New English Translation
Psalms 87:6
6The Lord writes in the census book of the nations, “This one was born there.” (Selah)
Psalms 87:6 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.
- New International Version (NIV)The Lord will write in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.”
- English Standard Version (ESV)The Lord records as he registers the peoples, "This one was born there." Selah
- New King James Version (NKJV)The Lord will record, When He registers the peoples: “This one was born there.” Selah
Context of Psalms 87:6
4I mention Rahab and Babylon to my followers. Here are Philistia and Tyre, along with Ethiopia. It is said of them, “This one was born there.” 5But it is said of Zion’s residents, “Each one of these was born in her, and the sovereign One makes her secure.” The Lord writes in the census book of the nations, “This one was born there.” (Selah) 7As for the singers, as well as the pipers – all of them sing within your walls.
Read all of Psalms 87Psalms 87:6 word by word
יְֽהוָ֗ה יִ֭סְפֹּר בִּכְת֣וֹב עַמִּ֑ים זֶ֖ה יֻלַּד־שָׁ֣ם סֶֽלָה׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Psalms 87:6
- Psalms 22:30A whole generation will serve him; they will tell the next generation about the sovereign Lord.
- Isaiah 4:3Those remaining in Zion, those left in Jerusalem, will be called “holy,” all in Jerusalem who are destined to live.
- Ezekiel 9:4The Lord said to him, “Go through the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of the people who moan and groan over all the abominations practiced in it.”
- Ezekiel 13:9My hand will be against the prophets who see delusion and announce lying omens. They will not be included in the council of my people, nor be written in the registry of the house of Israel, nor enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the sovereign Lord.
- Luke 10:20Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names stand written in heaven.”
- Philippians 4:3Yes, I say also to you, true companion, help them. They have struggled together in the gospel ministry along with me and Clement and my other coworkers, whose names are in the book of life.
- Revelation 13:8and all those who live on the earth will worship the beast, everyone whose name has not been written since the foundation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was killed.
- Jeremiah 3:19“I thought to myself, ‘Oh what a joy it would be for me to treat you like a son! What a joy it would be for me to give you a pleasant land, the most beautiful piece of property there is in all the world!’ I thought you would call me, ‘Father’ and would never cease being loyal to me.
- Galatians 4:26But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.
- Revelation 20:15If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, that person was thrown into the lake of fire.
Commentaries on Psalms 87:6
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 6The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people - עמים בכתוב bichthob ammim, in the register of the people. When he takes account of those who dwell in Jerusalem, he will particularly note those who were born in Zion. This has an easy spiritual meaning. When God takes an account of all professing Christians, he will set apart those for inhabitants of the New Jerusalem who were born in Zion, who were born again, received a new nature, and were fitted…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 6The Lord shall count - That is, God himself will honor those who are so born. In the previous verse, the effect of such a birth was described as securing honor from human beings. Here a higher honor is adverted to - that which will be derived from God himself. When he writeth up the people - The word rendered “people” here is in the plural number. At the time of making an enrollment of the people, or taking an account or a census of the nations, he…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 4-7Verses 4-7 The church of Christ is more glorious and excellent than the nations of the earth. In the records of heaven, the meanest of those who are born again stand registered. When God renders to every man according to his works, he shall observe who enjoyed the privileges of his sanctuary. To them much was given, and of them much will be required. Let those that dwell in Zion, mark this, and live up to their profession. Zion's songs shall be sung with…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 5-6Jerusalem becomes the international city where all God’s children are citizens.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 66. The same idea is set forth under the figure of a register made by God (compare Is 4:3).Read the comment
Topics related to Psalms 87:6
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Psalms 87
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- The Treasury of David
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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