King James Version

What Does Psalms 86:9 Mean?

Psalms 86:9 in the King James Version says “All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 86 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.”

Psalms 86:9 · KJV

Context

7

In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.

8

Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.

9

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

10

For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

11

Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. This prophetic vision of universal worship transitions from God's present incomparability (verse 8) to His future recognition by all peoples. The phrase all nations whom thou hast made emphasizes God's sovereignty as Creator over all peoples, not just Israel—His creative act establishes His claim to universal worship.

The verbs shall come and shall worship express confident futurity—David foresees inevitable recognition of Yahweh's supremacy by all peoples. Hishtachavah (הִשְׁתַּחֲוָה, worship) means to bow down or prostrate, indicating complete submission. This universal worship fulfills God's original promise to Abraham that "all nations on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3).

The ultimate fulfillment appears in Revelation's vision: "All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed" (Revelation 15:4). Christ's Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) initiates this ingathering, as the gospel goes to all peoples. David's prayer anticipates the missionary expansion of the church and the eschatological consummation when every knee bows to Christ (Philippians 2:10-11).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse reflects developing Old Testament eschatology anticipating Gentile inclusion in worship of Israel's God. Isaiah, Micah, and Zechariah elaborate this vision of nations streaming to Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-4, 56:6-7; Micah 4:1-3; Zechariah 8:20-23). Jesus's ministry to Gentiles and the early church's mission to the nations began fulfilling this prophecy, with ultimate completion awaiting Christ's return when every nation acknowledges God's glory.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the vision of all nations worshiping God motivate your involvement in evangelism and missions?
  2. What does God's patience in awaiting universal recognition teach about His character and redemptive plan?
  3. How can you participate now in the worship that will one day include every people group on earth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כָּל1 of 10
H3605

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

גּוֹיִ֤ם׀2 of 10

“All nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁ֥ר3 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשִׂ֗יתָ4 of 10

“whom thou hast made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יָב֤וֹאוּ׀5 of 10

“shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְיִשְׁתַּחֲו֣וּ6 of 10

“and worship”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לְפָנֶ֣יךָ7 of 10

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֲדֹנָ֑י8 of 10

“thee O Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

וִֽיכַבְּד֣וּ9 of 10

“and shall glorify”

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

לִשְׁמֶֽךָ׃10 of 10

“thy name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

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 86:9 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 86:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 15:4Isaiah 66:23Psalms 66:4Revelation 11:15Isaiah 2:2-4Psalms 102:15

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