Psalms 118:27 (KJV)

What does Psalms 118:27 mean?

Psalms 118:27 says that God, who is the LORD, has given light or guidance to the people, and calls for the sacrifice to be bound with cords and brought to the altar. The verse combines a celebration of God's revelation with a call to worship through a formal offering.

In this psalm, the speaker is likely a leader or worshipper addressing the gathered people during a festival or public worship. The "light" refers to God's favor, guidance, or deliverance. The instruction to "bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar" is a vivid image from the temple, describing the act of securing an animal offering to the altar's horns—an essential part of Old Testament worship.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 118:27

• LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing God's covenant relationship with Israel.
• light (אוֹר, 'or): This word often means illumination, guidance, or blessing. Here, it likely points to God's saving help or presence.
• bind (אָסַר, 'asar): This verb means to tie or secure, highlighting the physical act of preparing the sacrifice.
• horns (קֶרֶן, qeren) and altar (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): The "horns of the altar" were projections at the altar's corners, used in rituals for securing sacrifices, showing the seriousness and formality of the worship.

Why Psalms 118:27 matters

• This verse clears up that "light" here is not just physical brightness but a symbol of God's saving presence and guidance.
• The detailed mention of binding the sacrifice to the altar's horns shows the seriousness and completeness of the act of worship, not just a casual offering.
• Psalms 118:27 ties together the themes of God's deliverance and the people's grateful response, connecting the experience of salvation with the practice of worship in the temple.