Psalms 81:8
Psalms 81:8 in Multiple Translations
Hear, O My people, and I will warn you: O Israel, if only you would listen to Me!
Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;
Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wouldest hearken unto me!
Give ear, O my people, and I will give you my word, O Israel, if you will only do as I say!
My people, listen to my warnings! Israel, please listen to me!
Heare, O my people, and I wil protest vnto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken vnto me,
Hear, O My people, and I testify to thee, O Israel, if thou dost hearken to me:
“Hear, my people, and I will testify to you, Israel, if you would listen to me!
Hear, O my people, and I will testify to thee; O Israel, if thou wilt hearken to me;
Arise, O God, judge thou the earth: for thou shalt inherit among all the nations.
You who are my people, listen while I warn you! I wish that you Israeli people would pay attention to what I say to you!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 81:8
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 81:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בַּ/צָּרָ֥ה
קָרָ֗אתָ
וָ/אֲחַ֫לְּצֶ֥/ךָּ
אֶ֭עֶנְ/ךָ
בְּ/סֵ֣תֶר
רַ֑עַם
אֶבְחָֽנְ/ךָ֨
עַל
מֵ֖י
מְרִיבָ֣ה
סֶֽלָה
בַּ/צָּרָ֥ה
tsârâh
H6869
dearth
Prep | N-fs
קָרָ֗אתָ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
וָ/אֲחַ֫לְּצֶ֥/ךָּ
châlats
H2502
to rescue
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
אֶ֭עֶנְ/ךָ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
בְּ/סֵ֣תֶר
çêther
H5643
secrecy
Prep | N-ms
רַ֑עַם
raʻam
H7482
thunder
N-ms
אֶבְחָֽנְ/ךָ֨
bâchan
H974
to test
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מֵ֖י
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
מְרִיבָ֣ה
Mᵉrîybâh
H4809
Meribah
N-proper
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 81:8
בַּ/צָּרָ֥ה
tsârâh
H6869
"dearth"
Prep | N-fs
A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: death, destitution
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.
קָרָ֗אתָ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
וָ/אֲחַ֫לְּצֶ֥/ךָּ
châlats
H2502
"to rescue"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
To arm or equip for war is the meaning of this verb, used to describe preparing for battle. It is translated as arm, deliver, or strengthen in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to draw off or out, withdraw 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw, draw off 1a2) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be delivered 1b2) to be saved 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to pull out, tear out 1c2) to rescue, deliver, set free 1c3) to take away, plunder
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: arm (self), (go, ready) armed ([idiom] man, soldier), deliver, draw out, make fat, loose, (ready) prepared, put off, take away, withdraw self. See also: Leviticus 14:40; 2 Chronicles 20:21; Psalms 6:5.
אֶ֭עֶנְ/ךָ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
בְּ/סֵ֣תֶר
çêther
H5643
"secrecy"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a shelter or covering, like a place to hide. It can also mean protection, as in Psalm 18:11 where God is a shelter from danger.
Definition: 1) covering, shelter, hiding place, secrecy 1a) covering, cover 1b) hiding place, shelter, secret place 1c) secrecy 1c1) secrecy (of tongue being slanderous)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: backbiting, covering, covert, [idiom] disguise(-th), hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place). See also: Deuteronomy 13:7; Psalms 61:5; Psalms 18:12.
רַ֑עַם
raʻam
H7482
"thunder"
N-ms
This word refers to the loud, rumbling sound of thunder, like a peal of thunder in the sky, as described in Psalm 81:7. It is often used to describe God's powerful voice or a dramatic event.
Definition: thunder
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: thunder. See also: Job 26:14; Psalms 81:8; Psalms 77:19.
אֶבְחָֽנְ/ךָ֨
bâchan
H974
"to test"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To test or examine something, like gold or a person's heart, is what this word means. It appears in stories like Job's trials, where his faith is tested by God, and in Proverbs 17:3, which talks about refining silver.
Definition: 1) to examine, try, prove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to examine, scrutinise 1a2) to test, prove, try (of gold, persons, the heart, man of God) 1b) (Niphal) to be tried, proved 1c) (Pual) to make a trial
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: examine, prove, tempt, try (trial). See also: Genesis 42:15; Psalms 81:8; Psalms 7:10.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מֵ֖י
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מְרִיבָ֣ה
Mᵉrîybâh
H4809
"Meribah"
N-proper
Meribah was a place in the Desert where the Israelites argued with God, as recorded in Numbers 20:13 and 27:14.
Definition: § Meribah = "strife" or "contention" 1) a fountain at Rephidim, in the desert of Sin; so called because the Israelites murmured against God 2) the name of the water supply at Kadesh on the southern border of the promised land; the people also murmured here against God
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Meribah. See also: Exodus 17:7; Numbers 27:14; Psalms 81:8.
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
"Selah"
Part
Selah is a musical term in the Bible that signals a pause or interruption in the music, like a rest in a song, often used in Psalms. It is a technical term that sets a moment for reflection and contemplation, as seen in Psalm 3:2.
Definition: § 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: Selah. See also: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 62:5; Psalms 3:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 81:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 81:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 81:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 81:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 81:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 81:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 81:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 81:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 81:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 81:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 81:8
- Sermons on Psalms 81:8
Context — Sing for Joy to God Our Strength
6“I relieved his shoulder of the burden; his hands were freed from the basket.
7You called out in distress, and I rescued you; I answered you from the cloud of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah
8Hear, O My people, and I will warn you: O Israel, if only you would listen to Me!
9There must be no strange god among you, nor shall you bow to a foreign god. 10I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 50:7 | “Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God. |
| 2 | John 3:11 | Truly, truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, and yet you people do not accept our testimony. |
| 3 | Isaiah 1:19 | If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. |
| 4 | Exodus 15:26 | saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.” |
| 5 | John 3:32–33 | He testifies to what He has seen and heard, yet no one accepts His testimony. Whoever accepts His testimony has certified that God is truthful. |
| 6 | Isaiah 55:3–4 | Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant— My loving devotion promised to David. Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples. |
| 7 | 1 John 5:9 | Even if we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony that God has given about His Son. |
| 8 | Psalms 81:13 | If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways, |
| 9 | Acts 20:21 | testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 5:27 | Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then you can tell us everything the LORD our God tells you; we will listen and obey.” |
Psalms 81:8 Summary
In Psalms 81:8, God is calling His people to listen to Him and obey His voice. He desires a deep and intimate relationship with them, and their listening and obedience are essential to this relationship. Just like a child listens to their parent's instructions, God's people are called to listen to His commands and promises, as seen in verses like Deuteronomy 6:4 and Isaiah 55:3. By listening to God, we can experience His deliverance and blessing, as promised in verses like Psalms 81:6-7 and Psalms 81:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'hear' God in Psalms 81:8?
To hear God in this context means to listen to and obey His voice, as seen in other scriptures like Deuteronomy 6:4 and Isaiah 55:3, where God calls His people to listen and respond to His commands and promises.
Why does God say 'if only you would listen to Me'?
God says this because He desires a deep and intimate relationship with His people, and their listening and obedience are essential to this relationship, as expressed in verses like Exodus 19:5 and Jeremiah 7:23, where God's people are called to obey and follow Him.
What is the significance of God addressing His people as 'My people' and 'O Israel'?
By addressing them in this way, God is reminding them of their special relationship with Him, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6 and Hosea 1:9-10, where God's people are called His own and are reminded of their covenant with Him.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse serves as a turning point in the chapter, as God transitions from reminding His people of their past experiences and deliverance to calling them to present obedience and faithfulness, as seen in the surrounding verses like Psalms 81:6-7 and Psalms 81:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am not listening to God's voice, and how can I tune in to His commands and promises?
- How can I cultivate a deeper desire to listen to and obey God, even when it's difficult or challenging?
- What are some 'strange gods' or idols in my life that might be distracting me from listening to God, and how can I remove them?
- In what ways can I respond to God's call to listen and obey, and what steps can I take to deepen my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 81:8
Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee,.... Of himself, his being, and perfections; what he was unto them, had done for them, and would do for them, as in the following verses: or "testify
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 81:8
Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me; Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee - answering to Psalms 50:7.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 81:8
I will testify unto thee, concerning my will and thy duty. I will give thee statutes and judgments, in the execution of which thou mayst live and be happy for ever. This God did presently after he brought them from Meribah, even at Sinai.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 81:8
Psalms 81:8 Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;Ver. 8. Hear, O my people, &c.] Notwithstanding thy many and mighty provocations at Meribah and elsewhere, I made a covenant with thee at Mount Sinai, and gave thee right judgments and true laws, good statutes and commandments, Nehemiah 9:13.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 81:8
(8) Hear, O my people.—The Divine voice here repeats the warnings so frequently uttered during the desert-wandering.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 81:8
Verse 8. Hear, O my people] These are nearly the same words with those spoken at the giving of the law, Exodus 20:2.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 81:8
8–10. Israel’s duty of allegiance to Jehovah alone; the fundamental principle of the covenant. Israel in the wilderness is primarily addressed, but Israel of every age is included.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 81:8
Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee ... - See the notes at the similar passage in Psalms 50:7.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 81:8
8. Testify unto thee—Testify concerning thee. I will witness to things deeply involving thy wellbeing.
Sermons on Psalms 81:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Cry to the Church by Gary R. Kane | Gary R. Kane delivers a powerful sermon warning about the dangers of falling away from God, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's voice, following His ways, and being le |
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Exposition on Psalm 82 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine delves into the interpretation of Psalms 81, explaining the significance of God standing in the synagogue of gods as a representation of the people of Israel. He cont |
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Psalms 81:8 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith reflects on God's lamentation in Psalms 81:8, emphasizing His call to His chosen people and His sorrow over their lost love and devotion. He warns against the strange g |
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Letter 132. by James Bourne | James Bourne addresses a person struggling with inconsistency in their conduct, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's counsel and cherishing His presence. He points out the c |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 47-50 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher begins by questioning why one should fear in times of evil when their own sins surround them. He emphasizes that wealth and riches cannot save or redee |
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Jesus Christ's Testimony #1 by Hoseah Wu | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the fullness of Christ and how no individual or group can fully express it. The speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing Je |
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John 3:1-21 by Damian Kyle | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well in John chapter four. He highlights Jesus' ministry of evangelism and how he breaks th |