s victory over the enemy.
Hebrews 13:15 – “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”
New Testament praise is a continual, verbal sacrifice offered through Jesus, our High Priest. It is central to our priestly ministry.
Acts 16:25–26 – “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God… Suddenly there was a great earthquake…”
Praise in the darkest hour released supernatural deliverance. This illustrates the dynamic power of praise in spiritual warfare and breakthrough.
Ephesians 5:18–19 – “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…”
Being filled with the Spirit is expressed in a lifestyle of praise—both in the heart and with the mouth. Spirit-filled believers are praising believers.
1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are… that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
Our identity as God’s people is tied to our calling to proclaim His praises. Praise is not optional; it is part of our very purpose.
In summary, praise is a God-ordained, Spirit-empowered response that exalts God, strengthens faith, dislodges darkness, and makes room for the manifest presence and power of God. As you embrace a lifestyle of praise—rooted in Scripture, fulfilled in Christ, and energized by the Holy Spirit—you will see God move in and through your life in increasing measure.