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    Praise (Halal)

    הָלַל (halal)

    To shine, to boast, to celebrate — extravagant, radiant praise that declares God's greatness.

    Hebrew
    Strong's H1984
    Pronunciation: hah-LAHL
    Quick Answer

    Halal is the Hebrew word for praise, meaning to shine, boast, or celebrate. It is the root of 'Hallelujah' — 'Praise the LORD!' Halal praise is extravagant, public, and radiant, declaring God's greatness with uninhibited enthusiasm.

    "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." — Psalm 150:6 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Psalm 150:6

    “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”
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    Psalm 113:1

    “Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.”
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    Psalm 34:1

    “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's H1984 — Praise (Halal) (הָלַל (halal))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where הָלַל (halal) appears.

    Open Strong's H1984

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Halal means 'to shine,' 'to flash,' 'to boast,' or 'to celebrate.' It conveys brightness, extravagance, and enthusiastic public declaration. Halal praise is not subdued or restrained but radiant and demonstrative — like light bursting forth. It is the word behind 'Hallelujah' (hallelu-Yah) — 'Praise the LORD!' Every 'Hallelujah' is a call to shine forth God's greatness.

    Halal in the Psalms

    The book of Psalms is bookended by halal: Psalm 1 begins with 'Blessed' and Psalm 150 ends with 'Praise (halal) the LORD!' The final psalm is an explosion of praise — every instrument, every breath, every creature joining in universal halal. The Psalter's trajectory moves from individual meditation to cosmic celebration. All creation's purpose is summarized: praise the LORD.

    Praise as Spiritual Warfare

    Halal praise has power beyond self-expression. When Jehoshaphat sent singers ahead of the army praising God, the enemy was defeated (2 Chronicles 20:22). Paul and Silas sang praises in prison and chains fell off (Acts 16:25-26). Praise shifts the atmosphere — it declares God's sovereignty over circumstances and demonstrates faith in His power before the outcome is visible.

    Continual Praise

    David committed, 'His praise shall continually be in my mouth' (Psalm 34:1). This was not a moment of ecstasy but a lifestyle decision — praise in all seasons, through all circumstances. Hebrews 13:15 commands 'the sacrifice of praise' — praise that costs something, offered not because feelings dictate it but because God's character deserves it. Continual praise is an act of faith.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does halal mean in Hebrew?

    Halal means to shine, boast, or celebrate — extravagant praise that radiantly declares God's greatness. It is the root of Hallelujah ('Praise the LORD!'). Halal praise is public, enthusiastic, and uninhibited.

    What does Hallelujah mean?

    Hallelujah combines hallelu (plural imperative of halal — 'Praise!') and Yah (short form of YHWH — 'the LORD'). It means 'Praise the LORD!' — a universal call for all creation to celebrate God's greatness.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Praise (Halal)"?

    Psalm 150:6 — "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD" (KJV). It also appears in Psalm 113:1, Psalm 34:1.

    Why does the Hebrew word behind "Praise (Halal)" matter?

    Halal means 'to shine,' 'to flash,' 'to boast,' or 'to celebrate.' It conveys brightness, extravagance, and enthusiastic public declaration. English uses one word, "Praise (Halal)", where the Hebrew הָלַל (halal) carries the fuller sense: to shine, to boast, to celebrate — extravagant, radiant praise that declares god's greatness.

    Related Words

    Praise
    Worship (Proskuneō)
    Doxology
    Song

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Word Meaning

    Praise (Halal) (הָלַל (halal))

    To shine, to boast, to celebrate — extravagant, radiant praise that declares God's greatness.

    Word Meaning

    Hallelujah (הַלְלוּיָהּ (Halleluyah))

    A compound Hebrew word meaning 'Praise the LORD'

    Strong's

    Strong's H1984 — Hallelujah

    הַלְלוּיָהּ (Halleluyah) • A compound Hebrew word meaning 'Praise the LORD'

    Commentary

    Psalm 150:6 Commentary

    In-depth study • Universal Praise

    Commentary

    Hebrews 13:15 Commentary

    In-depth study • Worship

    Strong's

    Strong's H7311 — Exalt

    רוּם (Rum) • To raise up, lift high, or exalt in honor and praise.

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