Psalms 48:12
Psalms 48:12 in Multiple Translations
March around Zion, encircle her, count her towers,
Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
Walk about Zion, and go round about her; Number the towers thereof;
Make your way about Zion, and go round it, numbering its towers.
Go and take a look at Zion. Count the towers as you walk around.
Compasse about Zion, and goe round about it, and tell the towres thereof.
Compass Zion, and go round her, count her towers,
Walk about Zion, and go around her. Number its towers.
Walk about Zion, and go round her: number her towers.
And their sepulchres shall be their houses for ever. Their dwelling places to all generations: they have called their lands by their names.
You Israeli people should walk around Zion Hill and count the towers there;
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 48:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 48:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִשְׂמַ֤ח
הַר
צִיּ֗וֹן
תָּ֭גֵלְנָה
בְּנ֣וֹת
יְהוּדָ֑ה
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
מִשְׁפָּטֶֽי/ךָ
יִשְׂמַ֤ח
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הַר
har
H2022
mountain
N-ms
צִיּ֗וֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
Zion
N-proper
תָּ֭גֵלְנָה
gîyl
H1523
to rejoice
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
בְּנ֣וֹת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fp
יְהוּדָ֑ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
מִשְׁפָּטֶֽי/ךָ
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 48:12
יִשְׂמַ֤ח
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
הַר
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
צִיּ֗וֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
"Zion"
N-proper
Zion refers to a mountain in Jerusalem, often used as another name for the city, especially in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: Zion = "parched place" another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: Zion. See also: 2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 49:14; Psalms 2:6.
תָּ֭גֵלְנָה
gîyl
H1523
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
This Hebrew word means to rejoice or be glad, often expressing strong emotions like joy or fear, as seen in the KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, exult, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to tremble (from fear)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: be glad, joy, be joyful, rejoice. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:31; Proverbs 23:25; Psalms 2:11.
בְּנ֣וֹת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
יְהוּדָ֑ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
מִשְׁפָּטֶֽי/ךָ
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-mp | Suff
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 48:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 48:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 48:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 48:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 48:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 48:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 48:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 48:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 48:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 48:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 48:12
- Sermons on Psalms 48:12
Context — Broken Bondage
10Your name, O God, like Your praise, reaches to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness.
11Mount Zion is glad, the daughters of Judah rejoice, on account of Your judgments.
12March around Zion, encircle her, count her towers,
13consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation. 14For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even till death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 33:18–20 | Your mind will ponder the former terror: “Where is he who tallies? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?” You will no longer see the insolent, a people whose speech is unintelligible, who stammer in a language you cannot understand. Look upon Zion, the city of our appointed feasts. Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful pasture, a tent that does not wander; its tent pegs will not be pulled up, nor will any of its cords be broken. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 12:31–40 | Then I brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall, and I appointed two great thanksgiving choirs. One was to proceed along the top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate. Hoshaiah and half the leaders of Judah followed, along with Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam, Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, Jeremiah, and some of the priests with trumpets, and also Zechariah son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph, and his associates—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani—with the musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession. At the Fountain Gate they climbed the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east. The second thanksgiving choir proceeded to the left, and I followed it with half the people along the top of the wall, past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall, over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. And they stopped at the Gate of the Guard. The two thanksgiving choirs then stood in the house of God, as did I, along with the half of the officials accompanying me, |
| 3 | Matthew 24:1–2 | As Jesus left the temple and was walking away, His disciples came up to Him to point out its buildings. “Do you see all these things?” He replied. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” |
Psalms 48:12 Summary
Psalms 48:12 is a call to appreciate and acknowledge God's work in our lives, just like the Israelites were to appreciate God's work in the city of Zion. We are encouraged to 'march around' and inspect God's work, counting the 'towers' that represent His provision and protection. This means reflecting on our lives and trusting in God's guidance, as promised in Psalms 32:8. By doing so, we can express our trust in God's power and faithfulness, just like the psalmist does in Psalms 46:1-5, and pass on our knowledge and experience to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of marching around Zion in Psalms 48:12?
Marching around Zion symbolizes a call to inspect and appreciate God's work in the city, as seen in Psalms 48:12, and is reminiscent of Joshua 6:1-27, where the Israelites marched around Jericho before its walls fell, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness.
Why are we instructed to count the towers of Zion?
Counting the towers of Zion, as mentioned in Psalms 48:12, is a way of acknowledging and appreciating God's provision and protection for His people, much like the psalmist does in Psalms 46:1-5, where he expresses trust in God's presence and deliverance.
How does this verse relate to our own spiritual lives?
This verse encourages us to reflect on God's work in our lives, just as the Israelites were to reflect on God's work in Zion, and to trust in His guidance and protection, as promised in Psalms 32:8 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
What is the purpose of considering the ramparts and citadels of Zion?
The purpose is to understand and appreciate God's strength and protection, as seen in Psalms 48:13, and to pass on this knowledge to future generations, much like the psalmist does in Psalms 78:1-8, where he recounts God's deeds to the next generation.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'march around' and inspect God's work in my own life, acknowledging His presence and provision?
- How can I, like the psalmist, express my trust in God's power and faithfulness in the face of challenges and uncertainties?
- What are some 'towers' in my life that I can count and appreciate as evidence of God's goodness and care?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, demonstrate my faith and trust in God's guidance and protection, even in difficult circumstances?
- How can I pass on my knowledge and experience of God's work to the next generation, as encouraged in Psalms 48:13?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 48:12
Walk about Zion, and go round about her,.... These words are either an address to the enemies of the church, sarcastically delivered; calling upon them to come, and surround, and besiege Zion, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 48:12
Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof. Tell the towers thereof - number them, to see that not one is wanting, and that the enemies' formidable invasion has not in the least impaired them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 48:12
He speaketh, either, 1. To the enemies, as triumphing over them. Or rather, 2. To the people of that city and kingdom, who had been eye-witnesses of this glorious work of God, as appears from the following verses. He bids them mark well her towers, bulwarks, and palaces, here, and , not with vain ostentation, or carnal confidence, for he had said that God only was their refuge, ; but with thankfulness to God, when they should find upon inquiry, that not one of them was demolished or any way defaced by so potent an enemy.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 48:12
Psalms 48:12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.Ver. 12. Walk about Sion, and tell the towers thereof] q.d. Are they not still the same and as many as they were before the approach of the enemy? is anything diminished or defaced by the late stage or assault? "Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there," &c., Isaiah 37:33.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 48:12
(12) Tell—i.e., count. So in Milton, “Every shepherd tells his tale,” i.e., counts his sheep.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 48:12
Verse 12. Walk about Zion] Consider the beauty and magnificence of the temple, count the towers by which it is fortified.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 48:12
9–14. The lessons of deliverance.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 48:12
Walk about Zion - This is a call on all persons to go round the city; to take a survey of it; to see how beautiful and how strong it was - how it had escaped all danger, and was uninjured by the
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 48:12
9-13. Here begins the special strain of thanksgiving and praise. We have thought… in the midst of thy temple—The king and people had repaired to the temple to ask counsel of God. See 2 Chronicles 20:3-13, to which this alludes.
Sermons on Psalms 48:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Beauty and Strength of Zion by John Owen | In this sermon, the preacher addresses five questions regarding the protection and preservation of the church. The preacher begins by giving an illustration of how massive and impe |
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Letters: Mr. William Bonar His Brother (1) by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar writes to his brother William, encouraging him to explore Jerusalem and its significant sites, such as the Mount of Olives and the Pool of Siloam, while reflecting on |
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Like the Cedars of Lebanon by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the mystery of God's plan in our lives, using the analogy of the cedar tree from Lebanon being cut down to be placed in the Temple of God. Just lik |
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The Power of Thanksgiving by David Davis | This sermon emphasizes the power of thanksgiving, highlighting the importance of having a grateful heart and being a thankful person. It explores the impact of thanksgiving on spir |
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America's Last Call (Part 4 of 6) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the pastor warns that New York and the United States of America are on borrowed time and it is only by the grace and mercy of God that judgment has not yet come. Th |
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The Wedding Garment by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking in practical holiness before the Lord. He highlights that not everyone who claims to follow Jesus will enter the k |
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First Discover the Spine - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon by Derek Prince delves into the spine of biblical prophecy, focusing on Matthew chapter 24 as the key piece to understanding prophecy. It explores the fulfillment of Je |