King James Version

What Does Psalms 67:3 Mean?

Psalms 67:3 in the King James Version says “Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 67 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

Psalms 67:3 · KJV


Context

1

To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song. God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. upon: Heb. with

2

That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.

3

Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

4

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. govern: Heb. lead

5

Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The refrain 'Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee' emphasizes universal worship as God's ultimate purpose for creation. The repetition underscores urgency and comprehensiveness—not some peoples, but ALL peoples. This anticipates the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and Revelation's vision of every tribe, tongue, and nation worshiping the Lamb. God's glory among all nations is not an optional addendum but central to His redemptive plan.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 67 expands on the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26), praying that God's blessing on Israel would result in all nations knowing and praising Him. This missionary vision was present even in the Old Testament, though fully revealed in the New.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your personal worship connect to God's global purposes for all peoples?
  2. In what ways are you participating in God's mission to see all nations praise Him?
  3. What barriers—cultural, linguistic, or personal—might hinder your enthusiasm for seeing all peoples worship God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
י֝וֹד֗וּךָ1 of 6

praise

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

עַמִּ֥ים2 of 6

Let the people

H5971

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

אֱלֹהִ֑ים3 of 6

thee O 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

י֝וֹד֗וּךָ4 of 6

praise

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

עַמִּ֥ים5 of 6

Let the people

H5971

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

כֻּלָּֽם׃6 of 6
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)


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 67:3 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 67:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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