Psalm 96 8

Psalm 96:8 kjv

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

Psalm 96:8 nkjv

Give to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts.

Psalm 96:8 niv

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.

Psalm 96:8 esv

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts!

Psalm 96:8 nlt

Give to the LORD the glory he deserves!
Bring your offering and come into his courts.

Psalm 96 verses

Psalm 96 8 Meaning

Psalm 96:8 commands humanity to render ultimate honor and praise to the Sovereign God, recognizing His inherent worthiness as the LORD. It calls for an active expression of worship, specifically by presenting an offering, symbolizing dedication and humility, and entering His sacred presence in the tabernacle or temple courts, indicating a personal and relational approach to the divine.

Psalm 96 8 Context

Psalm 96 is a universal hymn of praise, exhorting all the earth and the families of peoples to worship YHWH. It is part of a series of Psalms (93-100) that proclaim God's kingship and sovereignty over all creation. In the immediate context (96:7-9), the Psalm directly calls upon "families of the peoples" to acknowledge YHWH's supreme glory and strength, distinguishing Him from the powerless idols worshipped by nations. Historically, this Psalm could have been sung in post-exilic temple worship, reflecting a renewed focus on God's global dominion and His unique claim to worship, contrasting with the prevailing polytheistic cultures of the ancient Near East where numerous deities demanded tribute and honor.

Psalm 96 8 Word analysis

• Ascribe (הָבוּ - habu): This is a plural imperative verb meaning "give!" or "render!" It is a command, an active directive for all peoples to attribute or give to the LORD what is rightfully His. It signifies a conscious act of bestowing honor and recognition, not merely an internal feeling. It reflects a proactive worship that gives what is due.
• to the LORD (לַיהוָה - la'YHWH): The covenant name of God, indicating His self-existence, eternal nature, and His faithfulness to His covenant people. Attributing glory specifically to YHWH distinguishes Him unequivocally from any other claimed deity or idol. Worship is to be directed solely to Him.
• the glory (כְּבוֹד - k'vod): From the root kavod, meaning "weight," "heaviness," "substance," then by extension, "honor," "dignity," "splendor," "majesty," "reputation." It refers to God's inherent, glorious character and attributes – His power, majesty, wisdom, holiness, and goodness. This "weight" or substance of His being is what is to be acknowledged and given back to Him in praise.
• due His name (שְׁמוֹ - shemo): "His name" represents God's character, reputation, authority, and His revealed essence. It encompasses all that God is and how He has revealed Himself. The "glory due His name" means that this honor is not an optional gift but an obligation, something inherently owed to Him because of who He is and what His revealed character signifies. It implies His uniqueness and supremacy.
• bring (קְחוּ - k'chu): A plural imperative meaning "take" or "bring." In the context of an offering, it means to physically fetch or present something. This signifies a tangible act, not just mental or verbal worship. It emphasizes the active, costly nature of worship.
• an offering (מִנְחָה - minchah): Generally refers to a "gift" or "tribute," but specifically in the Levitical system, it was a grain offering (often associated with peace or thanks). While it can be a material gift, it signifies a gesture of submission, dependence, and devotion, representing one's produce or livelihood, and by extension, one's self. It symbolizes humble submission and gratitude.
• and come (וּבֹאוּ - u'vo'u): A plural imperative, "and come in" or "and enter." This is a command to draw near physically or relationally to God.
• into His courts (לְחַצְרוֹתָיו - l'chatzerotav): Refers to the courtyards of the Tabernacle or, more pertinently, the Temple in Jerusalem. These were the areas surrounding the Holy Place, accessible to the general worshippers. "Coming into His courts" signifies entering the sacred space designated for worship, seeking His presence, and participating in corporate adoration. It indicates an intentional act of drawing near to where God's presence was specifically manifested among His people.

Words-group analysis:

• Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name: This phrase is a powerful declaration and command for acknowledging God's unique sovereignty and inherent majesty. It is the theological foundation of all true worship, rooted in who God is rather than what He does. It directly contrasts with idolatry, asserting that only YHWH deserves such honor, and He inherently possesses it.
• Bring an offering and come into His courts: This segment outlines the practical, tangible means of expressing the previously commanded attribution of glory. It shifts from internal recognition to outward, communal action. The "offering" symbolizes the worshiper's dedication and dependence, while "coming into His courts" emphasizes seeking His presence, submitting to His ways, and engaging in commanded, liturgical worship within His appointed place. This pairing highlights that true worship involves both adoration and obedience, spirit and tangible action.

Psalm 96 8 Bonus section

The context of Psalm 96 suggests an eschatological anticipation of all nations ultimately coming to worship YHWH. This universal call in verse 8, though initially addressed to the "families of the peoples" (Psa 96:7), points forward to a time prophesied in many Old Testament books (e.g., Isa 2:2-4, Zec 8:20-23) when gentile nations will turn from idols and worship the true God. The New Testament sees this progressively fulfilled through the mission of the church, drawing people from every tongue and tribe to God, and ultimately consummated in the heavenly throne room (Rev 7:9-10) where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:10-11). Thus, this ancient command holds relevance for both ancient Israel and the global church, underscoring the universal nature of true worship centered on the incomparable God.

Psalm 96 8 Commentary

Psalm 96:8 encapsulates a profound essence of worship. It's a dual command: first, to recognize and declare God's inherent worth (glory due His name); second, to tangibly express that recognition through sacrifice and by drawing near to His presence. The command "Ascribe!" is forceful, not suggesting an option but stating an obligation stemming from God's identity as YHWH, the Creator and King of the universe. This "glory due His name" emphasizes His unique character, power, and holiness, setting Him apart from any earthly ruler or false deity. The latter part of the verse moves from internal acknowledgement to external action: "bring an offering" represents the tangible submission and devotion of oneself and one's possessions, signifying that true worship is never merely intellectual but also costly. "Come into His courts" signifies the desire and act of drawing near to God in His appointed place, for fellowship and communion. For believers today, while the physical temple and material offerings are fulfilled in Christ (Heb 10:1-10), the spiritual principles remain: we are to actively render praise and honor to God through Jesus, offering "spiritual sacrifices" (1 Pet 2:5) of praise, good deeds, and dedication of our lives (Rom 12:1), confidently approaching Him through the new and living way (Heb 10:19-22). This verse thus calls for an integrated worship of mind, spirit, and body.