58 Bible Verses About Praise
Praise is one of the most prominent activities in all of Scripture.
Bible Verses
58
carefully curated passages
How to use this page
Read each verse with its context explanation. Bookmark the ones that speak to you and return often as your situation changes.
What the Bible Says About Praise
Praise is one of the most prominent activities in all of Scripture.
Psalm 150:6 KJV
“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”
Context & Meaning
The Psalter closes with a universal call for all living things to praise God.
Psalm 100:4 KJV
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
Context & Meaning
Praise and thanksgiving are the prescribed posture for approaching God's presence.
Hebrews 13:15 KJV
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
Context & Meaning
Praise is described as a sacrifice, a deliberate, ongoing act of worship through Christ.
Psalm 22:3 KJV
“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”
Context & Meaning
God is described as dwelling in the praises of His people, praise ushers in His manifest presence.
Ephesians 5:19 KJV
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
Context & Meaning
Paul prescribes sung worship as a means of spiritual encouragement and devotion to God.
Psalm 34:1 KJV
“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Context & Meaning
David's commitment to continuous praise, regardless of circumstances, models steadfast worship.
Psalm 63:3 KJV
“Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.”
Context & Meaning
David values God's steadfast love above life itself, making praise his natural response.
Revelation 4:11 KJV
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
Context & Meaning
Heavenly beings worship God as Creator, declaring that all creation exists for His pleasure.
Psalm 19:14 KJV
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Context & Meaning
David offers even his inner thoughts as acts of praise and worship before God.
Isaiah 12:4 KJV
“And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.”
Context & Meaning
Isaiah calls for praise that overflows into testimony, telling others of God's great acts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is praise important in the Bible?
Praise acknowledges God's character and works; Psalm 22:3 suggests God inhabits the praises of His people, making praise a gateway to His presence.
What is the difference between praise and worship?
Praise (Hebrew: halal, tehillah) typically focuses on expressing what God has done; worship (proskuneo) is broader, encompassing total devotion. In practice they overlap significantly.
Should we praise God when we don't feel like it?
Yes, Hebrews 13:15 calls it a "sacrifice of praise," implying it sometimes costs us something. Psalm 34:1 models praise "at all times."
What are the different types of praise in the Bible?
Hebrew praise words include halal (jubilant praise), yadah (raised hands), barak (blessing), zamar (musical praise), and todah (thanksgiving offering).
Can praise be a weapon in spiritual warfare?
2 Chronicles 20:21-22 records Jehoshaphat placing the worshippers at the front of the army, and as they praised, God set ambushes against the enemy.