Psalms 48:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 48:11 mean?

Psalms 48:11 calls Jerusalem and the communities of Judah to celebrate God’s judgments. The call follows the psalm’s account of hostile kings retreating from the city. God’s decisions have given the people a reason for joy.

The poet addresses places as though they were people who could respond. “Mount Zion” names the hill associated with Jerusalem, while “the daughters of Judah” is often understood to mean the towns of Judah. The image draws the city and its surrounding communities into the same celebration.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 48:11

• “daughters” — בָּנוֹת (banot): The word means “daughters.” Used of Judah here, it can picture its towns as daughters belonging to a larger community.
• “judgments” — מִשְׁפָּטִים (mishpatim): The word can mean decisions or acts of judgment. Here, “thy judgments” addresses God and points to actions the people have reason to celebrate.

Why Psalms 48:11 matters

• The reason for gladness is specific: the verse says it is “because of thy judgments.” The poet connects the celebration to what God has done, rather than simply to the beauty of Jerusalem.
• The call reaches beyond the central city. By naming both “mount Zion” and “the daughters of Judah,” the poet includes the wider region in the response.
• The psalm connects this joy with God’s rule. Verse 10 says that God’s right hand is full of righteousness, meaning that his actions are right and just.