Song
שִׁיר (shir)
A musical expression of worship, joy, lament, or testimony — the voice of the soul.
Shir is the Hebrew word for song, describing musical compositions that express worship, joy, lament, and testimony. Song is one of the primary ways God's people have responded to His works throughout history.
"O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth." — Psalm 96:1 (KJV)
Key Verses
Colossians 3:16
“Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H7892 — Song (שִׁיר (shir))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where שִׁיר (shir) appears.
Open Strong's H7892Etymology and Original Meaning
Shir means 'song' or 'to sing.' It encompasses a wide range of musical expression: songs of victory (Exodus 15), songs of lament (Lamentations), love songs (Song of Solomon), and worship songs (Psalms). In Hebrew culture, song was not entertainment but a primary means of processing experience, preserving memory, and expressing the deepest emotions of the human soul.
The Song of Moses
Israel's first recorded song came at the Red Sea (Exodus 15): 'I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously.' After witnessing God's mighty deliverance, words alone were insufficient — the experience demanded song. This pattern recurs throughout Scripture: divine action evokes musical response. Song is the natural overflow of a heart that has witnessed God's power.
The Psalms — Israel's Songbook
The book of Psalms is Israel's shir collection — 150 songs covering every human emotion and situation. David, the 'sweet psalmist of Israel' (2 Samuel 23:1), contributed significantly. The Psalms model honest, uninhibited worship: they praise, complain, question, celebrate, mourn, and declare trust. They teach believers that every emotion has a place in worship.
New Songs and Eternal Worship
Scripture repeatedly calls for 'a new song' (Psalm 96:1; 149:1; Revelation 5:9) — fresh expressions of worship that respond to God's ongoing works. Revelation pictures heaven filled with song: the four living creatures, the twenty-four elders, and multitudes from every nation singing praise. The story that began with creation's morning stars singing (Job 38:7) culminates in eternal, universal worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does song mean in the Bible?
Song (shir) is a musical expression of worship, joy, lament, or testimony. It is one of the primary ways God's people process experience, preserve memory, and respond to His works.
Why is singing important in worship?
Singing engages the whole person — mind, emotions, body, and spirit. God commands singing (Psalm 96:1), Jesus and the apostles sang (Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:25), and heaven is filled with song (Revelation 5:9). It is the natural response of a heart encountering God.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Song"?
Psalm 96:1 — "O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth" (KJV). It also appears in Exodus 15:1, Colossians 3:16.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Song" matter?
Shir means 'song' or 'to sing.' It encompasses a wide range of musical expression: songs of victory (Exodus 15), songs of lament (Lamentations), love songs (Song of Solomon), and worship songs (Psalms). English uses one word, "Song", where the Hebrew שִׁיר (shir) carries the fuller sense: a musical expression of worship, joy, lament, or testimony — the voice of the soul.
Related Words
Related Reading
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Song (שִׁיר (shir))
A musical expression of worship, joy, lament, or testimony — the voice of the soul.
Strong's H7892 — Song
שִׁיר (shir) • A musical expression of worship, joy, lament, or testimony — the voice of the soul.
Hebrews 13:15 Commentary
In-depth study • Worship
Hebrews 11:6 — Meaning & Devotional
Pleasing God
Psalm 96:1 Commentary
In-depth study • Praise & Worship
Seraphim — The Burning Worshipers
Seraphim are six-winged angels who burn with holiness and lead heaven's worship
Where to go next
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