King James Version

What Does Psalms 47:9 Mean?

Psalms 47:9 in the King James Version says “The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth bel... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted. princes: or, voluntary of the people are gathered unto the people of the God of Abraham

Psalms 47:9 · KJV


Context

7

For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. with: or, every one that hath

8

God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

9

The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted. princes: or, voluntary of the people are gathered unto the people of the God of Abraham


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The universal gathering: 'The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham.' Foreign princes join Abraham's people in worship--the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise that 'all families of the earth shall be blessed.' 'The shields of the earth belong unto God' indicates all protectors/rulers acknowledge Him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse anticipates Gentile inclusion in God's people, a theme developed in Isaiah and fulfilled in the church. The 'shields' representing rulers acknowledges that all authority ultimately derives from God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is this vision of universal worship being fulfilled in the church?
  2. What does it mean that 'the shields of the earth belong unto God'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
נְדִ֘יבֵ֤י1 of 12

The princes

H5081

properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)

עַם֮2 of 12

even the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

נֶאֱסָ֗פוּ3 of 12

are gathered together

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

עַם֮4 of 12

even the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לֵֽ֭אלֹהִים5 of 12

belong unto 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

אַבְרָ֫הָ֥ם6 of 12

of Abraham

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

כִּ֣י7 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֵֽ֭אלֹהִים8 of 12

belong unto 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

מָֽגִנֵּי9 of 12

for the shields

H4043

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

אֶ֗רֶץ10 of 12

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מְאֹ֣ד11 of 12

he is greatly

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

נַעֲלָֽה׃12 of 12

exalted

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative


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 47:9 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 47:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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