Dimensions of Praise

The English language is - to put mildly - an abbreviated language. Every text in English today translated from an alternate language had to be stripped of some of its cultural nuance and richness to fit into its English translation.

Very few texts from the ancient world prove this as much as the Holy Bible. Take for example the instances of the English word "LOVE". In Greek, at least 4 different words - agape, phileo, storge and eros - were used to communicate what is called LOVE, and the New Testament (originally written in Greek) uses 2 of those Greek words. But when read in English language just one word is used for both expressions - LOVE.

(To be clear, this abbreviation phenomenon has not stripped the Bible of its power or meaning, as God in His sovereignty is able to make even a defective system work together for His glory and good purpose. But whenever a bible study in the original languages can unlock a new depth of understanding of our Christian walk, I think it should be explored.)

Back to the title - DIMENSIONS OF PRAISE. Just like the word "LOVE", the word PRAISE in the Old Testament represents a combination of about 7 source words. This is actually exciting because each of the source words - Halal, Tehillah, Shabach, Barak, Yadah, Todah and Zamar - expresses a different dimension of praise:

HALAL - raising His name above every other, as seen in 1 Chronicles 16:4, 2 Samuel 22:4, Psalm 22:22. Mentioned 165 times.

TEHILLAH - talking about how good God is to others as seen in Psalm 9:14, Nehemiah 9:5, Psalm 66:8. Mentioned 57 times.

SHABACH - telling God how good He is i.e. commending/lauding God as seen in Psalm 63:3, Psalm 145:4. Mentioned 11 times.

BARAK - adoring God by blessing Him as seen in Psalm 16:7, Psalm 145:10. Mentioned 330 times (because it's used interchangeably with "Bless")

YADAH - revering or worshipping God with raised hands as seen in Psalm 89:5, Psalm 99:3, 2 Chronicles 7:3. Mentioned 114 times (expressed with the word 'thank', 'thanks' as well).

TODAH - praise through giving thanks, communal/liturgical (singing, as a choir) as found in Psalm 42:4, Psalm 95:2, Nehemiah 12:27, Psalm 100:4. Mentioned 32 times

ZAMAR - playing a musical instrument or singing to God, celebrating in song and music as seen in Psalm 9:2, Psalm 147:7, Judges 5:3. Mentioned 46 times.

For many Christians, praise refers to a part in the order of service which involves singing high tempo songs to God in adoration, accompanied by energetic dancing and clapping. However, the concept of praise is simple enough. Just as we commend our fellow men for displaying strength, for performing excellently, for taking courageous steps, so it is when we come to God. And it's not too hard to find reasons to praise God. He has a greatness and glory that words cannot quantify. He created us and the entire world we live in and controls all things– He’s that powerful. He has no beginning or end, is immortal and lives in unapproachable light – He’s that awesome. He has delivered us from the power of sin, death and hell – He’s that strong. He sent His only Begotten son to take the punishment we deserved and to pay the blood ransom for our sins – He’s that loving. With all of this (and even more), the praise of our King should not be lacking from our lips.