A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah. His foundation is in the holy mountains.

PSALMS 87:1KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 87:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 87:1 mean?

Psalms 87:1 states that God’s foundation is set in the holy mountains, highlighting the special status and importance of a particular place—often understood as Jerusalem or Zion—where God’s presence is established. The verse introduces a song attributed to the sons of Korah, focusing attention on the sacredness and significance of this location.

This verse opens a psalm written for or by the sons of Korah, a group known for their role in temple worship. The “holy mountains” refer to the hills around Jerusalem, seen as uniquely chosen and set apart by God. The verse sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, which will celebrate the city’s spiritual importance and God’s favor toward it.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 87:1

  • פִּיָּה (yesod, transliterated "foundation"): This word means a base or foundation, suggesting something stable and enduring. Here, it emphasizes that God’s presence and work are firmly established in a specific, holy place.
  • קֹדֶשׁ (qodesh, transliterated "holy"): This word means “set apart” or “sacred.” Its use for the mountains signals that these are not ordinary hills but ones marked by God’s special choice and presence.
  • הָרִים (harim, transliterated "mountains"): The plural form points to the cluster of hills around Jerusalem, not just a single peak, reinforcing the idea of a sacred area rather than one spot.

Why Psalms 87:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the focus is on God’s choice of a specific place, not just any mountain or city, which helps the reader understand the unique status of Jerusalem in the rest of the psalm.
  • By mentioning the “foundation,” the verse sets up a theme of stability and permanence, suggesting that God’s relationship with this place is not temporary or accidental.
  • The verse connects to the broader biblical theme of God dwelling among His people in a particular location, which is a key idea in many psalms and throughout Israel’s story.

Where else these words appear

“mountains” Hebrew H2042 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 14:6 And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness.
  • Psalms 30:7 LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
  • Psalms 133:3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

“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,

“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.

“Song” Hebrew H7892 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Psalms 18:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
  • Psalms 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.