Psalms 87:6
Psalms 87:6 in Multiple Translations
The LORD will record in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” Selah
The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.
Jehovah will count, when he writeth up the peoples, This one was born there. [Selah
The Lord will keep in mind, when he is writing the records of the people, that this man had his birth there. (Selah.)
When the Lord registers the nations, he will write, “They were born there.” Selah.
The Lord shall count, when hee writeth the people, He was borne there. Selah.
Jehovah doth recount in the describing of the peoples, 'This [one] was born there.' Selah.
The LORD will count, when he writes up the peoples, “This one was born there.” Selah.
The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.
Free among the dead. Like the slain sleeping in the sepulchres, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cast off from thy hand.
Yahweh will write a list of the names of the people of various groups who belong to him, and he will say that he considers them all to be citizens of Jerusalem. (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 87:6
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 87:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְֽהוָ֗ה
יִ֭סְפֹּר
בִּ/כְת֣וֹב
עַמִּ֑ים
זֶ֖ה
יֻלַּד
שָׁ֣ם
סֶֽלָה
יְֽהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
יִ֭סְפֹּר
çâphar
H5608
to recount
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בִּ/כְת֣וֹב
kâthab
H3789
to write
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עַמִּ֑ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-mp
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
יֻלַּד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
שָׁ֣ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 87:6
יְֽהוָ֗ה
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.
יִ֭סְפֹּר
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
בִּ/כְת֣וֹב
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
עַמִּ֑ים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-mp
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.
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
יֻלַּד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
שָׁ֣ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
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 87:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 87:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 87:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 87:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 87:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 87:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 87:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 87:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 87:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 87:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 87:6
- Sermons on Psalms 87:6
Context — The LORD Loves the Gates of Zion
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.”
6The LORD will record in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” Selah
7Singers and pipers will proclaim, “All my springs of joy are in You.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 4:3 | Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy— all in Jerusalem who are recorded among the living— |
| 2 | Luke 10:20 | Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 13:9 | My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD. |
| 4 | Revelation 20:15 | And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. |
| 5 | Philippians 4:3 | Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. |
| 6 | Psalms 69:28 | May they be blotted out of the Book of Life and not listed with the righteous. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 3:19 | Then I said, ‘How I long to make you My sons and give you a desirable land, the most beautiful inheritance of all the nations!’ I thought you would call Me ‘Father’ and never turn away from following Me. |
| 8 | Psalms 22:30 | Posterity will serve Him; they will declare the Lord to a new generation. |
| 9 | Revelation 13:8 | And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb who was slain. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 9:4 | “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.” |
Psalms 87:6 Summary
[Psalms 87:6 is a beautiful verse that reminds us that God records the names of those who are born in Zion, which means they are children of God. This is a wonderful promise that gives us a sense of belonging and identity, as seen in 1 John 3:1-2. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we become part of God's family and our names are written in His book, as stated in Revelation 20:12-15. This truth should fill us with joy and confidence, knowing that we are loved and accepted by God, and that our true home is in heaven, as described in Philippians 3:20.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'born in Zion' in Psalms 87:6?
To be 'born in Zion' means to be a child of God, born again through faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in John 3:3-6, and to have a spiritual heritage in the city of God, as described in Hebrews 12:22-24.
Why is the LORD recording names in a register of peoples?
The LORD is recording names in a register of peoples to signify that those who are born in Zion are citizens of heaven, as stated in Philippians 3:20, and will be acknowledged by God as His own people, as promised in 2 Timothy 2:19.
What is the significance of the word 'Selah' at the end of Psalms 87:6?
The word 'Selah' is a musical term that means 'pause' or 'rest', and it is used to indicate a moment of reflection or meditation, as seen in Psalms 3:2, where the reader is invited to pause and ponder the significance of the verse.
How does this verse relate to our identity as believers?
This verse reminds us that our true identity is not found in our earthly heritage or nationality, but in our spiritual birth in Zion, as children of God, as stated in 1 John 3:1-2, and that we are part of a heavenly community that transcends earthly boundaries.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to be 'born in Zion', and how does that shape my understanding of my identity and purpose?
- How can I reflect on my spiritual heritage and the fact that my name is recorded in God's register of peoples?
- What are the implications of being a citizen of heaven, and how should that impact my daily life and relationships?
- How can I pause and reflect on the significance of my spiritual birth, and what are the practical ways I can live out my faith in response to this truth?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 87:6
The Lord shall count when he writeth up the people, ]. Not in the Lamb's book of life for that was written from eternity, Revelation 13:8 but in the writing of the house of Israel, among the living
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 87:6
The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 87:6
The people; or, his people. So it is only a defect of the pronoun his, which is very frequent, and easily understood out of the foregoing word, the Lord. The sense is, when God, the Maker and Governor of this city, shall take a survey of all his citizens and subjects. It is an allusion to princes or governors of cities that use to write and keep a register of all their people. Hence holy then and true Israelites are said to be written among the living in Jerusalem, ; or, in the writing of the house of Israel, .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 87:6
Psalms 87:6 The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, [that] this [man] was born there. Selah.Ver. 6. The Lord shall count when he writeth up the people] When he maketh his cease book (called the writing of the house of Israel, Ezekiel 13:9, the Lord’ s book of remembrance, Malachi 3:16, the register of the living in Jerusalem, Isaiah 4:3), he shall muster them in the roll of his soldiers, number them in the catalogue of his citizens, call them in the nomenclature of his disciples, &c. A glorious privilege surely.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 87:6
(6) The proud boast of the preceding verse is repeated here with allusion to the census or birth-register of citizens. (See Ezekiel 13:9; Isaiah 4:3; Psalms 69:28, Note.) No doubt these lists were often produced or appealed to in triumph to mark the superiority of a native of Jerusalem over those born at a distance.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 87:6
Verse 6. The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people] בכתוב עמים bichthob ammim, in the register of the people. When he takes account of those who dwell in Jerusalem, he will particularly note those who were born in Zion. This has an easy spiritual meaning. When God takes an account of all professing Christians, he will set apart those for inhabitants of the New Jerusalem who were born in Zion, who were born again, received a new nature, and were fitted for heaven.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 87:6
6. Jehovah shall reckon, when he registers the peoples, ‘This one was born there.’ Jehovah holds His census of the nations, and writes their names down in His book. One after another of them He registers as ‘born in Zion.’ It is the official confirmation of their rights of citizenship. Allusions to the registers of citizens are found in Psalms 69:28; Isaiah 4:3; Ezekiel 13:9; and the importance attached to genealogical registers appears in Ezra 2:62.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 87:6
The Lord shall count - That is, God himself will honor those who are so born. In the previous verse, the effect of such a birth was described as securing honor from human beings.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 87:6
6. The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people—The allusion is to the civic book, or census roll, in which the nationality or tribe of each person was entered, the children, or the childless
Sermons on Psalms 87:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Isaiah 64 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of studying Acts 26 and Isaiah 40 in order to understand the role of a preacher and the concept of God. He encourages preache |
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Hymn: The Holy Remnant by D.S. Warner | D.S. Warner preaches about the holy remnant gathered to the King of Peace, emphasizing the importance of finding full atonement and abundance of grace in Zion. He urges the congreg |
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Faith Illustrated by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the grandest action of a Christian's life, which is entrusting their eternal interests to Christ. The justification for this act of trust is e |
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I Will Work a Work Not Believed by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Habakkuk in the Bible. The prophet Habakkuk is in despair as he sees the wickedness and injustice in the world, and he wonders w |
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All Prayer by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord and spending quality time in prayer. He shares a personal story of a friend who dedicated hours to pray |
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The Whole Armour of God - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses various aspects of the Christian life, including witnessing, worship, and warfare. He emphasizes the importance of fathers in the household, h |
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Martha and Mary by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a strong inner life and a deep connection with God. He uses the example of Mary and Martha to illustrate this point |