Psalm 67 5

Psalm 67:5 kjv

Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

Psalm 67:5 nkjv

Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You.

Psalm 67:5 niv

May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.

Psalm 67:5 esv

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!

Psalm 67:5 nlt

May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you.

Psalm 67 verses

Psalm 67 5 Meaning

Psalm 67:5 is a fervent prayer and declarative wish that all the peoples of the earth might praise God. It underscores a profound longing for universal acknowledgment of God's benevolent and righteous rule, serving as a pivotal statement about God's desire for global worship and recognition, building on the idea that divine blessing upon Israel leads to the revelation of God's salvation to the nations. The repetition emphasizes the urgency and comprehensive scope of this global praise.

Psalm 67 5 Context

Psalm 67 is a communal song of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving, often associated with harvest festivals. The immediate context of the chapter begins with a request for God to be gracious to Israel and bless them (v. 1). However, this blessing is not an end in itself; its explicit purpose is that God's "way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations" (v. 2). This sets up the global vision that culminates in verse 5. The psalm envisions a ripple effect: God blesses His people, so that the world might recognize Him and join in praise. Historically, this psalm reflects Israel's unique role as God's chosen people, not for their own exclusive benefit, but as a vessel through whom divine truth and salvation would extend to the wider world. It also contrasts with the common limited deities of surrounding cultures, asserting the universal sovereignty and benevolence of the God of Israel.

Psalm 67 5 Word analysis

• Let (יְהוֹדוּךָ - yeho-duka): This is from the Hiphil imperfect of the root יָדָה (yadah), which means "to praise," "to thank," "to confess," "to give thanks." The Hiphil here suggests "causing to praise" or "let them praise." It conveys a strong volitional desire, an imperative of longing or a command, implying an active and heartfelt acknowledgement rather than mere lip service.
• the peoples ('ammim): This plural form (עַמִּים) refers to all the distinct ethnic groups, nations, or tribes. Crucially, it specifically implies Gentiles, those outside the covenant community of Israel. This term emphasizes the universal scope, contrasting with any narrow, nationalistic understanding of God's work.
• praise (יְהוֹדוּךָ - yeho-duka): The repetition of this verb strengthens the fervor of the desire and emphasizes the central action called for. It indicates deep, worshipful acknowledgement.
• O God (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim): While a general Hebrew term for God, in this context, it unequivocally refers to Yahweh, the God of Israel, the covenant God who acts in salvation and righteousness for all. Its use here reinforces the singular identity of the true God.
• all (כֻּלָּם - kullam): This intensifier means "all of them," or "everyone." Coupled with "the peoples," it eliminates any ambiguity regarding the global, comprehensive nature of the desired praise. No nation or group is to be excluded.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Let the peoples praise you: This opening phrase is a plea for the recognition of God by all nations. It is a missionary cry, expressing the purpose of Israel's existence—to bring glory to God among the Gentile nations. It reflects God's heart for all humanity.
• O God: Direct address to the Lord, reaffirming the divine recipient of this universal praise. It connects the action of the nations directly to the One true God of Israel.
• let all the peoples praise you!: This repetition acts as a strong literary device, reinforcing the emphasis, intensity, and universality of the prayer. It solidifies the idea that not merely some, but every single nation is intended to participate in this adoration and acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and goodness. It underlines the climax of the psalm's global vision.

Psalm 67 5 Bonus section

This verse forms the spiritual core of what is often referred to as a "missionary psalm." It underscores a profound missional impulse rooted deeply in the Old Testament, centuries before the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ. The "Hallel" Psalms (113-118) and other passages (e.g., Ps 117, Isa 49:6) similarly speak of a future universal praise. Psalm 67:5 functions as a prophetic prayer, looking forward to a time when God's kingdom truly impacts every facet of human society globally, transforming sorrow into songs of praise. The psalmist's longing here reflects the very heart of God revealed throughout the biblical narrative, culminating in the New Testament's fulfillment of bringing all peoples into Christ.

Psalm 67 5 Commentary

Psalm 67:5 encapsulates a foundational truth about God's redemptive plan: His ultimate desire is to be universally acknowledged and worshiped by every tribe and tongue. It portrays a theological shift from a purely national focus to a global vision, illustrating that Israel's unique blessings are not an end in themselves, but a means by which God's saving power is demonstrated to "all the peoples." This verse transforms the initial request for blessings upon Israel (v. 1) into a missionary anthem. It highlights God's benevolent rule over all nations, which leads to universal praise because His governance is just and righteous (v. 4). The call for "all the peoples" to praise God implies a future state where every culture and ethnic group, recognizing God's ways and salvation, will willingly and joyfully offer Him adoration. This verse reminds believers that their blessed state is tied to the larger purpose of drawing others to God.

For instance, practically, this encourages believers to:

• Pray fervently for the nations, desiring their salvation and worship of God.
• Live in such a way that God's light shines through them, attracting others to His glory.
• Support efforts that bring the knowledge of God to unreached peoples, fulfilling this ancient prayer.