Psalms 68:31
Psalms 68:31 in Multiple Translations
Envoys will arrive from Egypt; Cush will stretch out her hands to God.
Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.
Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall haste to stretch out her hands unto God.
Kings will give you offerings, they will come out of Egypt; from Pathros will come offerings of silver; Ethiopia will be stretching out her hands to God.
Let Egypt come with bronze gifts; let Ethiopia come quickly and hand over their tributes to God!
Then shall the princes come out of Egypt: Ethiopia shall hast to stretche her hands vnto God.
Come do fat ones out of Egypt, Cush causeth her hands to run to God.
Princes shall come out of Egypt. Ethiopia shall hurry to stretch out her hands to God.
Princes shall come out of Egypt; Cush shall soon stretch out her hands to God.
I will praise the name of God with a canticle: and I will magnify him with praise.
Then people will bring gifts of bronze (OR, of cloth) to you from Egypt; the people in Ethiopia will lift up their hands to praise you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 68:31
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 68:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גְּעַ֨ר
חַיַּ֪ת
קָנֶ֡ה
עֲדַ֤ת
אַבִּירִ֨ים
בְּ/עֶגְלֵ֬י
עַמִּ֗ים
מִתְרַפֵּ֥ס
בְּ/רַצֵּי
כָ֑סֶף
בִּזַּ֥ר
עַ֝מִּ֗ים
קְרָב֥וֹת
יֶחְפָּֽצוּ
גְּעַ֨ר
gâʻar
H1605
to rebuke
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
חַיַּ֪ת
chay
H2416
alive
N-fs
קָנֶ֡ה
qâneh
H7070
branch
N-ms
עֲדַ֤ת
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
N-fs
אַבִּירִ֨ים
ʼabbîyr
H47
mighty
Adj
בְּ/עֶגְלֵ֬י
ʻêgel
H5695
calf
Prep | N-mp
עַמִּ֗ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-mp
מִתְרַפֵּ֥ס
râphaç
H7511
to stamp
V-Hithpael
בְּ/רַצֵּי
rats
H7518
piece
Prep | N-mp
כָ֑סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
בִּזַּ֥ר
bâzar
H967
to scatter
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
עַ֝מִּ֗ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-mp
קְרָב֥וֹת
qᵉrâb
H7128
battle
N-mp
יֶחְפָּֽצוּ
châphêts
H2654
to delight in
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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 68:31
גְּעַ֨ר
gâʻar
H1605
"to rebuke"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to rebuke or reprove someone, often in a stern or corrective manner, as seen in the Bible's teachings on discipline. It can also mean to corrupt.
Definition: (Qal) to rebuke, reprove, corrupt
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: corrupt, rebuke, reprove. See also: Genesis 37:10; Isaiah 17:13; Psalms 9:6.
חַיַּ֪ת
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
קָנֶ֡ה
qâneh
H7070
"branch"
N-ms
This word describes a branch or reed, and is used to represent measurement, strength, or support. In the Bible, it is used to describe objects like the rod of a steelyard or the branches of a lampstand.
Definition: : branch 1) reed, stalk, bone, balances 1a) stalk 1b) water-plant, reed 1c) calamus (aromatic reed) 1d) derived meanings 1d1) measuring-rod 1d2) reed (as unit of measure-6 cubits) 1d3) beam (of scales-for scales themselves) 1d4) shaft (of lampstand) 1d5) branches (of lampstand) 1d6) shoulder-joint
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: balance, bone, branch, calamus, cane, reed, [idiom] spearman, stalk. See also: Genesis 41:5; Isaiah 19:6; Psalms 68:31.
עֲדַ֤ת
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.
אַבִּירִ֨ים
ʼabbîyr
H47
"mighty"
Adj
A term used to describe something or someone as mighty or strong, often referring to God or powerful animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's power, like in Genesis 49:24, and strong animals, like oxen.
Definition: 1) mighty, valiant 1a) of men 1b) of angels 1c) of animals 1d) (metaph) 1d1) of enemies 1d2) of princes 1d3) of sacrificial objects 1e) obstinate (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: angel, bull, chiefest, mighty (one), stout(-hearted), strong (one), valiant. See also: Judges 5:22; Psalms 78:25; Psalms 22:13.
בְּ/עֶגְלֵ֬י
ʻêgel
H5695
"calf"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a young male calf, nearly grown into a steer. It appears in the book of Exodus and Leviticus, describing animal sacrifices. The word is often translated as 'bullock' or 'calf'.
Definition: calf, bull-calf
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: bullock, calf. See also: Exodus 32:4; 2 Chronicles 13:8; Psalms 29:6.
עַמִּ֗ים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
מִתְרַפֵּ֥ס
râphaç
H7511
"to stamp"
V-Hithpael
Raphas means to trample or humble oneself, to submit to someone or something. It involves lowering oneself in humility or defeat.
Definition: 1) (Hithpael) 1c1) to stamp oneself down, humble oneself 1c2) stamping or tramping down (participle) Aramaic equivalent: re.phas (רְפַס "to tread" H7512)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: humble self, submit self. See also: Psalms 68:31; Proverbs 6:3.
בְּ/רַצֵּי
rats
H7518
"piece"
Prep | N-mp
This word means a fragment or piece of something. Its meaning is not entirely clear, but it refers to a part or portion. The KJV translates it as 'piece'.
Definition: 1) piece, bar 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: piece. See also: Psalms 68:31.
כָ֑סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
בִּזַּ֥ר
bâzar
H967
"to scatter"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To scatter means to disperse people or things in different directions, like what happened to the Israelites during their exile. This verb is used in various books, including the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to scatter, disperse 1a) (Qal) to scatter 1b) (Piel) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: scatter. See also: Psalms 68:31; Daniel 11:24.
עַ֝מִּ֗ים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
קְרָב֥וֹת
qᵉrâb
H7128
"battle"
N-mp
A battle or war, often referring to a hostile encounter between two or more groups, like the battle of Jericho in Joshua 6:1-27. This word emphasizes the intensity and conflict of the encounter.
Definition: battle, war Aramaic equivalent: qe.rav (קְרָב "war" H7129)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: battle, war. See also: 2 Samuel 17:11; Psalms 68:31; Psalms 55:19.
יֶחְפָּֽצוּ
châphêts
H2654
"to delight in"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.
Study Notes — Psalms 68:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 68:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 68:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 68:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 68:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 68:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 68:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 68:31
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 68:31
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 68:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 68:31
- Sermons on Psalms 68:31
Context — God’s Enemies Are Scattered
29Because of Your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring You gifts.
30Rebuke the beast in the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations, until it submits, bringing bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war.
31Envoys will arrive from Egypt; Cush will stretch out her hands to God.
32Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord— Selah 33to Him who rides upon the highest heavens of old; behold, His mighty voice resounds.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 45:14 | This is what the LORD says: “The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, along with the Sabeans, men of stature, will come over to you and will be yours; they will trudge behind you; they will come over in chains and bow down to you. They will confess to you: ‘God is indeed with you, and there is no other; there is no other God.’” |
| 2 | Zephaniah 3:10 | From beyond the rivers of Cush My worshipers, My scattered people, will bring Me an offering. |
| 3 | Psalms 44:20 | If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god, |
| 4 | Isaiah 19:18–25 | In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of Hosts. One of them will be called the City of the Sun. In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the center of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD near her border. It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them. The LORD will make Himself known to Egypt, and on that day Egypt will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and fulfill them. And the LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; He will strike them but heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and He will hear their prayers and heal them. In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt, and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will join a three-party alliance with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing upon the earth. The LORD of Hosts will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt My people, Assyria My handiwork, and Israel My inheritance.” |
| 5 | Psalms 72:8–11 | May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust. May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him. |
| 6 | Isaiah 60:6–7 | Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house. |
| 7 | Psalms 143:6 | I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. Selah |
| 8 | Acts 8:27–40 | So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his return was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to that chariot and stay by it.” So Philip ran up and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth. In His humiliation He was deprived of justice. Who can recount His descendants? For His life was removed from the earth.” “Tell me,” said the eunuch, “who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with this very Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road and came to some water, the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is there to prevent me from being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing. But Philip appeared at Azotus and traveled through that region, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 8:22 | Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven, |
| 10 | Isaiah 66:19 | I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and the archers of Lud; to Tubal, Javan, and the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations. |
Psalms 68:31 Summary
Psalms 68:31 tells us that even countries that didn't used to follow God, like Egypt and Cush, will start to worship Him. This means that God's love and message are for everyone, no matter where they're from or what they've done in the past. Just like in Revelation 7:9, where people from every nation will worship God together, this verse shows us that God wants all people to come to Him and know His love. As we read in Isaiah 19:25, God will bless Egypt and other nations, and they will come to know Him as their Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Egypt and Cush in Psalms 68:31?
Egypt and Cush represent nations that were historically considered enemies or outsiders to Israel, yet in this verse, they are coming to worship God, demonstrating the universal reach of God's kingdom, as seen in Isaiah 19:25 and Psalms 87:4.
What does it mean for Cush to 'stretch out her hands to God'?
This phrase is a gesture of surrender, worship, and prayer, indicating that the people of Cush are turning to God in humility and reverence, similar to what is described in Psalms 143:6 and Exodus 9:29.
Is this verse prophetic, and if so, what is it pointing to?
Yes, this verse has prophetic implications, pointing to a future time when all nations will come to worship God, as described in Revelation 7:9 and Isaiah 2:2-3, emphasizing the global scope of God's redemption plan.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Psalms 68?
This verse is part of a larger celebration of God's power and His kingdom, highlighting how He will be worshiped by all nations, which is a theme that runs throughout the Psalm, particularly in verses like Psalms 68:29 and Psalms 68:32.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to 'stretch out my hands to God' in my daily life, and how can I demonstrate surrender and worship to Him?
- In what ways can I be an envoy or messenger of God's love and redemption to those around me, including those who may seem like outsiders or enemies?
- How can I balance the call to spread God's message to all nations with the reality of current global conflicts and divisions, and what role can I play in promoting peace and understanding?
- What are some ways that I can participate in the global worship of God, and how can I celebrate the diversity of His kingdom?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 68:31
Princes shall come out of Egypt,.... The Vulgate Latin and all the Oriental versions render it "ambassadors".
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 68:31
Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 68:31
Egypt, Ethiopia: he names only these, as the great and ancient enemies of God, and of his people, and as a most wicked, and idolatrous, and incorrigible sort of men; see ; but by them he synecdochically understands all other nations and people of the like character. Stretch out her hands unto God; either in way of humble supplication and submission, begging mercy of him; or to offer up the presents expressed, . But this prophecy, as also the next verse, evidently belongs to the times of the Messiah, when the Gentiles were tel be brought in to the knowledge and worship of the true God; with the thoughts and hopes whereof David oft comforteth himself in that confined and afflicted state of the church in his time.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 68:31
Psalms 68:31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.Ver. 31. Princes shall come out of Egypt] The Gentiles shall one day be called, and caused Deum verum cognoscere et colere; even Egypt, that archenemy of the Church; and Ethiopia, the offspring of cursed Ham. Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands to God] Heb. shall make her hands to run; whereby is noted her speediness in giving or in receiving the gospel, Manibus pedibusque obnixe omnia faciet (Terent.). It is likely that that good eunuch, Acts 8:26-39, preached the Christian verity which himself had embraced, for goodness is diffusive; and birds, when they come to a full heap of corn, will chirp and call in for their fellows. The Habassines are still a kind of Christians, the Nubians have forsaken the faith once delivered, and embraced instead of it partly Mahometanism, and partly idolatry, through lack of ministers, as Alvarez reports (Hist. Aethi. cap. 137).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 68:31
(31) Princes.—Or, magnates.Ethiopia.—Literally, Cush shall make to run his hands to God, an idiom easily intelligible, expressing hasty submission. (32–35) A noble doxology, worthy of the close of one of the finest Hebrew hymns.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 68:31
Verse 31. Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.] This verse had its literal fulfilment under Solomon, when Egypt formed an alliance with that king by his marriage with Pharaoh's daughter; and when the queen of Sheba came to Jerusalem to hear the wisdom of Solomon. But as this may be a prophetic declaration of the spread of Christianity, it was literally fulfilled after the resurrection of our Lord. There were Egyptians at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, who, St. Hilary tells us, on their return to their own country proclaimed what they had seen, and became in that country the ambassadors of Christ. The Ethiopian eunuch was one of the first among the Gentiles who received the Gospel. Thus princes or chief men came out of Egypt, and Ethiopia stretched out her hands to God. The words themselves refer to the sending ambassadors, and making alliances. The Hebrew is very emphatic: כוש תריץ ידיו לאלהים cush tarits yadiav lelohim; Cush will cause her hands to run out to God. She will, with great alacrity and delight, surrender her power and influence unto God.
The Chaldee paraphrases well: "The sons of Cush will run, that they may spread out their hands in prayer before God."
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 68:31
31. Princes] Or, magnates. LXX πρέσβεις, ambassadors. The word occurs here only, and is of doubtful meaning. shall soon stretch out &c.] R.V., shall haste to stretch out her hands unto God, either in token of submission (cp. Lat. dare manus); or in supplication (cp. Isaiah 45:14); or with gifts of homage (Psalms 72:10; Isaiah 18:7). Egypt and Ethiopia are often coupled together, and they are mentioned here as examples of the nations which come to pay homage, the one as the typical ancient enemy of Israel (cp. Isaiah 19:19 ff.), the other as a remote nation of noble appearance and formidable reputation (Isaiah 18:1; Isaiah 18:7). Cp. Isaiah 45:14.
Their submission signifies that the most inveterate foes of God and His people, and the most remote and the noblest of the peoples of the world, acknowledge His supremacy. Morians in P.B.V. means ‘Moors,’ ‘blackamoors,’ the Heb. Cush being taken as a general term for ‘Africans.’
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 68:31
Princes shall come out of Egypt - That is, Shall come and acknowledge the true God.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 68:31
31. The language is henceforward only prophetic of the victories of Messiah, his majesty and glory, and the submission of the nations.
Sermons on Psalms 68:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Urgently Needed! by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the urgent need for men and women of stature in the Church, individuals transformed by the Cross who prioritize glorifying God above self-interest. Thes |
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Psalms 44:20 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the implications of a statement made by Anastasi Mikoyan regarding the similarities between American and Russian philosophies, questioning whether the pursuit |
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Mid South Conference 1978-02 Fellowship in the Gospel by Aldy Fam Fanous | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of fellowship in the gospel and how it is initiated by God Himself. He emphasizes the need for believers to actively share the |
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True Revival - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a recent earthquake in Houston and connects it to the idea of the whole creation groaning, expressing dissatisfaction and a limit to materia |
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Canadian Christian Heritage Under Fire #1 - Christian History of Canada by Ian Goligher | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for Christians to be awakened to the battle for the hearts and minds of Canadians. He highlights the importance of glorifying God a |
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The Meaning of the Millennium by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the principles of the millennial earth as described in the book of Revelation. The first principle is that God's people will be given respons |
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Christ a King. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the mediatorial kingdom of Christ, emphasizing the various names and titles by which Jesus is described in the Bible, particularly focusing on His role |