Hebrew Word Study on Yadah (Praise)

Did you know there are over 15 Greek + Hebrew words used in the Bible to describe the English word “praise?” We are going to be digging into the first of 7 Hebrew words for Praise and doing a Hebrew word study on Yadah.

Wait… more than 15 words in the Hebrew and Greek languages used in the Bible and we only use 1 for the concept of “praise?”
You think perhaps we’re losing some depth of meaning with this handicap? 

Yup. I couldn’t agree more.

This is one of the reasons I love doing word studies in my everyday reading. Studying the original word in the original language gives so much depth and meaning to verses we may have read 1000 times! 

If you want to study along with me, check out this post and download this free resource!

Ready to dive in?

Step One | GATHER

Key Verse

Psalm 111:1 (KJV)
1 Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

The first “Praise” in that verse is a different Hebrew word, Halal. We’ll be covering that one next week. But the second “Praise” (in bold) is today’s word, Yadah.

English Definition

Verb
1: to express a favorable judgment of : COMMEND
2: to glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections: to express praise

Noun
1a: an expression of approval : COMMENDATION
b: WORSHIP
2a: VALUE, MERIT
barchaic : one that is praised

Context + Literary Clues

• David likely authored Psalm 111, but since it doesn’t specifically have his name on it, we can’t say for sure. 
• Literary form: poetry.
• The author was writing to God and an assembly of the upright.

Additional Notes

Many collections preceded this final compilation of the Psalms. In fact, the formation of psalters  probably goes back to the early days of the first (Solomon’s) temple (or even to the time of David), when the temple liturgy began to take shape. Reference has already been made to “the prayers of David.” Additional collections expressly referred to in the present Psalter titles are: (1) the songs and/or psalms “of the Sons of Korah” (Ps 42-49; 84-85; 87-88), (2) the psalms and/or songs “of Asaph” (Ps 50; 73-83) and (3) the songs “of ascents” (Ps 120-134).

Hebrew Word Study

• Original word: Yadah (3034)
• Phonetic: yaw-daw’
• Part of speech: Verb
• Origin meaning: a primitive root; used only as denominative from (3027) ← this means the word Yadah comes from another Hebrew word (Strongs number 3027)
• Definition: “to throw, shoot, cast
  • (Qal) to shoot (arrows)
  • (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down
  • (Hiphil) to give thanks,, laud, praise, to confess, confess (the name of God)
  • (Hithpael) to confess (sin), to give thanks
• KJV word usage: 114 times
• Examples: praise 53, give thanks 32, confess 16, thank 5, make confession 2, thanksgiving 2, cast 1, cast out 1, shoot 1, thankful 1

Digging in deeper, let’s look at this Yadah’s root word, Yad (referenced in Strongs, number 3027) for more context.

• Original word: Yad (3027)
• Phonetic: yawd
• Part of speech: Noun Feminine
• Origin meaning: a primitive word
• Definition: “hand, hand (of man), strength, power (fig.), side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.), (various special, technical senses), sign, monument, part, fractional part, share, time, repetition, axle-trees, axle stays, support (for laver), tenons (in tabernacle), a hand (meaning unsure), wrists

• KJV word usage: 1,615 times
• Examples: hand 1359, by 44, consecrate + (04390) 14, him 14, power 12, them 11, places 8, tenons 6, thee 6, coast 6, side 5, miscellaneous 130

By digging into the origin word we can see that this word, Yadah, literally means to throw or cast with one’s hand. An action word involving physical hands.

Step Two | INTERPRET

Piecing Things Together

Now you’re ready to begin the interpretation process.

IMPORTANT: At this stage, you must not begin applying what you’re learning to yourself. 

Let me say it again. DO NOT begin a personal application process yet. 

If you skip the interpretation step and move straight into “How does this apply to me” you risk misinterpretation, taking things out of context and leading others astray.

When interpreting any ancient text, Biblical or secular, there are set rules that all scholars follow to ensure accurate interpretation. This is one of them. 

Also important – read the passages (chapters are even better) before and after the key verse. What is the verse saying in context with the entire set of passages/chapters?

What Was Happening At The Time This Was Written?

Psalms is a collection of prayers and praises written by several authors spanning thousands of years. It is a book of poetry and prayers that don’t have ties to historical and cultural events. In other words the truths contained span the ages, the words glorify God and call his people to glorify Him.

What Did The Original Author Want To Communicate?

Glorifying God and all his attributes. Calling others to do the same. In that verse alone the author is making a strong statement about the glory of the Lord and how he wanted to physically demonstrate his praise to God IN THE ASSEMBLY. In front of people. Unashamed and without fear. 

This really demonstrates a confidence in the way the author felt about his God and their relationship. When people fall in love, a common way to demonstrate that is to get engaged, snap some pictures and announce it to the world; on social media, in printed “Save The Date” cards, phone calls, parties, etc.

This is unashamed, unabashed love for another person.

The author is making the same type of declaration. He’s praising God and wants to make sure everyone knows how he feels about the type of God he serves and His worth.

Rewrite Verse To Original Audience In Your Own Words

Praise the LORD. I will raise my hands and cast my praise toward the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. With my body I will lift His name and with my hands held high I will passionately praise him in the midst of the congregation. Fear of what others think of me will not hold me back from my wholehearted praise! I will declare His praises in the earshot and eyeshot of all and attribute value to the one I love with my whole body.

Step Three | APPLY

INWARD | Let’s Get Relational

Ok, You’ve done all the work, now it’s FINALLY time to get personal. To turn that interpretation into personal application. Invite Holy Spirit to turn that principle into application for your own life. 

Ask Him these questions:

• What does this mean for me?
• What do you want to say to me through this?
• Do I need to take action? Repent of some misaligned thought patterns? Extend gratitude and praise? Share this revelation with someone else?
• What are some next steps for us?

Then sit still and listen.

I promise… He’ll respond. 

To Journal Or Not To Journal

Pay attention to where your thoughts go and write them down. If you’re not used to hearing God’s voice, this is a major way He starts conversations in the beginning. Soon you’ll begin to recognize His unique language with you and it will become easier to recognize His thoughts apart from yours. Remember, He is jealous for you. He desires a relationship with you and with any step you take toward Him, He will respond over-and-above in kind. That is His nature. He is a good, good father. Write down what you hear and build on where that takes you.

If you’re not a journaler by nature, make lists instead. But don’t skip the “write this down” step. To those who are faithful to steward what He gives us, more will be given. (Matthew 13:1-12) Think of writing down what He says as a concrete way to steward the gift of His voice.

Don’t get to that writing stage too quickly though. 🙂 It’s so easy in our hustle and bustle to get into action mode too soon. It’s a discipline to sit in stillness and wait for Him to speak. So much of our “praying” is us talking TO Him without leaving space for Him to talk back. 

And that’s the BEST PART.

Don’t miss out on the best part. You’ll never be the same again.

OUTWARD | Use It In Worship

Now let’s focus everything we’ve learned to the King in worship – let’s pick a song and really take a look at the lyrics of what we’re singing.

Watch this video of Endless Praise by Planetshakers

Wrapping It Up

Guys, this song gives us such an amazing demonstration of Yadah.

Lyrically, musically, in physical representation.

This. Is. Yadah.

What does Yadah praise look like in your own worship? At home? In the car? During a corporate church service? Does it make you uncomfortable or is this your everyday expression of love to your Father?

I challenge you today to let this word drive you into deeper expressions of praise. Practice at home. Play this song (on YouTube or download the chart here and play it on your instrument) and stretch yourself. 

Ask God to reveal new layers of how you can Yadah Him.

Then take it to your corporate church service. Yadah Him “in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.”

Watch it transform your life.

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