King James Version

What Does Psalms 87:3 Mean?

Psalms 87:3 in the King James Version says “Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 87 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.”

Psalms 87:3 · KJV

Context

1

A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah. His foundation is in the holy mountains. for the sons: or, of the sons

2

The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

3

Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.

4

I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.

5

And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. This verse celebrates Zion's unique identity and the wonderful declarations made about God's chosen city. The address shifts from third person to direct second person—the psalmist now speaks to Zion itself, personalizing the city.

"Glorious things" (נִכְבָּדוֹת/nikkbadot) comes from kavod, meaning weight, honor, glory, splendor. Nikkbadot (glorious things, honorable matters) emphasizes exceptional worth and magnificence. These aren't ordinary statements but declarations of profound significance and beauty.

"Are spoken" (מְדֻבָּר/medubar) is passive participle—these glorious things are being spoken, continuously proclaimed. Present tense suggests ongoing witness: in temple worship, prophetic oracles, pilgrim songs, and personal testimony, glorious truths about Zion are constantly declared. The city itself becomes subject of divine revelation.

"O city of God" (עִיר הָאֱלֹהִים/ir ha'Elohim) identifies Zion's essential character—not merely David's capital or Israel's political center but God's city. Elohim (God) emphasizes divine ownership and presence. Psalm 46:4 proclaims: "There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High."

"Selah" (סֶלָה/selah) appears here and at verse 6, providing musical or liturgical pause for reflection. Its exact meaning is uncertain, but it likely signals a moment to contemplate what has been declared. After proclaiming glorious things about God's city, worshipers should pause to meditate on these truths.

The following verses (4-6) specify some of these glorious things: Gentile nations will be counted as citizens of Zion, the Most High Himself establishes the city, and God keeps a register of peoples. These revolutionary truths transcend ethnic and geographic boundaries, pointing toward the gospel's universal reach.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, cities were praised through royal inscriptions and commemorative texts. Babylon, Nineveh, Thebes—all had propagandistic literature celebrating their grandeur, military victories, and divine favor. These 'glorious things' served political purposes, magnifying rulers and intimidating enemies.

Psalm 87's 'glorious things' differ fundamentally. They're not self-promotion or military boasting but theological truths about God's purposes. The glory belongs not to Jerusalem's fortifications, army, or wealth but to God's presence and redemptive purposes. The 'glorious things' concern God's plan to include all nations in His city—radical inclusivity shocking to ancient nationalism.

Prophetic literature amplifies these glorious declarations. Isaiah 2:2-3 envisions nations streaming to Zion to learn God's ways. Isaiah 60 describes Gentiles bringing tribute and worshiping Yahweh. Zechariah 8:20-23 prophesies many peoples seeking the LORD in Jerusalem. These visions, impossible in their original context, begin fulfillment in the church.

Early Christians identified the church as fulfillment of Zion promises. Hebrews 12:22-24 declares: 'But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn.' Revelation 21-22 describes the New Jerusalem descending from heaven—ultimate fulfillment of Zion's glorious destiny. The 'glorious things' spoken of Zion find ultimate expression in God's eternal city where nations bring their glory and honor (Revelation 21:24-26).

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific 'glorious things' does Scripture declare about Zion/the church, and how do these differ from worldly cities' self-glorification?
  2. How does the New Testament's identification of the church as 'Zion' help us understand our identity and calling as God's people?
  3. In what ways should believers today proclaim 'glorious things' about God's city (the church), and how do we avoid triumphalism while celebrating God's purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
נִ֭כְבָּדוֹת1 of 6

“Glorious things”

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

מְדֻבָּ֣ר2 of 6

“are spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בָּ֑ךְ3 of 6
H0
עִ֖יר4 of 6

“of thee O city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הָאֱלֹהִ֣ים5 of 6

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

סֶֽלָה׃6 of 6

“Selah”

H5542

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

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 87:3 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 87:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 37:27-28Ezekiel 36:11-38Revelation 21:10-27Psalms 48:2-3Revelation 14:1Jeremiah 31:12-13

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