King James Version

What Does Psalms 106:47 Mean?

Psalms 106:47 in the King James Version says “Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 106 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.”

Psalms 106:47 · KJV

Salvation

Context

45

And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

46

He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.

47

Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.

48

Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD. Praise: Heb. Hallelujah

Read Psalms 106 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse is a corporate prayer for restoration, revealing the context of dispersion among the nations. 'Save us, O LORD our God' acknowledges dependence on divine intervention for deliverance. 'Gather us from among the heathen' indicates the people are scattered, likely during or after exile. The purpose of gathering is twofold: 'to give thanks unto thy holy name' and 'to triumph in thy praise.' The word 'triumph' suggests joyful celebration and boasting in God. This prayer recognizes that true worship requires restoration to covenant relationship and community. The phrase 'thy holy name' emphasizes God's set-apart character - He is holy even when His people are not. The ultimate goal of salvation is not merely personal happiness but corporate worship and testimony to God's glory.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse strongly suggests a post-exilic context, likely during or after the Babylonian captivity (586-538 BC) when Jews were scattered throughout the ancient Near East. Following the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, Jewish communities existed in Babylon, Egypt, and throughout the Persian Empire. The prayer for gathering echoes prophetic promises in Deuteronomy 30:1-5, Jeremiah 29:14, and Ezekiel 36:24, where God promised to regather dispersed Israel. The return under Ezra and Nehemiah represented a partial fulfillment, though complete restoration remained (and remains) future. This verse would have been particularly meaningful during the Second Temple period as the Jewish community sought to rebuild their identity while still under foreign domination. The longing for gathering to worship reflects the centralized worship system established in Deuteronomy, where Israel was to worship at the place God chose.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the relationship between physical gathering and spiritual restoration in this prayer?
  2. How does scattering among the nations serve as both judgment and opportunity for witness to God's name?
  3. Why is giving thanks to God's 'holy name' emphasized as the purpose of gathering?
  4. In what ways does this corporate prayer challenge individualistic approaches to faith and salvation?
  5. How might this longing for gathering and corporate worship inform Christian understanding of the church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
הוֹשִׁיעֵ֨נוּ׀1 of 11

“Save”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

יְה֘וָ֤ה2 of 11

“us O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ3 of 11

“our God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְקַבְּצֵנוּ֮4 of 11

“and gather”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

מִֽן5 of 11
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַגּ֫וֹיִ֥ם6 of 11

“us from among the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

לְ֭הֹדוֹת7 of 11

“to give thanks”

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

לְשֵׁ֣ם8 of 11

“name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

קָדְשֶׁ֑ךָ9 of 11

“unto thy holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לְ֝הִשְׁתַּבֵּ֗חַ10 of 11

“and to triumph”

H7623

properly, to address in a loud tone, i.e., (specifically) loud

בִּתְהִלָּתֶֽךָ׃11 of 11

“in thy praise”

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 106:47 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 106:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 16:35-362 Corinthians 2:14Revelation 7:10-12Ezekiel 36:24-28Psalms 107:1-3Psalms 14:7

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 106 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 106 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes