King James Version

What Does Psalms 87:5 Mean?

Psalms 87:5 in the King James Version says “And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 87 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 87:5 · KJV

Context

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.

6

The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.

7

As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.

Read Psalms 87 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. This verse presents the stunning declaration that people from various nations will be considered native-born citizens of Zion, with God Himself guaranteeing this status. This represents one of Scripture's clearest Old Testament prophecies of universal gospel inclusion.

"And of Zion it shall be said" (וּלְצִיּוֹן יֵאָמַר/ul'Tziyon yei'amer) introduces prophetic declaration. The passive voice "shall be said" indicates divine decree—this isn't human wishful thinking but God's ordained future. What is spoken about Zion comes from divine authority.

"This and that man was born in her" (אִישׁ וָאִישׁ יֻלַּד־בָּהּ/ish va'ish yulad-bah) literally reads "man and man was born in her." The repetition "man and man" suggests many individuals, various persons, people from diverse backgrounds. Yulad (was born) emphasizes native citizenship—not converts or immigrants but those counted as born in Zion. Ancient citizenship was typically determined by birth; this verse extends that birthright to Gentiles.

The previous verse (not in our selection) names specific nations: Egypt (Rahab), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia—representing enemies and distant peoples. That these hostile nations would be registered as Zion-born is revolutionary. Imagine Israelites hearing that Babylonians (who destroyed Jerusalem) would be counted as natives of God's city!

"And the highest himself shall establish her" (וְהוּא יְכוֹנְנֶהָ עֶלְיוֹן/vehu yekhonneha Elyon) provides the guarantee. Elyon (the Highest, Most High) emphasizes God's supremacy over all nations and powers. Yekhonneha (shall establish, make firm, secure) promises divine action to accomplish this. God Himself will establish Zion as the multi-national city where all peoples find citizenship. This isn't Israel's political achievement but God's gracious work.

Theologically, this anticipates the gospel mystery revealed in Ephesians 2:11-22: Gentiles, once 'aliens from the commonwealth of Israel,' are now 'fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.' Through Christ, people from every nation become native-born citizens of God's kingdom, 'born again' (John 3:3-7) into God's family.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures maintained strict ethnic and religious boundaries. Citizenship derived from birth, and foreigners remained outsiders regardless of residence duration. Some nations practiced absolute xenophobia; others allowed limited rights to resident aliens but never full citizenship. Against this background, Psalm 87's vision is revolutionary—foreigners not merely tolerated but registered as native-born.

Old Testament law provided for resident aliens (ger) who could worship Yahweh but maintained distinction from native Israelites. Proselyte conversion was possible but complex, and even converts faced some social barriers. That hostile nations like Egypt and Babylon would be counted as Zion-born seemed impossible.

The exile forced Israel to reconsider their relationship with nations. Living in Babylon and Persia, Jews encountered God's sovereignty over all peoples. Prophets like Jonah and Isaiah declared God's concern for Gentiles. Yet the expectation remained that Gentiles must come to Jerusalem and essentially become Jewish to worship Yahweh.

Jesus's ministry began breaking these barriers: healing the centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-13), the Syrophoenician woman's daughter (Mark 7:24-30), the Samaritan woman (John 4), and declaring that many from east and west would sit with Abraham in the kingdom (Matthew 8:11). His commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19) initiates Psalm 87's fulfillment.

Acts records the early church's struggle to understand Gentile inclusion. Peter's vision (Acts 10), the Jerusalem council (Acts 15), and Paul's ministry among Gentiles gradually revealed what Psalm 87 prophesied: through Christ's cross, God creates 'one new man' (Ephesians 2:15) where national, ethnic, and social barriers dissolve. All believers are 'born again' into God's family, native-born citizens of Zion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the concept of being 'born in Zion' help us understand what it means to be 'born again' in the New Testament?
  2. What barriers and prejudices must we overcome to fully embrace that believers from every nation are equally native-born citizens of God's kingdom?
  3. How does God's promise to 'establish' this multinational Zion give us confidence in the church's future despite current divisions and challenges?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וּֽלֲצִיּ֨וֹן׀1 of 9

“And of Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

יֵאָמַ֗ר2 of 9

“it shall be said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וְ֭אִישׁ3 of 9

“This and that man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְ֭אִישׁ4 of 9

“This and that man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יֻלַּד5 of 9

“was born”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

בָּ֑הּ6 of 9
H0
וְה֖וּא7 of 9
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יְכוֹנְנֶ֣הָ8 of 9

“himself shall establish”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

עֶלְיֽוֹן׃9 of 9

“in her and the highest”

H5945

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

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 87:5 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 87:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 3:26-281 Peter 1:23-24Romans 8:31Ezekiel 48:35John 3:3-5John 1:12-14

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Psalms 87 →

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