He put a new song in my mouthThis phrase signifies a transformation and renewal brought about by divine intervention. In biblical context, a "new song" often represents a fresh expression of worship and gratitude, reflecting a personal experience of God's deliverance or blessing. This concept is seen in other scriptures such as
Psalm 33:3 and
Revelation 5:9, where new songs are sung in response to God's mighty acts. The idea of God placing a song in one's mouth emphasizes that true worship originates from God’s work in a believer's life, not merely human effort.
a hymn of praise to our God
A hymn of praise is a structured form of worship that acknowledges God's attributes and deeds. In ancient Israel, hymns were integral to worship, often sung in the temple or during religious festivals. This phrase underscores the communal aspect of worship, as "our God" indicates a shared faith among the people of Israel. The use of "hymn" connects to the rich tradition of Hebrew poetry and music, which played a crucial role in expressing devotion and teaching theology.
Many will see and fear
This part of the verse highlights the evangelistic impact of personal testimony. When others witness God's transformative work in an individual's life, it can lead to reverence and awe. The word "fear" in this context is not about terror but a profound respect and recognition of God's power and holiness. This concept is echoed inActs 2:43, where the early church's actions led to awe among the people. The visibility of God's work in believers serves as a testament to His reality and sovereignty.
and put their trust in the LORD
The ultimate goal of witnessing God's work is to lead others to trust in Him. Trust in the LORD is a central theme throughout scripture, emphasizing reliance on God's faithfulness and promises.Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to trust in the LORD with all their heart, highlighting the importance of faith in the life of a believer. This trust is not passive but involves active dependence and obedience, reflecting a relationship built on confidence in God's character and His covenant with His people.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of
Psalm 40, David is expressing his personal experience of deliverance and the resulting praise to God.
2.
GodThe central figure in this verse, God is the one who delivers and inspires the new song of praise.
3.
The CommunityThe "many" who will see, fear, and trust in the LORD as a result of witnessing God's work in David's life.
Teaching Points
The Power of a New SongA new song signifies a fresh experience of God's grace and deliverance. It is a personal testimony that can inspire others.
Witnessing Through WorshipOur expressions of praise can lead others to reverence and trust in God. Worship is both a personal and communal act that has the power to evangelize.
Fear and Trust in GodThe fear mentioned here is a reverent awe that leads to trust. Experiencing God's work in our lives should deepen our faith and reliance on Him.
Transformation Through PraiseSinging a new song reflects an inner transformation. As we experience God's deliverance, our response should be one of gratitude and praise, which can transform our outlook and influence others.
The Role of TestimonySharing our experiences of God's faithfulness can encourage others to seek and trust in Him. Our lives are living testimonies of God's power and love.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 40:3?
2.How can we apply "a new song" to our daily worship practices?
3.What does Psalm 40:3 teach about the impact of personal testimony?
4.How does Psalm 40:3 connect with evangelism in the New Testament?
5.In what ways can "many will see and fear" influence our community?
6.How can we encourage others to "put their trust in the LORD"?
7.How does Psalm 40:3 inspire believers to trust in God's transformative power?
8.What is the significance of "a new song" in Psalm 40:3?
9.How does Psalm 40:3 relate to the concept of personal testimony in faith?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 40?
11.What is the meaning of 'Sing to the Lord a New Song'?
12.Which Bible sections contain poetic elements?
13.What are the different styles of worship?
14.What does it mean to sing joyfully?What Does Psalm 40:3 Mean
He put a new song in my mouth• The initiative is entirely God’s; He “put” the song there, showing that renewed worship springs from His saving work (Psalm 98:1;2 Corinthians 5:17).
• “New” signals a fresh experience of deliverance, not a recycled tune of self-effort (Exodus 15:1 after the Red Sea;Revelation 14:3).
• The “mouth” matters—internal gratitude becomes audible witness (Psalm 71:15–16;Romans 10:10).
• Every rescue invites a fresh anthem, keeping our praise current with His mercies (Lamentations 3:22–23).
A hymn of praise to our God• The song’s content is worship, not self-congratulation (Psalm 29:2).
• “Our God” reminds us that praise is communal; what He does for one strengthens faith for all (Psalm 34:3;Colossians 3:16).
• Structured praise (“hymn”) anchors emotion in truth, marrying heartfelt gratitude with sound doctrine (Psalm 33:1–3;Hebrews 13:15).
Many will see and fear• Worship becomes visible testimony; others “see” the change before they “hear” it (Matthew 5:16;Acts 4:13).
• “Fear” is reverent awe, the proper response when God’s power is displayed (Psalm 52:6;Acts 2:43).
• Authentic praise turns spectators into seekers by revealing the reality of God’s intervention (Psalm 126:2).
And put their trust in the LORD• Testimony leads to faith; what God did for the psalmist He is willing to do for “many” (Psalm 34:8;Acts 16:31).
• Trust shifts from self-reliance to resting in the LORD’s character and promises (Proverbs 3:5–6;Romans 10:17).
• The verse sketches a chain reaction: divine rescue → grateful praise → public witness → new believers.
summaryGod’s deliverance plants a fresh song in His child’s mouth, turning private rescue into public praise. That God-given melody awakens awe in onlookers and invites them to place their confidence in the LORD, multiplying faith across the community. When He saves, we sing—and our singing becomes a conduit through which others learn to trust the same faithful God.
(3)
New song.--See
Psalm 33:3. It seems natural to suppose that this new song is incorporated here; that we have at least the substance of it, if not the words. Possibly the very words are taken up in
Psalm 40:4. And we are to find the "newness" in the magnificent vindication of spiritual above formal worship.
Shall see it and fear.--Comp.Psalm 52:6, where there is plainly a reminiscence of this passage.
Verse 3. -
And he hath put a new song in my mouth (see the comment on Psalm 33:3).
Even praise unto our God. Mercy and praise are cause and effect. The deliverance recorded in ver. 2 produces the praise of vers. 3-5. The phrase, "our God," shows us how David instinctively identifies himself with his people. A mercy shown to him is one shown to them.
Many shall see it, and fear (comp.
Deuteronomy 13:11;
Deuteronomy 17:13;
Deuteronomy 19:20;
Deuteronomy 21:21, where the phrase, "all Israel shall hear and fear," is used of the effect produced by the capital punishment of a high-handed transgressor of the Law). There may be an allusion here to Absalom's end, which was probably followed by a certain number of executions
. And shall trust in the Lord;
i.e. shall have their faith in God strengthened.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He putוַיִּתֵּ֬ן(way·yit·tên)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, seta newחָדָשׁ֮(ḥā·ḏāš)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2319:Newsongשִׁ֥יר(šîr)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7892:A song, singingin my mouth,בְּפִ֨י ׀(bə·p̄î)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according toa hymn of praiseתְּהִלָּ֪ה(tə·hil·lāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8416:Praise, song of praiseto our God.לֵֽאלֹ֫הֵ֥ינוּ(lê·lō·hê·nū)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeManyרַבִּ֣ים(rab·bîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227:Much, many, greatwill seeיִרְא֣וּ(yir·’ū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7200:To seeand fearוְיִירָ֑אוּ(wə·yî·rā·’ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3372:To fear, to revere, caus, to frightenand put their trustוְ֝יִבְטְח֗וּ(wə·yiḇ·ṭə·ḥū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 982:To trust, be confident, surein the LORD.בַּיהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
Links
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OT Poetry: Psalm 40:3 He has put a new song (Psalm Ps Psa.)