The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.

PSALMS 68:11KJV
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Psalms 68:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 68:11 mean?

Psalms 68:11 says that the Lord gave a message, and a large group of people spread that message widely. The verse highlights how God is the source of the message, but many people are involved in making it known.

This verse is part of a psalm attributed to David, celebrating God’s victories and power. The setting is one where God’s actions are being proclaimed after a triumph, and the “company” refers to those who announce or publish God’s word—often understood as a joyful crowd, possibly including women, spreading news of victory. The focus is on God initiating the message and many people eagerly sharing it.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 68:11

  • "company" (צָבָא, tsābā’): This word often means an army or a host, suggesting a large, organized group. Here, it emphasizes the sheer number and unity of those spreading the message.
  • "published" (בָּשַׂר, bāśar): This verb means to bring good news or proclaim. It’s the same root used for announcing victory or glad tidings, so the verse paints a picture of joyful proclamation, not just routine reporting.
  • "word" (אֹמֶר, ’ōmer): This term means a spoken message or declaration. The emphasis is on something God has said, not just any news.

Why Psalms 68:11 matters

  • Psalms 68:11 clarifies that the spreading of God’s message is not limited to a few leaders; many people take part in sharing what God has done.
  • The verse connects to the larger psalm, which celebrates God’s deliverance and the joyful response of the people, showing how God’s victories are meant to be shared widely.
  • The use of words for “army” and “good news” highlights the energy and excitement in proclaiming God’s actions, not just the fact that the message was delivered.

Where else these words appear

“word” Hebrew H562 · used in 6 verses

  • Job 22:28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
  • Psalms 19:2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
  • Psalms 77:8 Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?

“published” Hebrew H1319 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Samuel 4:17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.
  • 2 Samuel 18:26 And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
  • Isaiah 40:9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!