King James Version

What Does Psalms 68:27 Mean?

Psalms 68:27 in the King James Version says “There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 68 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali. and their: or, with their company”

Psalms 68:27 · KJV

Context

25

The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.

26

Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel. from: or, ye that are of the fountain of Israel

27

There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali. and their: or, with their company

28

Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.

29

Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.

Read Psalms 68 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The listing of tribes—little Benjamin leading, princes of Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali—represents all Israel unified in worship. Benjamin, smallest yet leading, shows God's delight in elevating the humble. Judah's prominence anticipates Messiah's royal lineage. Including northern tribes (Zebulun, Naphtali) emphasizes unity despite later divisions. This diverse yet unified assembly foreshadows the church gathered from all nations (Revelation 7:9).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These tribes represented different regions and historical roles. Benjamin was small, Judah held royal leadership, while Zebulun and Naphtali were northern. Their joint worship demonstrated covenant unity transcending tribal differences.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the church's diversity strengthen rather than fragment its worship and witness?
  2. What 'tribal' differences (denominational, cultural, generational) must be transcended for genuine unity?
  3. In what ways does God intentionally elevate the 'little' and humble in His kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
שָׁ֤ם1 of 11
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

בִּנְיָמִ֨ן׀2 of 11

“Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

צָעִ֡יר3 of 11

“There is little”

H6810

little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble

רֹדֵ֗ם4 of 11

“with their ruler”

H7287

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

שָׂרֵ֥י5 of 11

“and the princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

יְ֭הוּדָה6 of 11

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

רִגְמָתָ֑ם7 of 11

“and their council”

H7277

a pile (of stones), i.e., (figuratively) a throng

שָׂרֵ֥י8 of 11

“and the princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

זְ֝בֻל֗וּן9 of 11

“of Zebulun”

H2074

zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe

שָׂרֵ֥י10 of 11

“and the princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

נַפְתָּלִֽי׃11 of 11

“of Naphtali”

H5321

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

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 68:27 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 68:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 9:21Judges 5:18Isaiah 11:131 Chronicles 12:291 Chronicles 15:31 Chronicles 27:12

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 68 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 68 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes