King James Version
What Does Psalms 96:7 Mean?
“Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.”
Psalms 96:7 · KJV
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
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryGive 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.
"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
- How does this verse challenge ethnic or national pride by calling all 'kindreds of the people' to worship God?
- What does it mean practically to 'give God glory and strength' in daily life, not just in worship services?
- How should the universal scope of this call shape Christian missions and evangelism?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsהָב֥וּ1 of 8
“Give”
H3051to 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”
H4940a 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”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הָב֥וּ5 of 8
“Give”
H3051to 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”
H3519properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
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