Psalms 9:11

Authorized King James Version

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Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.

Original Language Analysis

זַמְּר֗וּ Sing praises H2167
זַמְּר֗וּ Sing praises
Strong's: H2167
Word #: 1 of 7
properly, to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e., play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in so
לַ֭יהוָה to the LORD H3068
לַ֭יהוָה to the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יֹשֵׁ֣ב which dwelleth H3427
יֹשֵׁ֣ב which dwelleth
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 3 of 7
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
צִיּ֑וֹן in Zion H6726
צִיּ֑וֹן in Zion
Strong's: H6726
Word #: 4 of 7
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
הַגִּ֥ידוּ declare H5046
הַגִּ֥ידוּ declare
Strong's: H5046
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
בָ֝עַמִּ֗ים among the people H5971
בָ֝עַמִּ֗ים among the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 6 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עֲלִֽילוֹתָֽיו׃ his doings H5949
עֲלִֽילוֹתָֽיו׃ his doings
Strong's: H5949
Word #: 7 of 7
an exploit (of god), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity

Analysis & Commentary

A call to worship: 'Sing praises' celebrates God while 'declare among the people his doings' emphasizes testimony and evangelism. 'Which dwelleth in Zion' connects God's transcendence with His covenant presence among His people. Zion represents where God meets humanity - ultimately fulfilled in Christ (John 1:14) and the church. The combination of praise and proclamation shows worship is both vertical (to God) and horizontal (to people), both celebration and witness.

Historical Context

Zion, Jerusalem's temple mount, was where God's presence dwelt in the temple. After the Exodus tabernacle wanderings, God's permanent dwelling in Zion signaled stability and covenant faithfulness. Singing God's praises and declaring His deeds was Israel's missional calling to the nations. The church continues this through worship and witness.

Questions for Reflection