What is the meaning of “praise?”
The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines the verb as “(1) to express warm approval of or admiration for (someone or something); (2) express respect and gratitude towards (a deity).”
The corresponding noun refers to “(1) the expression of approval or admiration; (2) the expression of respect and gratitude as an act of worship.”
The English word traces it origin to the Latin pretium, (price), and communicates the idea of ascribing value or worth to someone or something.
Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary offers the following observations:
PRAISE — an act of worship or acknowledgment by which the virtues or deeds of another are recognized and extolled. The praise of one human being toward another, although often beneficial (1 Cor. 11:2; 1 Pet. 2:14), can be a snare (Prov. 27:21; Matt. 6:1-5). But the praise of God toward people is the highest commendation they can receive. Such an act of praise reflects a true servant’s heart (Matt. 25:21; 1 Cor. 4:5; Eph. 1:3-14).
The Greek verb epaineō (ἐπαινέω), a compound of epi (an intensifier) and aineō (to praise), means “to praise” (Thomas, 1867). Occurring six times in five verses, the NASB renders it “praise” (5x) and “praised” (1x) (Luke 16:8; Rom. 15:11; 1 Cor. 11:2, 17, 22). Arndt says it means “to express one’s admiration for or approval of a person, object, or event, praise someone” (BDAG, 357).
And his master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light (Luke 16:8).
And again, “PRAISE THE LORD ALL YOU GENTILES, AND LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE HIM” (Rom. 15:11).
Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you (1 Cor. 11:2).
But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse (1 Cor. 11:17).
What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you (1 Cor. 11:22).
The Greek noun epainos (ἔπαινος) a compound of epi (an intensifier) and ainos (praise), refers to “praise” (Thomas, 1868). Occurring eleven times in the New Testament, it is rendered “fame” (1x), “praise” (9x), and “worthy of praise” (1x) in the NASB (Rom. 2:29; 13:3; 1 Cor. 4:5; 2 Cor. 8:18; Eph. 1:6, 12, 14; Phil. 1:11; 4:8; 1 Pet. 1:7; 1 Pet. 2:14). Arndt defines it as “(1) the act of expressing admiration or approval, praise, approval, recognition; (a) toward humans (frequently in honorific inscriptions); (b) toward God; (2) a thing worthy of praise” (BDAG, 357).
But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God (Rom. 2:29).
For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; (Rom. 13:3).
Therefore, do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God (1 Cor. 4:5).
We have sent along with him the brother whose fame in the things of the gospel has spread through all the churches; (2 Cor. 8:18).
to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved (Eph. 1:6).
to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:12).
who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:14).
having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God (Phil. 1:11).
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things (Phil. 4:8).
so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Pet. 1:7).
or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right (1 Pet. 2:14).
As good citizens, disciples of Christ receive praise from civil magistrates who govern justly (Rom. 13:3-4; 1 Pet. 2:13-15).
For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise (epainos) from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil (Rom. 13:3-4).
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise (epainos) of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men (1 Pet. 2:13-15).
Regardless of our backgrounds (whether Jew or Gentile), faithful Christians seek God’s praise rather than man’s (Rom. 2:28-29; 1 Cor. 4:5).
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise (epainos) is not from men, but from God (Rom. 2:28-29).
Therefore, do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise (epainos) will come to him from God (1 Cor. 4:5).
Legitimate praise is based on performance. Sometimes, it is limited in scope, as in the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:8). Paul praised the Corinthian disciples where it was appropriate but withheld praise in areas were they were deficient (1 Cor. 11:1-2, 17-22, esp. vv. 2, 17, 22).
And his master praised (epaineō) the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light (Luke 16:8).
Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. Now I praise (epaineō) you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you (1 Cor. 11:1-2).
But in giving this instruction, I do not praise (epaineō) you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you. Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper, for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise (epaineō) you? In this I will not praise (epaineō) you (1 Cor. 11:17-22).
We should praise faithful disciples who sacrifice for the cause of Christ (2 Cor. 8:16-24, esp. v. 18).
But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord. We have sent along with him the brother whose fame (epainos) in the things of the gospel has spread through all the churches; and not only this, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our readiness, taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brethren, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ. Therefore openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you (2 Cor. 8:16-24).
Instead of obsessing over the evils in this world, we should fill our minds with things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, good repute, excellent and worthy of praise (Phil. 4:4-9, esp. v. 8).
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise (epainos), dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you (Phil. 4:4-9).
Faithful Christians praise God through their obedient lives (Phil. 1:9-11, esp. v. 11; 1 Pet. 1:6-9, esp. v. 7).
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise (epainos) of God (Phil. 1:9-11).
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise (epainos) and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls (1 Pet. 1:6-9).
Praise is not only to be generally offered to God (Rom. 15:11), but also to each individual member of the Godhead in particular: the Father (Eph. 1:6), the Son (Eph. 1:12), and the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:14).
And again, “PRAISE THE LORD ALL YOU GENTILES, AND LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE (epaineō) HIM” (Rom. 15:11).
Traditional vs Contemporary
New vs Old
Complex vs Simple
In both the Old and New Testaments, the spirit of song gives rise to ordered expressions of public praise.
When Israel crossed over the Red Sea and was delivered from the Egyptians, the people praised God with timbrels and dancing (Exod. 15:20-21). As the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, David danced before the Lord with all his might, and all Israel celebrated with shouting and the sound of the trumpet (2 Sam. 6:14-15). Psalms 149 and 150 exhort worshippers to prasie God with dancing, harp, lyre, timbrels, and trumpets. In later times, Israel had its guilds of trained singers (1 Chron. 15:16; Ezra 2:41; Neh. 7:44) and skilled musicians (Many Psalms were dedicated to “the chief musician.”).
Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took the timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dancing. Miriam answered them, “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; The horse and his rider He has hurled into the sea” (Exod. 15:20-21).
And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sound of the trumpet (2 Sam. 6:14-15).
Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise in the congregation of the godly ones. Let Israel be glad in his Maker; Let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King. Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre. For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation (Ps. 149:1-4).
Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe. Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD! (Ps. 150:1-6).
Then David spoke to the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their relatives the singers, with instruments of music, harps, lyres, loud-sounding cymbals, to raise sounds of joy (1 Chron. 15:16).
The singers: the sons of Asaph, 128 (Ezra 2:41).
The singers: the sons of Asaph, 148 (Neh. 7:44).
Note the contrast between Israel’s spiritually celebration on the shores of the Red Sea, and their subsequent carnal decadence at the base of Mt. Horeb (Exod. 32:6, 17-20). Koehler defines karar, rendered “dancing,” as “to move to and fro, to intertwine (fingers), to whirl about, to dance” (HALOT, 500). While it may have been exuberant, it was not erotic!
So the next day they rose early and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play (Exod. 32:6).
Now when Joshua heard the sound of the people as they shouted, he said to Moses, “There is a sound of war in the camp.” But he said, “It is not the sound of the cry of triumph, Nor is it the sound of the cry of defeat; But the sound of singing I hear.” It came about, as soon as Moses came near the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing; and Moses’ anger burned, and he threw the tablets from his hands and shattered them at the foot of the mountain. He took the calf which they had made and burned it with fire, and ground it to powder, and scattered it over the surface of the water and made the sons of Israel drink it (Exod. 32:17-20).
In contrast, a distinct shift of emphasis occurs in the Christian era. We do not read about instruments of music, or specialized groups of singers. Before Jesus and his disciples went out to the Mount of Olives, they sang a hymn (Matt. 26:30). Paul and Silas sang at midnight in the prison at Philippi (Acts 16:25). Singing is a vital part of Christian worship (Heb. 2:11). Furthermore, the type instrument is specified: We sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord (Eph. 5:18-20; Col. 3:16-17).
After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives (Matt. 26:30).
But about midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them (Acts 16:25).
For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I WILL PROCLAIM YOUR NAME TO MY BRETHREN, IN THE MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION I WILL SING YOUR PRAISE” (Heb. 2:11).
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; (Eph. 5:18-20).
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father (Col. 3:16-17).
Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Cor. 13:8-13).
We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; (1 Thess. 1:2-4).
Praise activates faith (Ps. 56:3-4).
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? (Ps. 56:3-4).
Praise stimulates hope (Ps. 42:5-8, esp. v. 5).
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. O my God, my soul is in despair within me; Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me. The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, A prayer to the God of my life (Ps. 42:5-8).
Praise increases love (Ps. 5:11-12).
But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield (Ps. 5:11-12).
Acceptable praise offered by the faithful reflects deep inward emotion (Ps. 4:5-8; 32:10-11), while feigned worship is superficial, even when it appears emotion-charged (Isa. 29:13-14; 1 Kings 18:25-29).
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the LORD. Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?” Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O LORD! You have put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety (Ps. 4:5-8).
Many are the sorrows of the wicked, But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart (Ps. 32:10-11).
Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, Therefore behold, I will once again deal marvelously with this people, wondrously marvelous; And the wisdom of their wise men will perish, And the discernment of their discerning men will be concealed” (Isa. 29:13-14).
THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN (Matt. 15:8-9).
So Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one ox for yourselves and prepare it first for you are many, and call on the name of your god, but put no fire under it.” Then they took the ox which was given them and they prepared it and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon saying, “O Baal, answer us.” But there was no voice and no one answered. And they leaped about the altar which they made. It came about at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Call out with a loud voice, for he is a god; either he is occupied or gone aside, or is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and needs to be awakened.” So they cried with a loud voice and cut themselves according to their custom with swords and lances until the blood gushed out on them. When midday was past, they raved until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice; but there was no voice, no one answered, and no one paid attention (1 Kings 18:25-29).
Praise is a music of the soul and spirit which no language can adequately express (Ps. 106:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:15; 1 Pet. 1:8).
Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Who can speak of the mighty deeds of the LORD, Or can show forth all His praise? (Ps. 106:1-2).
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Cor. 9:15).
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls (1 Pet. 1:6-9).
Are you living in a way that will result in praise from saints or sinners? Are you seeking the praises of men or God? Are you living so as to praise God by your conduct and conversation, by your way of life and worship?
Arndt, William, et al. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (BDAG). Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
Koehler, Ludwig, et al. The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament. Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1994–2000.
Soanes, Catherine, and Angus Stevenson, eds. Concise Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004.
Thomas, Robert L. New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries: Updated Edition. Anaheim, CA: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998.
Youngblood, Ronald, F. F. F. Bruce, and R. K. Harrison, eds. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995.