King James Version

What Does Psalms 81:5 Mean?

Psalms 81:5 in the King James Version says “This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 81 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not. through: or, against”

Psalms 81:5 · KJV

Context

3

Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.

4

For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.

5

This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not. through: or, against

6

I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots. were: Heb. passed away

7

Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah. Meribah: or, Strife

Read Psalms 81 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony (עֵדוּת בִּיהוֹסֵף שָׂמוֹ)—Edut (testimony, witness) often refers to the tablets of the Law (Exodus 25:16). Joseph here represents the entire nation descended from Jacob, particularly Ephraim (Joseph's son), the leading northern tribe. When he went out through the land of Egypt recalls the Exodus.

Where I heard a language that I understood not—Israel's oppression under Egyptian taskmasters speaking a foreign tongue. The sudden shift to first person ('I heard') may represent the psalmist identifying with Israel's slavery, or it introduces God's direct speech (continuing through v. 16). This festival testimony ensured each generation would know the bitterness of slavery and sweetness of redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Joseph's descent to Egypt (Genesis 37-50) providentially positioned Israel for 430 years in a foreign land (Exodus 12:40-41). The Egyptian language and culture were utterly alien to Hebrew shepherds. The Passover and other festivals were established as perpetual memorials (edut) so Israelites would tell their children 'what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt' (Exodus 13:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does remembering past seasons of 'Egyptian bondage' (spiritual slavery, pre-conversion life) strengthen present faithfulness?
  2. Why does God establish testimonies and memorials rather than trusting each generation to maintain spiritual fervor independently?
  3. What 'strange language' (worldly philosophy, cultural pressure) threatens to drown out God's clear voice today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
עֵ֤דוּת׀1 of 11

“for a testimony”

H5715

testimony

בִּֽיה֘וֹסֵ֤ף2 of 11

“in Joseph”

H3084

jehoseph (i.e., joseph), a son of jacob

שָׂמ֗וֹ3 of 11

“This he ordained”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

בְּ֭צֵאתוֹ4 of 11

“when he went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

עַל5 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֶ֣רֶץ6 of 11

“through the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָ֑יִם7 of 11

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

שְׂפַ֖ת8 of 11

“a language”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

לֹא9 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדַ֣עְתִּי10 of 11

“that I understood”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶשְׁמָֽע׃11 of 11

“where I heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

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 81:5 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 81:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 114:11 Corinthians 14:21-22Jeremiah 5:15Deuteronomy 28:49Exodus 13:8-9Isaiah 28:11

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Psalms 81 →

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