Psalms 22:27 (KJV)

What does Psalms 22:27 mean?

Psalms 22:27 says that people from every part of the earth will remember God, turn back to Him, and worship Him. The verse pictures a time when all families and nations will come before the LORD in worship, not just Israel.

This verse is spoken by David, who is expressing hope and confidence that God's goodness will be recognized by all people, not just his own nation. In the context of the psalm, which begins with deep suffering, this line marks a shift to hope and a vision of worldwide acknowledgment of God. It shows a movement from personal pain to a universal promise.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 22:27

• "ends" (אַפְסֵי, afsei): This word points to the farthest reaches or extremities, emphasizing that no place is too distant to be included in this vision.
• "world" (אֶרֶץ, erets): Often translated as "earth" or "land," this word here means the whole inhabited world, not just Israel’s territory.
• "kindreds" (מִשְׁפְּחוֹת, mishpechot): This term means families or clans, highlighting that every family group, not just nations as political entities, will be involved.
• "nations" (גּוֹיִם, goyim): This word refers to non-Israelite peoples, making it clear that the vision is for all humanity, not just one group.
• "worship" (שָׁחָה, shachah): This verb means to bow down or pay homage, showing a deep respect and recognition of God’s authority.

Why Psalms 22:27 matters

• Psalms 22:27 makes clear that the psalm’s hope is not limited to Israel but extends to every nation and family, correcting any idea that God’s care is only for one people.
• The verse marks a turning point in the psalm, moving from personal lament to a promise of global worship, which helps the reader see the bigger picture of hope after suffering.
• By using words for both "families" and "nations," the verse emphasizes that God’s reach includes every level of human community, from the smallest family to the largest nation.