Psalms 68:25 — Word Study
WLCקִדְּמ֣וּ שָׁ֭רִים אַחַ֣ר נֹגְנִ֑ים בְּת֥וֹךְ עֲ֝לָמ֗וֹת תּוֹפֵפֽוֹת׃
BSAProviderrâʼâh walkhălîykâh Godʼĕlôhîym walkhălîykâh godʼêl King'smelek Holy Placeqôdesh
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| קִדְּמ֣וּ | they went in front | Verb, Piel, perfect third person common plural |
| שָׁ֭רִים | singers | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine plural |
| אַחַ֣ר | [were] behind | |
| נֹגְנִ֑ים | musicians | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine plural |
| בְּת֥וֹךְ | in among | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| עֲ֝לָמ֗וֹת | young women | Noun common, feminine plural absolute |
| תּוֹפֵפֽוֹת׃ | playing tambourines | Verb, Qal, participle (active) feminine plural |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines. |
| KJV | The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels. |
| ASV | The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, In the midst of the damsels playing with timbrels. |
| YLT | Singers have been before, Behind [are] players on instruments, In the midst virgins playing with timbrels. |
| WEB | The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, among the ladies playing with tambourines, |
| BBE | The makers of songs go before, the players of music come after, among the young girls playing on brass instruments. |
All translations agree on the rendering of קִדְּמ֣וּ as lead.
The verse has a main clause followed by two subordinate phrases that elaborate on the action and setting.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectהֲלִיכָה
verbרָאָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 68:25
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Procession of Godgenerated
Psalm 68:25 portrays a vivid scene of a procession celebrating God's presence. The singers lead the way, indicating their role in guiding the worship, while musicians follow, contributing to the joyful atmosphere. This celebration includes maidens playing tambourines, adding to the festive spirit as they participate in the worship of God, reflecting the communal joy of the people.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 87:7 | Singers and pipers will proclaim, “All my springs of joy are in You.” |
| 2 | Psalm 150:3–5 | Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. |
| 3 | Revelation 14:2–3 | And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of many waters and the loud rumbling of thunder. And the sound I heard was like harpists strumming their harps. |
| 4 | Revelation 15:2–3 | And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, beside which stood those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name. They were holding harps from God, |
| 5 | Psalm 148:12–13 | young men and maidens, old and young together. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — קִדְּמ֣וּ, ki.de.Mugenerated
The verb קִדְּמ֣וּ (ki.de.Mu) is from the root קָדַם (qadam), meaning to go before or to lead. It is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action performed by the subject, which in this case refers to the singers leading the procession.
This word emphasizes the act of leading or going ahead, often in a supportive or anticipatory role. In this verse, it highlights the importance of the singers in guiding the worship and setting the tone for the celebration.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In the Berean Standard Bible, the word is rendered as lead, which is consistent across the KJV and ASV, emphasizing the action of the singers in front of the procession.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse consists of multiple clauses, with the finite verb קִדְּמ֣וּ (they went in front) governing the structure. Following it are two subjects — שָׁ֭רִים (singers) and נֹגְנִ֑ים (musicians) — with their respective actions described.
The word order places emphasis on the singers leading the way, followed by the musicians, creating a clear hierarchy in the procession.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates קִדְּמ֣וּ as ἐθεωρήθησαν, suggesting a focus on the act of being seen or observed in the procession. This choice may imply a more passive role compared to the active leading in the Hebrew text.
This translation indicates a slight shift in emphasis from leading to being part of the spectacle, which alters the perception of the singers' role in the procession.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 68:25 describes a joyful scene where singers lead the way in a procession, musicians follow, and young women play tambourines. This verse captures the essence of celebration and worship, highlighting the role of music in praising God.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies their role in guiding the worship and setting the tone for the celebration, emphasizing the importance of music in communal worship.
Musicians enhance the worship experience by playing instruments, contributing to the joyful atmosphere of the procession.
The maidens symbolize purity and joy, participating actively in the worship, which reflects the communal celebration of God's presence.
It illustrates the integral role of music and singing in worship, showcasing how the community comes together to honor and celebrate God.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I incorporate music into my own worship experience?
- What role does community play in my spiritual life, similar to the procession described?
- In what ways can I celebrate God's presence in my daily life?
- How can I encourage others to join in worship and celebration?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Father Augustine of Hippo references this verse to illustrate the procession of worshippers, highlighting the role of music in praising God.
But in order that those steps might be seen, "there went before princes conjoined with men psalming, in the midst of damsels players on timbrels" [Psalms 68:25].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 68 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 68:25 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe singers went before,.... The apostles and ministers of the word, the sweet singers of Israel, the charmers that charm so very wisely: the Gospel is a joyful sound; it is like vocal music,
Read John Gill on Psalms 68 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 68 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; of which see . Playing with timbrels, according to the usage of those times. See Exodus 15, &c.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 68 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 68:25 The singers went before, the players on instruments [followed] after; among [them were] the damsels playing with timbrels.Ver. 25. The singers went before, &c.] Thus they were marshalled, when the ark was conducted to Mount Sion, everything being done decently and in order. Christ ascending into heaven, and settling his kingdom, is perpetually praised by his Church.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 68 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(25) Players—i.e., harpers. Playing with timbrels.—Or, beating the tambourine. For this instrument (Heb., tôph) see Exodus 15:20, and comp. Judges 11:34.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 68 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 25. The singers went before] This verse appears to be a description of the procession.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 68 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges25. the players on instruments] R.V. as P.B.V., the minstrels. among them were the damsels] An ungrammatical rendering. R.V. rightly, in the midst of the damsels. On either side of the procession of singers and minstrels playing upon stringed instruments were the damsels beating their timbrels (tambourines or hand-drums), as they danced joyously along. The scene recalls the thanksgiving by the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20), when “Miriam took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances,” for “the deliverance which is being celebrated is the counterpart of the deliverance from Egypt.” (Delitzsch.)
Read Cambridge on Psalms 68 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe singers went before - That is, in the removal of the ark; in the solemn procession referred to in the previous verse. “In” that procession those who sang preceded those who performed on instruments of music.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 68 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines.
The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, among the ladies playing with tambourines,
The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines.
Singers walk in front; musicians follow playing their stringed instruments, in the midst of young women playing tambourines.
Tyndale line
The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.
The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, In the midst of the damsels playing with timbrels.
The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, in the midst of the damsels playing with timbrels.
The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.
The singers went before, the players of instruments after: in the middes were the maides playing with timbrels.
Strictly literal
The singers went before, the players on stringed instruments after, in the midst of maidens playing on tabrets.
Singers have been before, Behind [are] players on instruments, In the midst virgins playing with timbrels.
Singers have been before, || Behind [are] players on instruments, || Virgins playing with timbrels in the midst.
(68:26) First come singers, then follow players on instruments, in the midst of maidens playing on timbrels.
The singers went first, the minstrels followed after, and in the middle were the unmarried girls playing tambourines.
From the Latin
Pour out thy indignation upon them: and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.
Simplified
The singers are at the front, the musicians at the back, and in the middle girls playing tambourines.
The makers of songs go before, the players of music come after, among the young girls playing on brass instruments.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree on the wording of this verse, with six out of seven words matching. The Septuagint's translation reflects a different structure but maintains the core elements of the Hebrew text.
קִדְּמ֣וּ שָׁ֭רִים אַחַ֣ר נֹגְנִ֑ים בְּת֥וֹךְ עֲ֝לָמ֗וֹת תּוֹפֵפֽוֹת׃
6 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 68:25
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
קָדַם (qadam) is a verb meaning to meet or come in front of someone or something. It covers actions such as anticipating, leading, and confronting, with nuances in its Piel and Hiphil forms. The entries emphasize its use in contexts of meeting or preceding, but do not provide specific verse references.
[קָדַם] vb. Pi. denom. come or be in front, meet
base
H6923 [קָדַם] vb. Pi. denom. come or be in front, meet
6923 qadam kaw-dam'
a primitive root; to project (one self), i.e. precede; hence,
to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help):--come (go,
(flee)) before, + disappoint, meet, prevent.
קָדַם (qa.dam) — to meet.
1) to meet, come or be in front, confront, go before
1a) (Piel)
1a1) to meet, confront, come to meet, receive
1a2) to go before, go in front, be in front
1a3) to lead, be beforehand, anticipate, forestall
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to come in front
1b2) to confront, anticipate
HVpp3cp — Verb · Piel · perfect third person common pluralHVpp3cp
שִׁיר (shiyr) means 'to sing' and is a denominative verb derived from a primitive root. It covers various forms of singing, including participles for singers and songstresses. The entries indicate its use in different verbal stems, such as Qal and Polel, and note its appearance in contexts like 1 Samuel 18:6.
[שִׁיר] 86 vb. sing (denom.)
Qal 49 sing
Pō‛l. 36 sing
Hoph. be sung
base
H7891 שִׁיר sing (denom.)
7891 shiyr sheer
or (the original form) shuwr (1 Sam. 18:6) {shoor}; a
primitive root (identical with 7788 through the idea of
strolling minstrelsy); to sing:--behold (by mistake for
7789), sing(-er, -ing man, - ing woman).
see HEBREW for 07788
see HEBREW for 07789
שִׁיר (shir) — to sing.
1) to sing
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to sing
1a2) singer, songstresses (participle)
1b) (Polel)
1b1) to sing
1b2) singer, songstress (participle)
1c) (Hophal) to be sung
HVqrmpa — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine pluralHVqrmpa
→ See MUSIC
The Hebrew word אַחַר (*achar*) primarily denotes the concept of 'after' or 'behind' in both spatial and temporal contexts. It functions as a substantive, adverb, preposition, and conjunction, indicating a following part or time. The related form אַחֲרַי (*acharai*) refers to a person who turns backwards. There is a reference to Proverbs 28:23 in relation to the latter.
אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part
adv.
of place, behind
of time, afterwards
prep.
of place, behind, after
of time, after
conj. after that.
H310a אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part . adv. . of place, behind
. of time, afterwards
. prep. . of place, behind, after
. of time, after
. conj. after that.
H310b אַחֲרַי a man that turneth backwards.
310 'achar akh-ar'
from 309; properly, the hind part; generally used as an
adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses):--after
(that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side),
behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,
hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, + persecute,
posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth),
when, with.
see HEBREW for 0309
אַחַר (a.char) — after.
1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)
1a) as an adverb
1a1) behind (of place)
1a2) afterwards (of time)
1b) as a preposition
1b1) behind, after (of place)
1b2) after (of time)
1b3) besides
1c) as a conjunction
1c) after that
1d) as a substantive
1d1) hinder part
1e) with other prepositions
1e1) from behind
1e2) from following after
אַחֲרַי (a.cha.ray) — backwards.
backwards (of a man that turns backwards)
HAcmsa — HAcmsa
נָגַן (nagan) is a Hebrew verb meaning to play or touch strings, specifically on a stringed instrument. It encompasses the act of making music and refers to players or minstrels. The root implies a focus on producing melodies, particularly through stringed instruments, and is used in various forms, including participles.
[נָגַן] vb. touch (strings), play a stringed instrument
Qal players
Pi. play
base
H5059 [נָגַן] touch (strings), play a stringed instrument
5059 nagan naw-gan'
a primitive root; properly, to thrum, i.e. beat a tune with
the fingers; expec. to play on a stringed instrument; hence
(generally), to make music:--player on instruments, sing to
the stringed instruments, melody, ministrel, play(-er, -ing).
נָגַן (na.gan) — to play.
1) to play or strike strings, play a stringed instrument
1a) (Qal)
1a1) player (participle)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to play
1b1a) player, minstrel (participle)
HVqrmpa — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine pluralHVqrmpa
תָּ֫וֶךְ (tavek) means 'midst' or 'middle,' indicating a central position or location. It can also imply being 'among' or 'between' things, particularly in contexts involving separation or division. The term appears in various forms, such as 'into' or 'through,' especially after verbs of motion.
תָּ֫וֶךְ 416 subst. midst
base
H8432 תָּ֫וֶךְ subst. midst
8432 tavek taw'-vek
from an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. (by
implication) the centre:--among(-st), X between, half, X
(there- ,where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among),
X out (of), X through, X with(-in).
תָּ֫וֶךְ (ta.vekh) — midst.
1) midst, middle
1a) midst, middle
1b) into, through (after verbs of motion)
1c) among (of a number of persons)
1d) between (of things arranged by twos)
1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
HR/Ncmsc — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
AMONG',
AMONGST', preposition [Gr. See Mingle.]
1. In a general or primitive sense, mixed or mingled with; as tares among wheat.
2. Conjoined or associated with, or making part of the number.
Blessed art thou among women. Luke 1:1.
3. Of the number; as, there is not one among a thousand, possessing the like qualities.
{ A‐mong″ , A‐mongst″ , } prep. [OE. amongist, amonges, amonge, among, AS. onmang, ongemang, gemang, in a crowd or mixture. For the ending -st see Amidst. See Mingle.] 1. Mixed or mingled; surrounded by.
They heard,
And from his presence hid themselves among
The thickest trees.
Milton.
2. Conjoined, or associated with, or making part of the number of; in the number or class of.
Blessed art thou among women.
Luke i. 28.
3. Expressing a relation of dispersion, distribution, etc.; also, a relation of reciprocal action.
What news among the merchants?
Shak.
עַלְמָה (almah) refers to a young woman, specifically one who is a virgin or of marriageable age. The term suggests a sense of privacy or modesty, often associated with a maid or newly married woman. Both Brown-Driver-Briggs and Strong's highlight its sexual maturity, while the Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon emphasizes its meaning as 'maiden'.
עַלְמָה n.f. young woman (ripe sexually; maid or newly married)
base
H5959 עַלְמָה young woman (ripe sexually; maid or newly married)
5959 `almah al-maw'
feminine of 5958; a lass (as veiled or private):--damsel,
maid, virgin.
see HEBREW for 05958
עַלְמָה (al.mah) — maiden.
1) virgin, young woman
1a) of marriageable age
1b) maid or newly married
HNcfpa — Noun common · feminine plural absoluteHNcfpa
The position of women in the Hebrew commonwealth contrasts favorably with that which in the present day is assigned to them generally in eastern countries. The most salient point of contrast in the usages of ancient as compared with modern Oriental society was the large amount of liberty enjoyed by women. Instead of being immured in a harem, or appearing in public with the face covered. The wives and maidens of ancient times mingled freely and openly with the other sex in the duties and amenities of ordinary life. Rebekah travelled on a camel with her face unveiled until she came into the presence of her affianced. (Genesis 24:64,65) Jacob saluted Rachel with a kiss in the presence of the shepherds. (Genesis 29:11) Women played no inconsiderable part in public celebrations (
תָּפַף (taphaph) is a Hebrew verb meaning to beat or play, specifically on a timbrel or tambourine. It is derived from a primitive root and covers actions related to drumming or making sound. The entries indicate its use in various forms, including participles, but do not show any significant disagreement among lexicons.
[תָּפַף] vb. denom. sound the timbrel, beat
Qal
Po‛ēl twittering
base
H8608 תָּפַף vb. denom. sound the timbrel, beat
8608 taphaph taw-faf'
a primitive root; to drum, i.e. play (as) on the
tambourine:--taber, play with timbrels.
תָּפַף (ta.phaph) — to beat.
1) to play or sound the timbrel, beat, play upon, drum (on a timbrel or other object)
1a) (Qal) playing (participle)
1b) (Poel) beating (participle)
HVqrfpa — Verb · Qal · participle (active) feminine pluralHVqrfpa