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    Praise

    תְּהִלָּה (Tehillah) / αἶνος (Ainos)

    Joyful declaration of God's greatness, character, and mighty works

    Hebrew
    Pronunciation: teh-hil-LAH / AI-nos
    Quick Answer

    Praise (tehillah in Hebrew, ainos in Greek) is the enthusiastic, vocal celebration of who God is and what He has done. It is both a command and a response — the natural overflow of a heart that knows God.

    "I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." — Psalm 34:1 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Psalm 34:1

    “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
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    Hebrews 13:15

    “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.”
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    Psalm 22:3

    “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”
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    The Hebrew Words for Praise

    Hebrew has at least seven distinct words for praise, each with its own nuance: 'halal' (to shine, to boast — the root of Hallelujah), 'yadah' (to throw up the hands in thanksgiving), 'zamar' (to make music, to pluck strings), 'shabach' (to shout, to address loudly), 'barak' (to kneel in adoration), 'towdah' (to extend the hands in thanksgiving), and 'tehillah' (a spontaneous song of praise). This vocabulary reveals that praise is not monochrome but richly varied.

    Praise as Sacrifice

    Hebrews 13:15 calls praise 'the sacrifice of praise... the fruit of our lips.' In the Old Testament, worship required animal sacrifices. In the New Covenant, the sacrifice God desires is the offering of our lips in praise. This is especially powerful when praise is offered in difficult circumstances — when it costs something to declare God's goodness. The most powerful praise is not the easiest but the most sacrificial.

    The Power of Praise

    Scripture connects praise with spiritual power. Paul and Silas praised God in prison, and an earthquake opened the doors (Acts 16:25-26). Jehoshaphat sent singers ahead of the army, and God defeated the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). Psalm 22:3 declares that God 'inhabits' (or is enthroned upon) the praises of His people. Praise does not manipulate God but aligns us with His presence and purposes.

    A Lifestyle of Praise

    David declared, 'His praise shall continually be in my mouth' (Psalm 34:1). Praise is not reserved for Sunday mornings but woven into the fabric of daily life. It is a discipline that reshapes perspective — when we praise God, we remind ourselves of His sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness. Praise is the antidote to anxiety, the enemy of despair, and the gateway to joy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between praise and worship?

    Praise is primarily outward and vocal — declaring God's greatness and celebrating His acts. Worship is broader and deeper — encompassing reverence, surrender, and the offering of one's entire life. Praise is an important expression of worship, but worship also includes silent adoration, obedience, service, and sacrifice.

    Should praise always be joyful?

    While praise is often joyful, the Bible also models praise in pain. Habakkuk 3:17-18 praises God even when the fig tree does not blossom and there is no food. Job said, 'The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD' (Job 1:21). Some of the deepest praise arises from the darkest valleys.

    Does God need our praise?

    God does not need our praise — He is complete and self-sufficient. But He commands it because praise is good for us. It aligns our hearts with reality (God truly is praiseworthy), delivers us from self-absorption, and deepens our relationship with Him. God deserves praise; we need to give it.

    What is the Hebrew word for "Praise" in the Bible?

    תְּהִלָּה (Tehillah) / αἶνος (Ainos), pronounced "teh-hil-LAH / AI-nos." It means joyful declaration of god's greatness, character, and mighty works. It is the word behind "Praise" in both Testaments, for example in Psalm 34:1.

    Related Words

    Worship
    Hallelujah
    Psalm
    Glory

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    Word Meaning

    Praise (תְּהִלָּה (Tehillah) / αἶνος (Ainos))

    Joyful declaration of God's greatness, character, and mighty works

    Word Meaning

    Praise (Halal) (הָלַל (halal))

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

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)

    Life, atonement, and covenant with God.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Fire in a Dream (KJV)

    God's presence, purification, and judgment.

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    Q&A

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