Psalms 87:3
Psalms 87:3 in Multiple Translations
Glorious things are ascribed to you, O city of God. Selah
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. [Selah
Noble things are said of you, O town of God. (Selah.)
Many wonderful things are said of you, city of God! Selah.
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O citie of God. Selah.
Honourable things are spoken in Thee, O city of God. Selah.
Glorious things are spoken about you, city of God. Selah.
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
Let my prayer come in before thee: incline thy ear to my petition.
You people in [APO] the city that God ◄owns/lives in►, people say wonderful things about your city. (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 87:3
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 87:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נִ֭כְבָּדוֹת
מְדֻבָּ֣ר
בָּ֑/ךְ
עִ֖יר
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֣ים
סֶֽלָה
נִ֭כְבָּדוֹת
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Niphal
מְדֻבָּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Pual-Inf-c
בָּ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
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 87:3
נִ֭כְבָּדוֹת
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
V-Niphal
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
מְדֻבָּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Pual-Inf-c
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
בָּ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
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 87:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 87:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 87:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 87:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 87:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 87:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 87:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 87:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 87:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 87:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 87:3
- Sermons on Psalms 87:3
Context — The LORD Loves the Gates of Zion
1He has founded His city on the holy mountains.
2The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
3Glorious things are ascribed to you, O city of God. Selah
4“I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me— along with Philistia, Tyre, and Cush — when I say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’” 5And it will be said of Zion: “This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High Himself will establish her.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 37:27–28 | My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be My people. Then the nations will know that I the LORD sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary is among them forever.’” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 36:11–38 | I will fill you with people and animals, and they will multiply and be fruitful. I will make you as inhabited as you once were, and I will make you prosper more than before. Then you will know that I am the LORD. Yes, I will cause My people Israel to walk upon you; they will possess you, and you will be their inheritance, and you will no longer deprive them of their children. For this is what the Lord GOD says: Because people say to you, ‘You devour men and deprive your nation of its children,’ therefore you will no longer devour men or deprive your nation of its children, declares the Lord GOD. I will no longer allow the taunts of the nations to be heard against you, and you will no longer endure the reproach of the peoples or cause your nation to stumble, declares the Lord GOD.” Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, when the people of Israel lived in their land, they defiled it by their own ways and deeds. Their behavior before Me was like the uncleanness of a woman’s impurity. So I poured out My wrath upon them because of the blood they had shed on the land, and because they had defiled it with their idols. I dispersed them among the nations, and they were scattered throughout the lands. I judged them according to their ways and deeds. And wherever they went among the nations, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, ‘These are the people of the LORD, yet they had to leave His land.’ But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they had gone. Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: It is not for your sake that I will act, O house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you profaned among the nations to which you went. I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all the countries, and I will bring you back into your own land. I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. Then you will live in the land that I gave your forefathers; you will be My people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will summon the grain and make it plentiful, and I will not bring famine upon you. I will also make the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field plentiful, so that you will no longer bear reproach among the nations on account of famine. Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and abominations. It is not for your sake that I will act, declares the Lord GOD—let it be known to you. Be ashamed and disgraced for your ways, O house of Israel! This is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be resettled and the ruins to be rebuilt. The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through. Then they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The cities that were once ruined, desolate, and destroyed are now fortified and inhabited.’ Then the nations around you that remain will know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt what was destroyed, and I have replanted what was desolate. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it. This is what the Lord GOD says: Once again I will hear the plea of the house of Israel and do for them this: I will multiply their people like a flock. Like the numerous flocks for sacrifices at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” |
| 3 | Psalms 48:2–3 | Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King. God is in her citadels; He has shown Himself to be a fortress. |
| 4 | Revelation 21:10–27 | And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal. The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates. There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. The wall of the city had twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls. The city lies foursquare, with its width the same as its length. And he measured the city with the rod, and all its dimensions were equal—12,000 stadia in length and width and height. And he measured its wall to be 144 cubits, by the human measure the angel was using. The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate consisting of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. But I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory. Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there. And into the city will be brought the glory and honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. |
| 5 | Hebrews 12:22–23 | Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, |
| 6 | Revelation 14:1 | Then I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 31:12–13 | They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD— the grain, new wine, and oil, and the young of the flocks and herds. Their life will be like a well-watered garden, and never again will they languish. Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow. |
| 8 | Isaiah 61:3–12 | to console the mourners in Zion— to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations. Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers. But you will be called the priests of the LORD; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will feed on the wealth of nations, and you will boast in their riches. Instead of shame, My people will have a double portion, and instead of humiliation, they will rejoice in their share; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity; in My faithfulness I will give them their recompense and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed. I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its growth, and as a garden enables seed to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. |
| 9 | Psalms 125:1–2 | Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion. It cannot be moved; it abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore. |
| 10 | Psalms 48:11–13 | Mount Zion is glad, the daughters of Judah rejoice, on account of Your judgments. March around Zion, encircle her, count her towers, consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation. |
Psalms 87:3 Summary
[This verse is saying that the city of God is a very special place where amazing things happen, and where God's presence is felt, much like in Psalms 84:1-4, where the psalmist longs to be in God's presence. The 'glorious things' that are ascribed to the city are likely the wonderful works and miracles that God has done there, as seen in Psalms 78:4. The word 'Selah' at the end is like a pause button, reminding us to stop and think about how amazing God is. By reflecting on God's glorious works, we can deepen our understanding of His love and care for us, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that glorious things are ascribed to the city of God?
This phrase suggests that the city of God, which is likely a reference to Zion or Jerusalem, is a place of great beauty and wonder, where God's presence is palpable, as seen in Psalms 48:1-2 and Psalms 50:2.
Why does the verse say 'O city of God'?
The phrase 'O city of God' is a term of endearment and reverence, emphasizing the special relationship between God and His city, as also seen in Psalms 46:4-5, where God is said to dwell in the city.
What is the significance of the word 'Selah' at the end of the verse?
The word 'Selah' is a musical term that indicates a pause or a moment of reflection, suggesting that the reader or singer should stop and ponder the significance of the words that have just been spoken, much like in Habakkuk 3:3 and Psalms 3:2
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger poem that celebrates the city of God and its special status as a place where God dwells, as seen in the surrounding verses, such as Psalms 87:1-2, which describe the city's foundation and God's love for it.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'glorious things' that you have experienced or heard about in your life, and how do they relate to your understanding of God's presence?
- How can you, as a believer, be a part of the 'city of God' and reflect its beauty and wonder to the world around you?
- What does it mean to you that God has a special city or place where He dwells, and how does that impact your sense of worship and reverence?
- In what ways can you 'ascribe' or give credit to God for the glorious things in your life, and how can you share those stories with others?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 87:3
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.] Which is to be understood not of the city of Jerusalem literally, which was a magnificent city, compact together, full of inhabitants, and spacious
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 87:3
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God - by God, by man, among Israel, among the pagan (Hengstenberg). Psalms 46:1-11; Psalms 48:1-14 are samples.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 87:3
O Jerusalem, though thou and thy temple are yet in some sort in your ruins, and desolate and contemptible not only to thine enemies, but also in the eyes of thine own people, yet comfort thyself with these great and glorious things foretold concerning thee in the holy prophets, as ,7 65:18, &c.; , &c.; , &c.; ,12 8:3, &c. , &c. Among other things, it was foretold that the glory of the latter house should be greater than of the former, . All which prophecies are to be understood, as this place also is, of a spiritual and evangelical glory accruing to Jerusalem; as by the birth and presence of Christ in it, so also by the accession of all people and nations to it, of which he speaks in the next verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 87:3
Psalms 87:3 Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.Ver. 3. Glorious things are spoken of thee] Dicta et praedicta, told and foretold of thee, Heb. in thee, sc. by the holy prophets, especially concerning the Christian Church. See Isaiah 60:1-5, to the end of that prophecy. Nihil honorificum non praedicatur de te; et nihil praedicatur de te quin sit honorificentissimum (Jun.). Thou city of God] The glory of God, Acts 7:1, the great King, Matthew 5:35, the only potentate, 1 Timothy 6:15, who maketh his Church the place of his residence, &c. Selah] O rem dignam perpetua admiratione, Oh wonderful!
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 87:3
(3) The meaning of this verse is obvious in spite of its many grammatical difficulties. The praise of Zion had found many tongues, but the poet implies that he is going to swell the chorus.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 87:3
Verse 3. Glorious things are spoken of thee] Or, there are glorious words or doctrines in thee. Does this refer to the glorious doctrines of the Christian Church? These are glorious sayings indeed.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 87:3
3. Glorious things are spoken of thee] This need not be limited to the utterance of Psa 87:4 ff., but may include the great prophetic promises generally, such as Isaiah 2:2 ff; Isaiah 11:10; Isaiah 19:20 ff.; and, if the Psalm is post-exilic, Psalms 60:1 ff. O city of God] Of His choice, His love, His care. Cp. Psalms 46:4; Psalms 48:1-2; Psalms 48:8.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 87:3
Glorious things are spoketh of thee, O city of God - Jerusalem, called the “city of God” as being the place of his unique home on earth.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 87:3
3. Glorious things are spoken of thee—Not only in history, and in national ballads and traditions of the great past, (see Ezra 4:19-20; 1 Kings 4:20-21,) but in prophecy and promise connecting with
Sermons on Psalms 87:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Multitudes in the Valley of Decision by Charles E. Fuller | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as one's personal Savior. He warns that those who do not believe in the name of the Son of God are |
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The Glory of the Church in the Latter Day. by John Gill | John Gill preaches about the future glory of the Church in the latter days, emphasizing the significant spiritual reign of Christ and the eventual personal reign that will follow. |
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Its Present Bearing on Life by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks explores the profound question of who can ascend to the hill of the Lord, emphasizing that this hill symbolizes the spiritual position of Christ's absolute lordshi |
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One Shepherd by Dai Patterson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and experiencing the presence of God in our lives. He encourages the congregation to wat |
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Israel's Chastisement by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the actions of God in the present times are a demonstration of His power and nature, both in judgment and mercy. The sermon highlights |
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Zion, the City of God by George Warnock | George Warnock preaches about the contrast between the cities built by fallen men, which lead to corruption and chaos, and the heavenly city prepared by God for His people. He emph |
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The Church Is Beautiful by Stuart Briscoe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of deliberating on eternal issues and focusing on God's loving kindness, faithfulness, righteousness, and carefulness. The fel |