Psalms 47:9

Authorized King James Version

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The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.

Original Language Analysis

נְדִ֘יבֵ֤י The princes H5081
נְדִ֘יבֵ֤י The princes
Strong's: H5081
Word #: 1 of 12
properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
עַם֮ even the people H5971
עַם֮ even the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 2 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
נֶאֱסָ֗פוּ are gathered together H622
נֶאֱסָ֗פוּ are gathered together
Strong's: H622
Word #: 3 of 12
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
עַם֮ even the people H5971
עַם֮ even the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 4 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לֵֽ֭אלֹהִים belong unto God H430
לֵֽ֭אלֹהִים belong unto God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 5 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אַבְרָ֫הָ֥ם of Abraham H85
אַבְרָ֫הָ֥ם of Abraham
Strong's: H85
Word #: 6 of 12
abraham, the later name of abram
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 7 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֵֽ֭אלֹהִים belong unto God H430
לֵֽ֭אלֹהִים belong unto God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 8 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מָֽגִנֵּי for the shields H4043
מָֽגִנֵּי for the shields
Strong's: H4043
Word #: 9 of 12
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
אֶ֗רֶץ of the earth H776
אֶ֗רֶץ of the earth
Strong's: H776
Word #: 10 of 12
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
מְאֹ֣ד he is greatly H3966
מְאֹ֣ד he is greatly
Strong's: H3966
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
נַעֲלָֽה׃ exalted H5927
נַעֲלָֽה׃ exalted
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 12 of 12
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

Analysis & Commentary

The universal gathering: 'The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham.' Foreign princes join Abraham's people in worship--the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise that 'all families of the earth shall be blessed.' 'The shields of the earth belong unto God' indicates all protectors/rulers acknowledge Him.

Historical Context

This verse anticipates Gentile inclusion in God's people, a theme developed in Isaiah and fulfilled in the church. The 'shields' representing rulers acknowledges that all authority ultimately derives from God.

Questions for Reflection