King James Version
Psalms 81:8 in the King James Version says “Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 81 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;”
Psalms 81:8 · KJV
I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots. were: Heb. passed away
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
Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;
There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.
I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Hear”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
“O my people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
“and I will testify”
H5749to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)
“unto thee O Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
“Hear”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
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.
Psalms 81:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Psalms 81:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge