Psalms 33:12
Psalms 33:12 in Multiple Translations
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His inheritance!
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah, The people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he has taken for his heritage.
Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen as specially belonging to him.
Blessed is that nation, whose God is the Lord: euen the people that he hath chosen for his inheritance.
O the happiness of the nation whose God [is] Jehovah, Of the people He did choose, For an inheritance to Him.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Come, children, hearken to me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Yahweh blesses those nations who choose him to be their God; He is pleased with those whom he has chosen to receive what he has promised.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 33:12
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 33:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַשְׁרֵ֣י
הַ֭/גּוֹי
אֲשֶׁר
יְהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהָ֑י/ו
הָ/עָ֓ם
בָּחַ֖ר
לְ/נַחֲלָ֣ה
לֽ/וֹ
אַשְׁרֵ֣י
ʼesher
H835
blessed
N-mp
הַ֭/גּוֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהָ֑י/ו
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
הָ/עָ֓ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
בָּחַ֖ר
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לְ/נַחֲלָ֣ה
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
Prep | N-fs
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | 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 33:12
אַשְׁרֵ֣י
ʼesher
H835
"blessed"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means happiness or blessedness, often used to express how happy someone is. It appears in the Bible as an interjection, similar to 'how happy!' In the KJV, it is translated as 'blessed' or 'happy'.
Definition: 1) happiness, blessedness 1a) often used as interjection 1b) blessed are
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blessed, happy. See also: Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalms 119:2; Psalms 1:1.
הַ֭/גּוֹי
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהָ֑י/ו
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
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.
הָ/עָ֓ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
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.
בָּחַ֖ר
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
לְ/נַחֲלָ֣ה
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
Prep | N-fs
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 33:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 33:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 33:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 33:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 33:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 33:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 33:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 33:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 33:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 33:12
- Sermons on Psalms 33:12
Context — Praise to the Creator
10The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples.
11The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.
12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His inheritance!
13The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. 14From His dwelling place He gazes on all who inhabit the earth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 144:15 | Blessed are the people of whom this is so; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 2:9 | But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. |
| 3 | John 15:16 | You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 7:6–8 | For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth. The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. |
| 5 | Psalms 65:4 | Blessed is the one You choose and bring near to dwell in Your courts! We are filled with the goodness of Your house, the holiness of Your temple. |
| 6 | Ephesians 1:4 | For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 33:29 | Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is the shield that protects you, the sword in which you boast. Your enemies will cower before you, and you shall trample their high places.” |
| 8 | Titus 2:14 | He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. |
| 9 | Exodus 19:5–6 | Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” |
| 10 | Psalms 147:19–20 | He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and judgments to Israel. He has done this for no other nation; they do not know His judgments. Hallelujah! |
Psalms 33:12 Summary
This verse means that when a nation makes God their Lord, they will be blessed and happy, as seen in Psalms 33:12. This happens when the people of the nation seek to follow God's ways and trust in His goodness, similar to what is promised in Jeremiah 29:11. Just like a good parent wants the best for their children, God wants the best for the nations that belong to Him, as stated in 1 Timothy 2:4. When we make God our Lord, we can trust that He will guide and protect us, as promised in Psalms 23:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a nation to have God as its Lord?
This means that the nation recognizes and submits to God's authority, as seen in Psalms 33:12, and seeks to follow His will, similar to the example in 1 Samuel 12:14 where the people are warned to fear and serve the Lord.
How can a nation be chosen by God as His inheritance?
According to Deuteronomy 7:6, God chooses those who are faithful to Him, and in the case of a nation, it means that the people have collectively turned to God and are seeking to follow His ways, as promised in Psalms 33:12.
Is this verse only applicable to the nation of Israel?
While the nation of Israel was specifically chosen by God, as stated in Exodus 19:5-6, the principle in Psalms 33:12 can apply to any nation that seeks to make God their Lord and follows His ways, as seen in Revelation 21:24 where nations will walk in the light of the Lord.
What are the benefits of having God as the Lord of a nation?
As stated in Psalms 33:12, the nation is considered blessed, and according to Psalms 37:3-4, trust in the Lord and doing good will bring prosperity and fulfillment.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that my country can turn to God and make Him our Lord?
- How can I, as an individual, contribute to making my nation a place where God is honored and revered?
- In what ways can I seek to follow God's will and purposes for my life, and how can this impact my community and nation?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's sovereignty over my nation, and how can I pray for my leaders to seek God's wisdom?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 33:12
Blessed [is] the nation whose God [is] the Lord,.... Who have an interest in such a wonder working God, both in creation and in providence, and especially in grace: which, though it may have a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 33:12
Seeing the Lord is so great and glorious in wisdom, and power, and goodness, as hath been hitherto said, as they must needs be very miserable who are strangers or enemies to him; so thrice happy is that people of Israel, who, though they be despised by the Gentiles, are chosen by this Almighty God, to be his peculiar portion, and friends, and servants.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 33:12
Psalms 33:12 Blessed [is] the nation whose God [is] the LORD; [and] the people [whom] he hath chosen for his own inheritance.Ver. 12. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord] viz. By special favour and covenant. The preservation of the Church (which hath so few friends on earth, and so many enemies in earth and hell) is justly brought as an evident argument of the Divine providence. Christ standeth upon Mount Zion; and that mountain shall be exalted above all mountains. The Church, as it is highest in the favour of God, so it shall be set above all the world; and her enemies shall be in that place that is fittest for them, the lowest, the footstool of Christ. The people whom he hath chosen] Some read it, people which hath chosen him for their inheritance. It cometh all to one. See Deuteronomy 26:17-19.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 33:12
Verse 12. Blessed is the nation] O how happy is that nation which has יהוה Jehovah for its אלהים Elohim; the self-existent and eternal Lord for its covenant God; one who should unite himself to it by connections and ties the most powerful and endearing! The word אלהים Elohim, which we translate GOD, refers to that economy in which God is manifested in the flesh. The people whom he hath chosen] The Jews, who were elected to be his heritage, whom he preserved as such for two thousand years, and whom he has reprobated because of their unbelief and rebellion, and elected the Gentiles in their place.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 33:12
12–19. From the nations the Psalmist turns to the chosen people. Jehovah’s care for Israel constitutes His special claim on their praise. Happy the nation which is the particular object of the choice and care of the omniscient observer of men.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 33:12
Blessed is the nation - For the meaning of the word “blessed,” see the notes at Psalms 1:1. The idea here is, that the nation referred to is happy, or that its condition is desirable.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 33:12
12. Blessed is the nation—It is happy and safe surrounded by such power for defence, and wisdom to defeat the cunning of crafty men.
Sermons on Psalms 33:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 1 by Alan Cairns | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning between different sins and understanding that while all sin is damnable, not all sin is equal. It encourages believers to engage |
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Open Air Meeting - Part 2 by Billy Sunday | This sermon addresses the presence of bootleggers, moonshiners, and moral decay in society, emphasizing the importance of upholding moral values and the role of faith in God and Je |
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A Christian Manifesto - Part 1 by Francis Schaeffer | Dr. Francis Schaeffer, a missionary to American intellectuals, founded L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland to address life's philosophical questions. He emphasized the importance of h |
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Turning the Tide - Part 3 by Charles Stanley | This sermon emphasizes the importance of upholding the biblical view of marriage as between a husband and a wife, highlighting the consequences of straying from God's design. It al |
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Leonard Ravenhill's America Is Too Young to Die by David Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the urgent need for prayer and spiritual revival in America, drawing attention to the moral, economic, political, and spiritual decline of the nation. It str |
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The Foursquare Gospel by George Jeffreys | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of getting back to the Bible and accepting it as the inspired word of God. The Four Square Gospel message is highlighted as a |
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Psalms 33 - Christianity Personal Corporate by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of a nation being under God's blessing by acknowledging Him as Lord. It challenges individuals to consider personal and corporate repentance, |