Psalms 67:3

KJV

Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let the people {H5971} praise {H3034}{H8686)} thee, O God {H430}; let all the people {H5971} praise {H3034}{H8686)} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let the peoples give thanks to you, God; let the peoples give thanks to you, all of them.

Berean Standard Bible

Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You.

American Standard Version

Let the peoples praise thee, O God; Let all the peoples praise thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 67:3 is a fervent and repeated call for global adoration of God, serving as the climactic response to the divine blessings and saving acts described earlier in the psalm. It articulates a profound eschatological vision where God's redemptive work, initially manifested through Israel, extends its influence to every nation, prompting a universal chorus of praise and acknowledgment of His righteous rule and benevolent character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to a short but profound psalm, often categorized as a communal lament or a psalm of thanksgiving with a strong missional emphasis. The psalm opens with a prayer for God's blessing on Israel (verses 1-2), echoing the Aaronic blessing from [Numbers 6:24-26](/numbers/6-24 "Numbers 6:24-26 - The Aaronic Blessing"). Crucially, the purpose of this blessing is explicitly stated: "that thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations." Verse 3 directly follows, presenting the desired outcome—universal praise—as a natural and necessary response to God's self-revelation and redemptive work among humanity. The psalm then continues to express the joy and equity that God's global reign brings (verse 4) and reiterates the call to praise (verse 5), concluding with a vision of a fruitful earth blessed by God (verses 6-7). This structure highlights a progression from particular blessing to universal recognition and praise.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Psalms 67 is often associated with harvest festivals (like Sukkot or Booths), where Israel celebrated God's provision and looked forward to His ultimate kingdom. The agricultural imagery in the psalm's conclusion (verses 6-7) supports this interpretation. Culturally, ancient Israel was unique in its monotheistic worship amidst a polytheistic world. The psalm's universalistic vision—that *all* nations would praise Yahweh—was radical and counter-cultural, reflecting God's unique covenantal promise to Abraham that through him "all families of the earth would be blessed" [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). This vision extends beyond Israel's national prosperity to God's global redemptive plan, anticipating a time when the one true God would be acknowledged by every people group.

* **Key Themes:**
* **Universal Praise:** The central theme, emphasized by repetition, is the fervent desire for God to be glorified by every people group. This is not merely a wish but a prophetic anticipation of the eschatological reality where a "great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages" [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation") will stand before the throne, offering worship.
* **Missional Purpose of Blessing:** God's blessing upon His people is not an end in itself but a means to an end: the revelation of His saving power to the nations. Israel's well-being is intrinsically linked to its role as a light to the Gentiles, a conduit for God's redemptive knowledge to spread globally. The psalm implies that God's favor is extended to His people so that His "way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations" [Psalms 67:2](/psalms/67-2 "Psalms 67:2 - God's Way Known Among Nations").
* **God's Sovereignty and Righteous Rule:** The psalm anticipates a time when God will "govern the peoples with equity" [Psalms 67:4](/psalms/67-4 "Psalms 67:4 - God's Righteous Governance"), bringing justice and joy to the earth. This righteous reign naturally elicits universal praise as nations experience His just and benevolent governance, recognizing His ultimate authority and goodness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _yadah'_):** This verb (יָדָה) signifies more than mere verbal commendation. It often implies an act of confession, thanksgiving, or throwing out the hands in adoration, acknowledging God's deeds and character. It speaks to a deep, heartfelt expression of gratitude, recognition, and allegiance. The repetition in Psalms 67:3 intensifies this call for a full, unreserved acknowledgment of God's worth, moving beyond lip service to a profound, embodied response of worship.
* **People (Hebrew, _le'om'_):** The term (לְאֹם) specifically refers to a "people" or "nation," often used in the Old Testament to denote non-Israelite peoples or ethnic groups, as distinct from *'am* (עַם) which often refers to Israel as God's chosen people. The deliberate use of *le'om* here underscores the psalm's universalistic scope, emphasizing that the praise is to come from *all* the diverse nations of the earth, not just Israel, highlighting God's global redemptive purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let the people praise thee, O God;":** This initial clause is an imperative prayer, a fervent plea for the nations to respond to God's self-revelation. It implies a recognition of God's character and actions, particularly His "way" and "saving health" mentioned in the preceding verse. The address "O God" (אֱלֹהִים, *'Elohim*) is a general term for God, suitable for a universal appeal, inviting all humanity to acknowledge His divine nature and works.
* **"let all the people praise thee.":** The immediate repetition of the phrase, with the emphatic addition of "all" (כָּל־, *kol*), serves as a powerful rhetorical device. It intensifies the plea, leaving no ambiguity about the comprehensive and inclusive nature of the desired praise. This is not a partial or limited response, but a full, unreserved, and global chorus of adoration from every segment of humanity, signifying the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Psalms 67:3 is **Repetition**, specifically **Anaphora** (the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses) combined with **Parallelism**. The phrase "Let the people praise thee" is repeated verbatim, with the second instance amplified by the addition of "all." This repetition serves several crucial functions: it emphasizes the urgency and fervent desire for universal praise; it underscores the comprehensive nature of this praise, leaving no nation or people group excluded; and it creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical cadence, making the call memorable and impactful. The verse also employs the **Imperative Mood** ("Let... praise"), which functions as both a prayer and a prophetic declaration, expressing a divine purpose that will ultimately be fulfilled.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 67:3 stands as a pivotal expression of God's universal redemptive plan, echoing the Abrahamic covenant's promise that through Israel, all nations would be blessed. It transcends a narrow, nationalistic understanding of salvation, projecting a future where God's glory is not confined to one people but recognized and celebrated by every tongue and tribe. This vision aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's mission to reconcile all humanity to Himself, culminating in an eschatological gathering of diverse worshippers. The psalm thus serves as a powerful missionary prayer, anticipating the day when the knowledge of God's saving power will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Nations")
* [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Many Peoples Seek the Lord")
* [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Redeemed from Every Tribe and Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 67:3 is not merely an ancient prayer but a living call to action for believers today. It compels us to see beyond our immediate communities and embrace God's global heart for all humanity. Our lives, blessed by God's grace, are meant to be a testimony that draws others to Him, becoming conduits through which His "saving health" is made known. This verse challenges us to actively participate in the Great Commission, whether through prayer, giving, or going, so that the vision of "all the people" praising God becomes an ever-increasing reality. It also reminds us that true worship is not exclusive but inclusive, welcoming people from every background into the family of God, united in adoration of the One who saves. Our praise, therefore, should reflect this universal scope, celebrating the diversity within the body of Christ and anticipating the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of God's blessing connect to His desire for global praise?**
* **In what practical ways can I contribute to the fulfillment of the prayer in Psalms 67:3 in my community and beyond?**
* **How can my personal and corporate worship reflect a more inclusive, global vision of God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why is the phrase "let the people praise thee" repeated?**

Answer: The repetition in Psalms 67:3 serves to emphasize the psalmist's fervent desire and the prophetic certainty of universal praise for God. The addition of "all" in the second clause ("let all the people praise thee") intensifies this plea, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the desired worship. It highlights that God's plan for salvation and recognition extends beyond Israel to every nation and people group, a theme consistent with the Abrahamic covenant where [all families of the earth would be blessed through him](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). This literary device ensures the message of universal praise is unmistakably clear and impactful.

**How does this verse relate to missions?**

Answer: Psalms 67:3 is often considered a foundational verse for the biblical understanding of missions. It explicitly links God's blessing upon His people (Israel, and by extension, the Church) to the ultimate goal of His "way" and "saving health" being known "among all nations" [Psalms 67:2](/psalms/67-2 "Psalms 67:2 - God's Way Known Among Nations"). The call for "all the people" to praise God is essentially a prayer for the global spread of the Gospel, so that those who do not yet know Him might come to recognize and worship Him. It frames mission not as an optional activity, but as the very purpose for which God blesses His people, ultimately culminating in the vision of [a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language worshipping God](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 67:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's prayer for "all the people" to praise God is perfectly realized through the New Covenant established by Christ. Jesus, the true [Son of Abraham](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus"), is the one through whom the promise of blessing to all nations is definitively accomplished. His redemptive work on the cross breaks down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating [one new humanity](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace") united in worship. The Holy Spirit, poured out at Pentecost, empowered His followers to carry the message of salvation to the ends of the earth, gathering a diverse multitude who confess Jesus as Lord. Thus, the universal praise envisioned in Psalms 67:3 is not merely a future hope but an ongoing reality in the Church, the body of Christ, where people from every tribe and tongue are being drawn to worship the [Lamb who was slain](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb"). He is the [light for the Gentiles](/luke/2-32 "Luke 2:32 - Light for the Gentiles") and the glory of His people Israel, the one who truly enables all people to praise God eternally.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 67:5

Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

Psalms 74:21

O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.

Psalms 45:17

I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.

Psalms 119:175

¶ Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.

Psalms 142:7

Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

Isaiah 38:18

For the grave cannot praise thee, death can [not] celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.

Isaiah 38:19

The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I [do] this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.