Psalms 47:3
Psalms 47:3 in Multiple Translations
He subdues nations beneath us, and peoples under our feet.
He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
He subdueth peoples under us, And nations under our feet.
He will put down the peoples under us, and the nations under our feet.
He subdues other peoples under us; he puts nations under our feet.
He hath subdued the people vnder vs, and the nations vnder our feete.
He leadeth peoples under us, and nations under our feet.
He subdues nations under us, and peoples under our feet.
He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
With the joy of the whole earth is mount Sion founded, on the sides of the north, the city of the great king.
He enabled us to defeat the armies of the people-groups that lived in Canaan.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 47:3
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 47:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
יְהוָ֣ה
עֶלְי֣וֹן
נוֹרָ֑א
מֶ֥לֶךְ
גָּ֝דוֹל
עַל
כָּל
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עֶלְי֣וֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
high
Adj
נוֹרָ֑א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Niphal
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
גָּ֝דוֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
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 47:3
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
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.
עֶלְי֣וֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
"high"
Adj
The Most High, a name for God emphasizing His supreme power and authority. It appears in Psalm 57:2, where David cries out to the Most High God for help, showing trust in God's power. This name highlights God's lofty position above all things.
Definition: adj 1) high, upper 1a) of Davidic king exalted above monarchs
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most). See also: Genesis 14:18; Psalms 47:3; Psalms 7:18.
נוֹרָ֑א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
גָּ֝דוֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 47:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 47:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 47:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 47:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 47:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 47:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 47:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 47:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 47:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 47:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 47:3
- Sermons on Psalms 47:3
Context — Clap Your Hands, All You Peoples
1Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout unto God with a voice of triumph.
2How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!
3He subdues nations beneath us, and peoples under our feet.
4He chooses our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom He loves. Selah 5God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD with the sound of the horn.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 18:47 | the God who avenges me and subdues nations beneath me, |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 15:25 | For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. |
| 3 | Psalms 81:14 | how soon I would subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes! |
| 4 | Psalms 110:1 | The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” |
| 5 | Philippians 3:21 | who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. |
| 6 | 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.” |
| 7 | Joshua 10:24–25 | When they had brought the kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had accompanied him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So the commanders came forward and put their feet on their necks. “Do not be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua said. “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight.” |
| 8 | Joshua 21:44 | And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. |
Psalms 47:3 Summary
[This verse is saying that God is the one who gives us power and control over the things that might try to overwhelm us, like nations or peoples. He is the one who helps us overcome them, as we see in Psalms 23:4, where God is our shepherd and protector. This is not just about earthly power, but about trusting God to be our rock and salvation, as stated in Psalms 62:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'subdue nations beneath us'?
This means that God gives His people victory and dominion over the nations, as seen in Psalms 2:8 and Psalms 110:1-2, where God promises to give His King dominion over the nations.
Is this verse promising worldly power and control?
While this verse does speak of God giving His people dominion, it's essential to remember that our ultimate hope and inheritance are in heaven, as stated in 1 Peter 1:4, not in earthly power or control.
How does this verse relate to the Great Commission?
This verse can be seen as a promise of God's power and presence with His people as they spread the gospel to all nations, as commanded in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus gives His disciples authority over all nations.
What is the significance of 'peoples under our feet'?
This phrase is a metaphor for God giving His people victory and protection, as seen in Romans 16:20, where God promises to crush Satan under the feet of His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you have seen God subdue nations or challenges in your life, and how can you give Him praise for those victories?
- How can you trust God to give you dominion over the challenges you face, and what does that look like in your daily life?
- In what ways can you partner with God to spread the gospel to all nations, and what role do you think you play in His plan?
- What are some areas where you feel like you're struggling to trust God for victory, and how can you surrender those areas to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 47:3
He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 47:3
He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 47:3
Or, he shall lead like sheep; or, bring into the fold; as divers render the word, by comparing . He seems to speak of such a subjugation of them, as was for the good of the people subdued, because this is matter of rejoicing to them, ; which is true both of these people whom David subdued, who thereby had opportunities, obligations, and encouragements to own and worship the true God, which was the only way to their true and lasting happiness; and especially of those Gentiles who were subdued to Christ by the preaching of the gospel. The Gentile converts were in some sort brought under the Jews, because they were subjected to Christ, and to his apostles, and to the primitive church, which were Jews. Or the psalmist may speak this in the name of the whole church, which then were Israelites only, but afterwards were madeup of Jews and Gentiles, unto which all particular believers were to submit themselves in and for the Lord.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 47:3
Psalms 47:3 He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.Ver. 3. He shall subdue the people under us] This was typified in the government of the Israelites, then ascendant in David’ s days, but fulfilled when Christ rode abroad on his white horse, the apostles, conquering and to conquer, Revelation 6:2 Quando Britannorum inaccessa Romanis loca Christo patuerint, as Tertullian hath it: Christ subdued the Britons and others, whom the victorious Romans could never come at. The Chaldee hath it, He shall kill the people under us, sc. with the sword of the Spirit, the word; "when the law came, sin revived, and I died," Romans 7:9. The Hebrew is, He shall speak the people under us; that is, he shall, by the preaching of the gospel, powerfully persuade Japhet to dwell in the tents of Shem, Genesis 9:27. Tremellius rendereth it, Cogit in caulam populos, he gathereth the people into the fold, viz. that, there may be one sheepfold and one shepherd, as John 10:16 Ephesians 2:14 (Jun. ex Aben Ezra, and R. Judah). And the nations under our feet] Hence the Jews to this day dream (as did also the disciples, soured with their leaven) of an earthly kingdom, wherein the Messiah at his coming shall subdue the nations, and distribute their provinces and wealth among his Jews. But Christ’ s kingdom is of another nature, and the nations are already subdued to the Church, which remaineth one and the same, although the Jews be as branches broken off, and others set in their place. Romans 11:24. Besides, by the nations under the Jews’ feet is meant (say some) that the Gentiles should be scholars, and the Jews schoolmasters, as it were, unto them; for so sitting under the feet, or at the feet, signifieth in Scripture, Acts 22:3 Luke 10:39 2 Kings 2:5.
The teacher was called Joshebh, or sitter; the scholar Mithabbek, or one that lieth along in the dust, in token of his humble subjection. And in this sense Seneca somewhere saith, that the basest of people (meaning the Jews) gave laws unto all the world.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 47:3
(3, 4) Shall subdue . . . shall choose.—Rather, subdues, chooses, indicating a continued manifestation of the Divine favour.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 47:3
Verse 3. He shall subdue the people under us] He shall do again for us what he had done for our forefathers-give us dominion over our enemies, and establish us in our own land. I would rather read this in the past tense, relative to what God did for their fathers in destroying the Canaanites, and giving them the promised land for their possession, and taking the people for his own inheritance. This is also applied to the conversion of the Gentiles, who, on the rejection of the Jews, have become his inheritance; and whom he has chosen to inherit all those spiritual blessings typified by the sacrifices and other significant rites and ceremonies of the Jewish Church.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 47:3
1–4. A summons to all nations to acknowledge Jehovah as their King. He has proved His sovereignty by subjecting the nations to His own people and assigning to it the choicest land for its inheritance.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 47:3
He shall subdue the people under us - Compare Psalms 18:39, note; Psalms 18:47, note.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 47:3
1-4. The first division of the psalm ends, (Psalms 47:4,) with a “selah;” but the theme is one throughout, namely, the universal dominion of Jehovah, of which Israel is the centre and glory.
Sermons on Psalms 47:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Second Coming by A.W. Tozer | The sermon transcript is about the preacher's intention to talk about the coming of the Lord Jesus and not about details or schedules. The preacher shares a personal story about hi |
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Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Jesus reigning until all His enemies are under His feet, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:25. The speaker highlights the vi |
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The Horizon of Christ - Part 10 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the signs of the near approach of the Lord's coming. One sign is the increase of knowledge in the world, with deep secrets being revealed and |
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Christ Exalted by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the glorious exaltation of Jesus Christ above all evil in the work of redemption, emphasizing how Christ triumphs over Satan, guilt, corruption, aff |
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God Is My King by Tom Macartney | Tom Macartney emphasizes the urgent need for Christians to truly see and know Christ as the reigning King in their hearts and in the church, highlighting the importance of surrende |
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Rev 12:10. the Heavenly Song of Victory by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar expounds on Revelation 12:10, celebrating the heavenly song of victory that proclaims the arrival of salvation, strength, and the kingdom of God, as the accuser is c |
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He Must Reign by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the present reign of Christ, asserting that His Lordship is not a future event but a current reality that must be recognized and embraced by the Church. |