Psalms 87:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 87:3 mean?

Psalms 87:3 describes how wonderful and honored the city of God is, with people saying remarkable things about it. The verse calls attention to the special status and reputation of this city, inviting the reader to pause and reflect on its significance.

The psalmist is speaking about Jerusalem, often called the "city of God," and highlighting its unique place in God's plans. The word "Selah" at the end signals a moment to stop and consider the weight of what has just been said. This verse sits within a psalm that celebrates Jerusalem as a spiritual center, admired and spoken of with awe by many.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 87:3

• things (כָּבֵד, kavod): This word carries the sense of "weighty," "honored," or "glorious." In this verse, it emphasizes that what is said about the city is not just positive, but deeply significant and impressive.
• spoken (דָּבַר, davar): This word means "spoken" or "declared," pointing to the idea that the city's reputation is widespread and acknowledged by many.
• city (עִיר, ir): This refers specifically to Jerusalem, underlining its identity as a real, physical place with spiritual importance.
• God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This name for God highlights the city's connection to the divine, marking it as set apart from ordinary cities.
• Selah (סֶלָה, selah): This term likely signals a pause or a moment for reflection, inviting the reader to consider the importance of what has just been said.

Why Psalms 87:3 matters

• This verse clarifies that Jerusalem's greatness is not just in its physical features, but in the way it is spoken of and honored because of its relationship with God.
• The emphasis on "glorious things" being spoken highlights the city's reputation among nations, setting the stage for the rest of the psalm, which describes people from many lands being connected to Jerusalem.
• The use of "Selah" encourages readers to pause and reflect, showing that the statement is meant to be taken seriously and thoughtfully.