Psalms 68:5
Psalms 68:5 in Multiple Translations
A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in His holy habitation.
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, Is God in his holy habitation.
A father to those who have no father, a judge of the widows, is God in his holy place.
He is a father to the orphans, a protector of widows. This is who God is, who lives in his holy place.
He is a Father of the fatherlesse, and a Iudge of the widowes, euen God in his holy habitation.
Father of the fatherless, and judge of the widows, [Is] God in His holy habitation.
A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
They are multiplied above the hairs of my head, who hate me without cause. My enemies are grown strong who have wrongfully persecuted me: then did I pay that which I took not away.
God, who lives in his sacred temple, is like [MET] a father to those who are orphans, and he is the one who protects widows.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 68:5
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 68:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׁ֤ירוּ
לֵֽ/אלֹהִים֮
זַמְּר֪וּ
שְׁ֫מ֥/וֹ
סֹ֡לּוּ
לָ/רֹכֵ֣ב
בָּ֭/עֲרָבוֹת
בְּ/יָ֥הּ
שְׁמ֗/וֹ
וְ/עִלְז֥וּ
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
שִׁ֤ירוּ
shîyr
H7891
to sing
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לֵֽ/אלֹהִים֮
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp
זַמְּר֪וּ
zâmar
H2167
to sing
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
שְׁ֫מ֥/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
סֹ֡לּוּ
çâlal
H5549
to build
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לָ/רֹכֵ֣ב
râkab
H7392
to ride
Prep | V-Qal
בָּ֭/עֲרָבוֹת
ʻărâbâh
H6160
plain
Prep | N-fp
בְּ/יָ֥הּ
Yâhh
H3050
LORD
Prep | N-proper
שְׁמ֗/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
וְ/עִלְז֥וּ
ʻâlaz
H5937
to exult
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 68:5
שִׁ֤ירוּ
shîyr
H7891
"to sing"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to sing, and it is used in the Bible to describe the act of singing, like when the Israelites sang after crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 15. It can also refer to a singer or songstress. The Bible often mentions singing as a way to praise God.
Definition: 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
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: behold (by mistake for H7789 (שׁוּר)), sing(-er, -ing man, -ing woman). See also: Exodus 15:1; Nehemiah 12:45; Psalms 7:1.
לֵֽ/אלֹהִים֮
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | 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.
זַמְּר֪וּ
zâmar
H2167
"to sing"
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
This word means to sing or make music, often with praise and celebration. In the Psalms, it describes singing with instruments and voice, giving thanks to God. It's about joyful noise and worship.
Definition: 1) to sing, sing praise, make music 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make music, sing 1a2) to play a musical instrument Aramaic equivalent: ze.mar (זְמָר "music" H2170)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: give praise, sing forth praises, psalms. See also: Judges 5:3; Psalms 68:5; Psalms 7:18.
שְׁ֫מ֥/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
סֹ֡לּוּ
çâlal
H5549
"to build"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This verb means to build or exalt something, like a road or a song, as seen in Isaiah 57:14 and 62:10 where God commands the Israelites to build a highway for his people. It can also mean to oppose or resist something.
Definition: 1) to lift up, cast up, exalt 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cast up a highway 1a2) to cast up a way 1a3) to lift up (of song) 1b) (Pilpel) to exalt, esteem highly, prize 1c) (Hithpoel) to exalt oneself
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: cast up, exalt (self), extol, make plain, raise up. See also: Exodus 9:17; Proverbs 15:19; Psalms 68:5.
לָ/רֹכֵ֣ב
râkab
H7392
"to ride"
Prep | V-Qal
This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.
בָּ֭/עֲרָבוֹת
ʻărâbâh
H6160
"plain"
Prep | N-fp
The Arabah is a desert plain near the Jordan River, stretching to the Red Sea, and is often translated as wilderness or desert in the Bible. It is mentioned in books like Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: § desert plain, steppe, desert, wilderness
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Arabah, champaign, desert, evening, heaven, plain, wilderness. See also H1026 (בֵּית הָעֲרָבָה). See also: Numbers 22:1; 1 Samuel 23:24; Psalms 68:5.
בְּ/יָ֥הּ
Yâhh
H3050
"LORD"
Prep | N-proper
Jah is a shortened form of the name LORD, used in many compounds, such as names ending in -iah or -jah. It appears in the Bible as a way to refer to God.
Definition: A shortened form of the name ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) used in many compounds as the letters 'Je' or 'jah'
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: Jah, the Lord, most vehement. Compare names in '-iah,' '-jah.' See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 118:17; Psalms 68:5.
שְׁמ֗/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
וְ/עִלְז֥וּ
ʻâlaz
H5937
"to exult"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To exult means to jump for joy or rejoice triumphantly. It is used in the Bible to describe feelings of great happiness or celebration, like in Psalm 108:7 where it says God will exult over his people.
Definition: (Qal) to exult, rejoice, triumph
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: be joyful, rejoice, triumph. See also: 2 Samuel 1:20; Proverbs 23:16; Psalms 28:7.
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — Psalms 68:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 68:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 68:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 68:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 68:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 68:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 68:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 68:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 68:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 68:5
- Sermons on Psalms 68:5
Context — God’s Enemies Are Scattered
3But the righteous will be glad and rejoice before God; they will celebrate with joy.
4Sing to God! Sing praises to His name. Exalt Him who rides on the clouds — His name is the LORD— and rejoice before Him.
5A father of the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation.
6God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land. 7O God, when You went out before Your people, when You marched through the wasteland, SelahCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 10:14 | But You have regarded trouble and grief; You see to repay it by Your hand. The victim entrusts himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 49:11 | Abandon your orphans; I will preserve their lives. Let your widows trust in Me.” |
| 3 | Psalms 82:3–4 | Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked. |
| 4 | Psalms 146:9 | The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 5:28 | They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 10:18 | He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. |
| 7 | Isaiah 1:23 | Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them. |
| 8 | Luke 18:2–7 | “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect men, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Then she will stop wearing me out with her perpetual requests.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to the words of the unjust judge. Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help? |
| 9 | Psalms 72:4 | May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. |
| 10 | Isaiah 57:15 | For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. |
Psalms 68:5 Summary
This verse tells us that God is a loving Father to those who don't have earthly fathers, and He protects and cares for widows who have lost their husbands. He does this from His holy home in heaven, where He watches over and provides for those in need. Just like a good father, God wants to care for and protect us, as seen in Psalms 23:4, where it says He is with us even in the darkest valleys. We can trust that God will always be there to care for us, just like He promises in Jeremiah 29:11, to give us a hope and a future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to be a father to the fatherless?
This means that God cares for and provides for those who have lost their earthly fathers, much like He promises to be a husband to the widows in Isaiah 54:5, showing His love and care for the vulnerable.
How does God defend the widows?
God defends the widows by providing for their needs, protecting them from harm, and giving them hope for the future, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18 where He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow.
What is God's holy habitation?
God's holy habitation refers to His dwelling place, which is in heaven, as described in Psalms 102:19, where it says God's throne is in heaven, and from there He looks down upon the earth.
How can I experience God as a father to the fatherless and a defender of the widows?
You can experience God's care and provision by trusting in His promises, such as Psalms 27:10, which says that even if your father and mother forsake you, the Lord will receive you.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you have seen God care for the fatherless and the widows in your community, and how can you be a part of that care?
- How does knowing that God is a father to the fatherless and a defender of the widows bring you comfort and peace in difficult times?
- In what ways can you reflect God's heart of care and provision for the vulnerable, as described in James 1:27?
- What are some practical ways you can show God's love to the fatherless and the widows, such as visiting the fatherless and the widows in their distress, as seen in James 1:27?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 68:5
A father of the fatherless,.... In a literal sense, so as to show mercy to them, take care of then), and protect them; and this is a character which the great God often assumes, partly to express his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 68:5
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, (is) God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 68:5
He now enters upon some of the matters or reasons for which God is to be extolled; whereof this is one, that he is the patron of such as are injured and oppressed, and have not power to help themselves. In his holy habitation; either in his tabernacle, or in heaven. Though he dwells there, yet the eyes of his fatherly providence and care run to and fro to help his people when they are distressed.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 68:5
Psalms 68:5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, [is] God in his holy habitation.Ver. 5. A father of the fatherless, &c.] Pupillorum pater, et viduarum vindex, a title that God much glorieth in; and although he rideth upon the heavens, and is higher than the highest, yet so low stoopeth he to our meanness; neither will he leave his people orphans or comfortless, John 14:18, for God is in his holy habitation] Not in heaven only, but in and with his Church on earth; the ark and mercy seat were never sundered.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 68:5
(5) The LXX. and Vulg. prefix to this verse, “They shall be troubled by the face of Him who is,” &c, which seems to indicate that the abrupt introduction of this description of God is due to some loss in the text. A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows.—These epithets of God seem to have become at a very early period almost proverbial.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 68:5
5. The orphan and the widow are typical examples of the friendless and unprotected who are under God’s special guardianship (Psalms 10:14; Psalms 146:9; Hosea 14:3). They are the subjects of a special clause in the earliest legislation (Exodus 22:22 ff.), which is reechoed by the latest of the prophets (Malachi 3:5). Cp. Isaiah 1:17; Isaiah 1:23. his holy habitation] Not the temple but heaven, whence He ‘looks down’ to bless His people (Deuteronomy 26:15), and rules the world, espousing the cause of the humblest, whom men are most prone to despise. For the phrase cp. Jeremiah 25:30; Zechariah 2:13; 2 Chronicles 30:27. In Isaiah 63:15 a different Heb. word is used.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 68:5
A father of the fatherless - Or, of orphans. Compare Psalms 10:14, Psalms 10:18. That is, God takes the place of the parent.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 68:5
5. Father of the fatherless—This fatherly tenderness toward the most helpless of our race is “Jah’s” especial honour, while coupled with the character of a righteous judge, as in the next sentence.
Sermons on Psalms 68:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Attributes of God (Series 2): The Omnipotence of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three propositions about God's power. The first proposition is that God has power, which is evident in the creation of the world. The preache |
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Good News to the Poor by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing Jesus' proclamation of preaching good news to the poor. He highlights the current need for this message, especially in times of nat |
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Princess & Her Relationships, the (Part 1) by Dora Esh | In this sermon, Brother Denny addresses the issue of submission and obedience in relationships. He emphasizes the importance of submitting to authority, even when we may not agree |
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The Lord in Perspective by Stuart Briscoe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the glory of the ascended Lord. The message of the Christian Gospel is that God sent his son to the depths and raised him up to the heights. |
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Princess & Her Relationships, the (Part 2) by Dora Esh | In this sermon, Brother Denny discusses the importance of submission in the family. He emphasizes that submission is not just obeying when we agree, but obeying regardless of how w |
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Two Becoming One by Bob Hoekstra | This sermon delves into the divine design of marriage and family as ordained by God, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and grace in all aspects of family life. I |
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God-a Father of Faithfulness by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of finding herself in a state of depression and overwhelming problems. She received a card from Mother Basilia with a pictur |