Psalms 96:7
Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Original Language Analysis
הָב֥וּ
Give
H3051
הָב֥וּ
Give
Strong's:
H3051
Word #:
1 of 8
to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come
לַ֝יהוָ֗ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַ֝יהוָ֗ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת
O ye kindreds
H4940
מִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת
O ye kindreds
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
3 of 8
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
עַמִּ֑ים
of the people
H5971
עַמִּ֑ים
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הָב֥וּ
Give
H3051
הָב֥וּ
Give
Strong's:
H3051
Word #:
5 of 8
to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come
לַ֝יהוָ֗ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַ֝יהוָ֗ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Revelation 19:1And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:Matthew 6:13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.Revelation 5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;Psalms 22:27All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.Revelation 7:12Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.Revelation 5:13And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Historical Context
This universal call to worship transcends Israel's particular covenant while fulfilling it. God's covenant with Abraham promised blessing to all nations through his seed (Genesis 12:3; 22:18), ultimately fulfilled in Christ. The prophets envisioned all nations streaming to Zion to worship (Isaiah 2:2-3; 56:6-7; Micah 4:1-2). Psalm 96's missionary vision shaped early Christian understanding that the gospel must go to all peoples. Paul's mission to Gentiles and the Jerusalem Council's inclusion of non-Jews (Acts 15) enacted this psalm's call.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse challenge ethnic or national pride by calling all 'kindreds of the people' to worship God?
- What does it mean practically to 'give God glory and strength' in daily life, not just in worship services?
- How should the universal scope of this call shape Christian missions and evangelism?
Analysis & Commentary
Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. The psalm shifts from description (vv. 4-6) to exhortation: "Give unto the LORD" (havu la-Yahweh, הָבוּ לַיהוָה) is repeated three times (here twice, again in v. 8), creating liturgical rhythm. "Give" (yahav, יָהַב) means to offer, ascribe, or attribute. We don't give God glory He lacks but acknowledge the glory He possesses.
"O ye kindreds of the people" (mishpechot ammim, מִשְׁפְּחוֹת עַמִּים) addresses family groups, clans, tribes, and nations—the whole human family. The plural "peoples" indicates all ethnic groups, not just Israel. This universal scope anticipates the Great Commission: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matthew 28:19) and Revelation's vision: "a great multitude...of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" worshiping God (Revelation 7:9).
"Glory and strength" (kavod va-oz, כָּבוֹד וָעֹז) are the attributes to be ascribed. Kavod (כָּבוֹד) means weightiness, significance, honor, and glory—God's inherent worth. Oz (עֹז) means strength and might. To give God glory and strength is to publicly acknowledge His supreme worth and power, refusing to attribute these to idols, humans, or chance.