Is repetition bad in worship songs?

from the old testament

• The Old Testament repeats phrases in worship as a normal and even powerful expression of praise, especially in songs and liturgy. The phrase "holy, holy holy," for example, is used in Isaiah 6:3 (and repeated in Revelation 4:8) to express God's supreme holiness in worship. "Give thanks to the Lord" appears repeatedly in Israel's worship (1 Chronicles 16:34; Psalm 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; 136:1). Many psalms begin and close with the phrase "Praise the LORD" (hallelujah) (Psalm 146–150). The declaration "for the Lord (or He) is good" appears repeatedly in corporate worship (1 Chronicles 16:34; 2 Chronicles 5:13; Psalm 100:5; 136:1). 
  
• The Psalms frequently repeat ideas for emphasis and devotion (Psalm 136:1–26; Psalm 150:1–6).
• Repetition was used to call God’s people into sustained remembrance and worship, such as the repeated refrain “His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1–4).
  
• God did not condemn repetition, but worship that was only external. God explicitly rejects empty, mechanical repetition done without heart engagement (Isaiah 29:13). Worship becomes offensive when words are multiplied, but the heart is distant.
  
• The prophets consistently emphasize that God is not impressed by external religious noise when inward obedience and love are missing (Amos 5:21–24).

from the new testament

• Jesus warned against “vain repetitions," but the problem wasn't the repetition. It was empty, performative prayer that assumes God is impressed by many words rather than sincere faith (Matthew 6:7).
• Jesus Himself repeated prayers in earnest (Matthew 26:44).
  
• Worship in heaven is depicted as repeated, ongoing declaration of God’s holiness (Revelation 4:8).
• Still, worship was always called to be engaged and heartfelt, while also encouraging continual praise (Ephesians 5:18–19; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). So, it's not repetition itself that is the issue, but whether the repetition is empty and mindless or flowing from a heart genuinely focused on God. Repetition can be a powerful tool for worship when it helps God's people meditate on truth rather than merely recite words.

implications for today

Repetition is the mother of all learning. There is something that happens when we layer our instruction and hear the same phrases again and again. It starts to sink in. It becomes natural in what we do and say.

The same can be true in worship. Repeating biblical truths about God's holiness, love, faithfulness, and power can help move those truths from our minds into our hearts. Many of us can instantly recall song lyrics, catchphrases, or slogans because we've heard them repeatedly. Worship can work in a similar way, helping us remember who God is and what He has done long after the music ends.

At the same time, repetition should never become an excuse for disengagement. It's possible to sing "You are holy" or "You are worthy of it all" ten times while barely thinking about what it means. The issue is not whether a phrase is repeated but whether your heart is engaged. So when you are singing, tune in. Pay attention. Engage your mind and heart. And if your mind has checked out, the solution is not necessarily less repetition. It is renewed attention to the God you are singing to and about.

So let's not immediately accuse modern worship songs of being too repetitive or ask, "Why are we singing this again?" Instead, let's ask, "What truth is God inviting me to dwell on?" and pay attention to how repetition helps you do that. Sometimes the truths we most need to hear are the ones we need to hear repeated most.