Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.

PSALMS 68:31KJV
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Psalms 68:31 (KJV)

What does Psalms 68:31 mean?

Psalms 68:31 describes a time when leaders from Egypt and people from Ethiopia will come to honor and seek God. The verse pictures distant nations, once seen as outsiders, reaching out to God in recognition and worship.

The psalm is attributed to David and is a song celebrating God's power and kingship. In this verse, the writer looks forward to a future where even powerful foreign nations—represented by Egypt and Ethiopia—will turn toward the God of Israel. This reflects a hope that God's influence will extend beyond Israel to all peoples.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 68:31

  • "Princes" (חַשְׁמַנִּים, chashmannim): This word refers to noblemen or leaders, emphasizing that it is not just common people but rulers who will come from Egypt to honor God.
  • "Out" (יֵצֵא, yetze): The sense is of coming forth or emerging, suggesting a movement toward God, not just a physical departure.
  • "Ethiopia" (כּוּשׁ, kush): This term refers to the ancient kingdom south of Egypt, showing the reach of God's influence to distant lands.
  • "Hands" (יָד, yad): Stretching out hands is a gesture of seeking help, prayer, or surrender, highlighting the act of turning to God.

Why Psalms 68:31 matters

  • Psalms 68:31 clears up the idea that only Israel is included in God's plans; it shows that people from powerful, far-off nations are also envisioned as coming to worship God.
  • The verse highlights the universal scope of God's reign, fitting into the wider psalm's theme of God's victory and rule over all the earth.
  • By naming specific nations known for their power and distance, the verse emphasizes the surprising and inclusive reach of God's invitation.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H857 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:2 And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.
  • Proverbs 1:27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
  • Isaiah 44:7 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

“Ethiopia” Hebrew H3568 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 2:13 And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.
  • Esther 8:9 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.
  • Isaiah 43:3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

“out” Hebrew H7323 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • 2 Samuel 18:22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?
  • Esther 8:14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.