Psalm 87

Zion, the City of God

A psalm of the sons of Korah. A song.

The city he founded[a] is on the holy mountains.(A)
The Lord loves Zion’s city gates
more than all the dwellings of Jacob.(B)
Glorious things are said about you,
city of God.(C)Selah

“I will make a record of those who know me:
Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush—
each one was born there.”(D)
And it will be said of Zion,
“This one and that one were born in her.”
The Most High himself will establish her.(E)
When he registers the peoples,
the Lord will record,
“This one was born there.”(F)Selah
Singers and dancers[b] alike will say,[c]
“My whole source of joy is[d] in you.”(G)

Footnotes

  1. 87:1 Lit His foundation
  2. 87:7 Or musicians
  3. 87:7 Or As they dance they will sing
  4. 87:7 Lit “All my springs are

Psalm 87

Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. A song.

He has founded his city on the holy mountain.(A)
The Lord loves the gates of Zion(B)
    more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.

Glorious things are said of you,
    city of God:[a](C)
“I will record Rahab[b](D) and Babylon
    among those who acknowledge me—
Philistia(E) too, and Tyre(F), along with Cush[c]
    and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”[d](G)
Indeed, of Zion it will be said,
    “This one and that one were born in her,
    and the Most High himself will establish her.”
The Lord will write in the register(H) of the peoples:
    “This one was born in Zion.”

As they make music(I) they will sing,
    “All my fountains(J) are in you.”

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 87:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 6.
  2. Psalm 87:4 A poetic name for Egypt
  3. Psalm 87:4 That is, the upper Nile region
  4. Psalm 87:4 Or “I will record concerning those who acknowledge me: / ‘This one was born in Zion.’ / Hear this, Rahab and Babylon, / and you too, Philistia, Tyre and Cush.”