King James Version

What Does Psalms 96:7 Mean?

Psalms 96:7 in the King James Version says “Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 96 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.”

Psalms 96:7 · KJV

Strength

Context

5

For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

6

Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7

Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

8

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. due: Heb. of his name

9

O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. in the: or, in the glorious sanctuary

Read Psalms 96 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. The psalm shifts from description (vv. 4-6) to exhortation: "Give unto the LORD" (havu la-Yahweh, הָבוּ לַיהוָה) is repeated three times (here twice, again in v. 8), creating liturgical rhythm. "Give" (yahav, יָהַב) means to offer, ascribe, or attribute. We don't give God glory He lacks but acknowledge the glory He possesses.

"O ye kindreds of the people" (mishpechot ammim, מִשְׁפְּחוֹת עַמִּים) addresses family groups, clans, tribes, and nations—the whole human family. The plural "peoples" indicates all ethnic groups, not just Israel. This universal scope anticipates the Great Commission: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matthew 28:19) and Revelation's vision: "a great multitude...of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" worshiping God (Revelation 7:9).

"Glory and strength" (kavod va-oz, כָּבוֹד וָעֹז) are the attributes to be ascribed. Kavod (כָּבוֹד) means weightiness, significance, honor, and glory—God's inherent worth. Oz (עֹז) means strength and might. To give God glory and strength is to publicly acknowledge His supreme worth and power, refusing to attribute these to idols, humans, or chance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This universal call to worship transcends Israel's particular covenant while fulfilling it. God's covenant with Abraham promised blessing to all nations through his seed (Genesis 12:3; 22:18), ultimately fulfilled in Christ. The prophets envisioned all nations streaming to Zion to worship (Isaiah 2:2-3; 56:6-7; Micah 4:1-2). Psalm 96's missionary vision shaped early Christian understanding that the gospel must go to all peoples. Paul's mission to Gentiles and the Jerusalem Council's inclusion of non-Jews (Acts 15) enacted this psalm's call.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge ethnic or national pride by calling all 'kindreds of the people' to worship God?
  2. What does it mean practically to 'give God glory and strength' in daily life, not just in worship services?
  3. How should the universal scope of this call shape Christian missions and evangelism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הָב֥וּ1 of 8

“Give”

H3051

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come

לַ֝יהוָ֗ה2 of 8

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

מִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת3 of 8

“O ye kindreds”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

עַמִּ֑ים4 of 8

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָב֥וּ5 of 8

“Give”

H3051

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come

לַ֝יהוָ֗ה6 of 8

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

כָּב֥וֹד7 of 8

“glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

וָעֹֽז׃8 of 8

“and strength”

H5797

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

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 96:7 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 96:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 19:1Matthew 6:131 Chronicles 29:11-13Revelation 5:9Psalms 22:27Revelation 7:12

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 96 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 96 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes