The psalmist calls for all the earth (that is, all the people in the world) to praise God, to shout joyfully (Make a joyful noise), and to sing (or, “play music”; see discussion on the verb in 7.17b).

The command Make a joyful noise to God is difficult in many languages, as noise is not always thought of as being joyful. However, one can often render the full idea as “praise God by making joyful music,” or “make happy music and praise God,” or “make joyful music and say ‘God, you are great.’ ”

In verse 2, lines a and b say essentially the same thing in slightly different ways. Sing the glory of his name means “sing words that tell how wonderful God is.” Good News Translation “Sing to the glory of his name” means “sing words that will bring more honor to God.” For name see comments on 5.11.

The command to sing the glory of his name may be rendered in some languages, for example, “sing songs and say that he is glorious,” or in direct speech, “sing songs and say ‘God, you are glorious,’ ” or “… ‘God, you are great.’ ”

Give to him glorious praise means simply to praise him and can often be rendered “Say that God is great” or “Speak well of God.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .