King James Version

What Does Psalms 85:1 Mean?

Psalms 85:1 in the King James Version says “To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought b...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 85 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. for the sons: or, of the sons favourable: or, well pleased”

Psalms 85:1 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. for the sons: or, of the sons favourable: or, well pleased

2

Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.

3

Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger. thyself: or, thine anger from waxing hot

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalm celebrates restoration: "LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob" (Hebrew ratzita YHWH artzekha shavta sh-vut Ya-aqov). "Favourable" (Hebrew ratzah) indicates acceptance, pleasure—God's face shining again. "Brought back captivity" describes return from exile. The possessive "thy land" reminds that Canaan is God's gift. The verse celebrates when God turns from judgment to mercy, ending discipline and restoring relationship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This psalm likely celebrates return from Babylonian exile (538 BC under Cyrus's decree, Ezra 1-2). The "captivity of Jacob" is covenant language—God remains faithful to patriarchal promises despite Israel's unfaithfulness. Jeremiah 29:10-14 prophesied this: after seventy years, God would restore. The return wasn't merely political but theological—God's favor returning after judgment. Christ's work accomplishes ultimate return from sin's exile.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced God "bringing back captivity"—restoring what sin or consequences destroyed?
  2. What does God being "favourable" after discipline teach about His character and covenant love?
  3. How does Christ accomplish the ultimate return from exile, bringing believers from sin's captivity to God's favor?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
רָצִ֣יתָ1 of 6

“thou hast been favourable”

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

יְהוָ֣ה2 of 6

“LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אַרְצֶ֑ךָ3 of 6

“unto thy land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שַׁ֝֗בְתָּ4 of 6

“thou hast brought back”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

שְׁבִ֣ות5 of 6

“the captivity”

H7622

exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity

יַעֲקֹֽב׃6 of 6

“of Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

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 85:1 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 85:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 14:7Jeremiah 30:18Ezekiel 39:25Psalms 77:7Psalms 42:1Psalms 126:1-2

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