The Seven (7) Biblical Forms of Praise

The Bible reveals many ways to praise the Lord, yet seven primary forms were recognized and practiced by the Jewish people throughout history. Understanding these will enrich your worship life, because praise is one of our highest callings on earth. As Scripture reminds us, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21, NASB) — our praise points back to His saving work. Remember: our spiritual food is God’s Word, but God delights in our praise (Psalm 22:3, ESV). Therefore, we must learn to praise Him in ways that align with His nature and His Word.

Here are the seven biblical forms of praise, with theological insights for each:

1. Dancing — Hallal

This is a form of praise involving the whole body, expressing joy and triumph before God—jumping, leaping, or dancing. It is an outward reflection of inward worship.

Psalm 149:3 (ESV)

Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre.

David and all Israel demonstrated this when bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem:

2 Samuel 6:14–16 (NASB)

David danced before the LORD with all his might… So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet. But as the ark of the LORD came into the City of David, Michal… saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart.

Theological insight: Dancing expresses joyful submission and victory in God. It signifies the believer’s delight in God’s salvation (cf. Psalm 30:11–12). When done in sincerity, it becomes a prophetic testimony to others of God’s goodness.

2. Lifting Hands — Yadah

Raising hands symbolizes dependence, surrender, and open-hearted worship, much like a child reaching out to a parent.

Psalm 63:3–4 (KJV)

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

Theological insight: The posture of lifting hands signifies humility before God and acknowledgment of His authority. This gesture also symbolizes receiving from God—a physical representation of faith and expectation. Moses’ lifted hands ensured Israel’s victory over Amalek, showing intercession through posture and prayer (Exodus 17:11).

3. Bowing or Kneeling — Barak

This is humble worship, expressed physically by bowing, kneeling, or prostrating oneself, acknowledging God’s supremacy over all earthly powers.

Psalm 5:7 (NASB)

But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house; I will bow down toward Your holy temple in awe of You.

Theological insight: Bowing is a demonstration of reverence, submission, and covenantal respect toward God. It reflects both recognition of His holiness and our own lowliness (cf. Philippians 2:10). This form of praise reminds believers that worship involves humility, not just words.

4. Spontaneous Praise — Tehillah

Spontaneous praise arises from the heart without prior preparation, often in response to God’s actions or reflection on His goodness.

Examples include:

David composing new songs during trials or victories (Psalm 40:3, ESV).
Israel singing after crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 15).
Mary praising God at Elizabeth’s home (Luke 1:46–55, NIV).

Theological insight: Tehillah is prophetic and immediate praise, flowing directly from the Spirit (cf. Ephesians 5:18–19). It emphasizes that worship is not merely ritualistic; it is responsive and relational, celebrating God’s active work in our lives.

5. Praise with Musical Instruments — Zamar

God commands us to integrate music into worship, combining vocal praise with instruments.

Psalm 150:3–6 (ESV)

Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with loud cymbals; praise him with resounding cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Hallelujah!

Theological insight: Instruments are tools to enhance the sensory experience of worship and help focus the heart on God. Music magnifies emotional and spiritual connection, enabling believers to celebrate God’s creative power (cf. 1 Chronicles 15:16).

6. Loud or Shouting Praise — Shabach

This praise is bold, triumphant, and public, declaring God’s greatness.

Psalm 47:1 (NASB)

Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!

Example: The Israelites’ shout brought down the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:20, NIV).

Theological insight: Shouting praise announces God’s glory and power to the world. It embodies bold faith and confident testimony, showing the believer’s courage and devotion. Loud praise is not empty noise—it is a declaration of God’s sovereignty and victory.

7. Praise through Thanksgiving and Faith — Todah

This form of praise involves thanking God in advance for what He will do, based on trust in His Word.

Example: Praising God for healing even before receiving it, trusting in His promise (“By His stripes we are healed” — Isaiah 53:5, ESV).

Theological insight: Todah demonstrates faith, trust, and acknowledgment of God’s unseen work. It pleases God because it is sincere and devoid of hypocrisy (cf. Hebrews 11:1). Offering praise in the midst of trials testifies to God’s faithfulness and providence.

Conclusion

All forms of biblical praise should be expressed “in Spirit and in truth” (John 4:24, NIV). Praise is only acceptable to God when offered by a redeemed heart, one that has received salvation through Jesus Christ.

If you have not yet accepted Christ, today is the perfect time to turn to Him in repentance and faith. Let your life be a continual expression of biblical, Spirit-filled praise.