To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song. God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.

PSALMS 67:1KJV
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Psalms 67:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 67:1 mean?

Psalms 67:1 is a prayer asking God to show mercy, give blessing, and let His presence be clearly seen and felt by the people. The verse expresses a desire for God's kindness and favor to rest on the community, using the image of God's face shining as a sign of approval and care.

This verse is introduced as a song or psalm meant for the chief musician, likely to be performed with stringed instruments (as suggested by "Neginoth"). The speaker is addressing God on behalf of a group, asking for God's grace and blessing. The request for God's face to "shine upon us" draws from the language of priestly blessings, symbolizing warmth, guidance, and acceptance from God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 67:1

  • נְגִינוֹת (Neginoth): This word means "stringed instruments." Its mention shows that the psalm was intended to be accompanied by music, adding a layer of solemnity and beauty to the prayer.
  • אֱלֹהִים (Elohim): This is a common Hebrew word for "God," emphasizing God's power and majesty as the one being addressed.
  • יָחָן (chanan, "merciful"): This verb means to show favor or be gracious. The request is not just for forgiveness, but for God’s generous kindness.
  • יְבָרֶכְנוּ (barakh, "bless"): This word means to bestow good, prosperity, or well-being. The blessing sought is broad, covering all aspects of life.
  • פָּנָיו (panav, "face"): In Hebrew thought, God’s "face" represents His presence and attention. Asking for God’s face to shine means seeking His active involvement and favor.
  • יָאֵר (ya'er, "shine"): This verb means to give light or make bright. The image is of God’s presence bringing clarity, hope, and joy.
  • סֶלָה (Selah): This term likely signals a pause for reflection or a musical interlude, inviting the listener to consider the weight of the request.

Why Psalms 67:1 matters

  • Psalms 67:1 echoes the priestly blessing from Numbers 6:24–26, linking this psalm to a tradition of seeking God’s favor for the whole community, not just individuals.
  • The verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which will go on to talk about God’s blessings reaching all nations, not just Israel.
  • The use of musical terms and the call for God’s face to shine highlight the importance of both worship and relationship with God, showing that blessing is not just material but deeply personal and spiritual.

Where else these words appear

“Neginoth” Hebrew H5058 · used in 14 verses

  • Job 30:9 And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.
  • Psalms 55:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.
  • Psalms 77:6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

“shine” Hebrew H215 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 1:15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
  • Nehemiah 9:19 Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.
  • Psalms 118:27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 38:1 A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
  • Psalms 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

“Musician” Hebrew H5329 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
  • Psalms 22:1 To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
  • Psalms 60:1 To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.