To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.

PSALMS 85:1KJV
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Psalms 85:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 85:1 mean?

Psalms 85:1 expresses gratitude to the LORD for showing favor to the land and for bringing the people of Jacob back from captivity. The verse is a recognition that God has acted kindly toward His people, restoring their fortunes after a time of hardship.

The verse is introduced as a psalm for the sons of Korah, a group of temple singers and musicians. The speaker addresses the LORD (the personal name for God in Hebrew), recalling a time when God ended a period of exile or trouble for Israel and allowed them to return to their homeland. This sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which reflects on God’s mercy and restoration.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 85:1

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a close, covenant relationship with Israel.
  • favourable (רָצָה, ratsah): This word means to be pleased with or to show favor. It highlights that God’s positive attitude toward the land is not just a neutral act but an act of grace.
  • back (שׁוּב, shuv): This verb means to return or restore. It suggests a reversal of previous misfortune, emphasizing restoration rather than just physical movement.
  • captivity (שְׁבוּת, shevut): This word refers to a state of exile or being taken captive. Its use here points to a specific historical experience of Israel being removed from their land and then brought back by God.

Why Psalms 85:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the restoration of Israel was not by their own strength but by God’s favor and decision, which is a key theme throughout the psalm.
  • By mentioning the "captivity of Jacob," the verse connects to Israel’s larger story of exile and return, helping readers see the psalm as both a historical reflection and a prayer for continued mercy.
  • The focus on God’s favor toward the land and people sets up the rest of the psalm, which will go on to ask for further forgiveness and blessing, showing the ongoing relationship between God and His people.

Where else these words appear

“captivity” Hebrew H7622 · used in 27 verses

  • Numbers 21:29 Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.
  • Jeremiah 30:18 Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.
  • Lamentations 2:14 Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

“Korah” Hebrew H7141 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 36:5 And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these are the sons of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan.
  • Numbers 16:24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:37 The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

“favourable” Hebrew H7521 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 33:10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:21 To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.
  • Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

“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 77:1 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.