A refrain is a repeated line or phrase that returns through a psalm, song, prophecy, or oracle.
A refrain is a repeated line or phrase that returns through a psalm, song, prophecy, or oracle.
A literary-repetition pattern in which a recurring expression marks structure, reinforces theme, or summons the hearer to respond to the repeated theological point.
These examples show how Refrain functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
The repeated refrain structures the lament and repeatedly calls the soul back to hope in God.
The LORD of hosts is with us
The refrain anchors the psalm’s confidence in the LORD’s presence and protection.
Restore us, O God
The repeated prayer marks the psalm’s intensifying plea for restoration.
Then they cried to the LORD
The recurring line structures the psalm’s repeated pattern of distress, prayer, and deliverance.
Let them thank the LORD
The refrain summons worship after each deliverance scene.
his steadfast love endures forever
The repeated line gathers Israel’s worship around covenant mercy.
for his steadfast love endures forever
The repeated refrain after every line turns historical recital into antiphonal thanksgiving.
do not stir up or awaken love
The repeated refrain marks recurring pauses and cautions within the Song’s poetic movement.
For all this his anger has not turned away
The repeated line structures the oracle and reinforces continuing judgment.
yet you did not return to me
The repeated refrain indicts Israel’s refusal to repent despite successive judgments.
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