Psalms 87:4

KJV

¶ I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this [man] was born there.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will make mention {H2142}{H8686)} of Rahab {H7294} and Babylon {H894} to them that know {H3045}{H8802)} me: behold Philistia {H6429}, and Tyre {H6865}, with Ethiopia {H3568}; this man was born {H3205}{H8795)} there.

Complete Jewish Bible

I count Rahav and Bavel among those who know me; Of P'leshet, Tzor and Ethiopia [they will say], "This one was born there."

Berean Standard Bible

“I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me— along with Philistia, Tyre, and Cush— when I say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”

American Standard Version

I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon as among them that know me: Behold, Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia: This one was born there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 87:4 presents a remarkable prophetic vision within a psalm celebrating Zion, the city of God. It declares that prominent nations, historically seen as adversaries or outsiders—Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia—will have individuals counted as if they were "born" in Zion. This astonishing declaration signifies a radical expansion of God's covenant community, foreshadowing a future where people from all nations are spiritually regenerated and granted full citizenship in God's holy city, not by physical birth or ethnic origin, but by divine decree and inclusion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 87 is one of the "Songs of Zion," a collection of psalms (e.g., [Psalms 46](/psalms/46 "Psalm 46 - God is Our Refuge"), [Psalms 48](/psalms/48 "Psalm 48 - Great is the Lord in Zion"), [Psalms 76](/psalms/76 "Psalm 76 - God's Majesty in Zion"), [Psalms 84](/psalms/84 "Longing for God's Courts"), [Psalms 122](/psalms/122 "A Song of Ascents")) that extol Jerusalem as God's chosen dwelling place and the center of His redemptive activity. The psalm begins by praising Zion's divine foundations and God's deep affection for its gates, declaring "His foundation is in the holy mountains. The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob" [Psalms 87:1-2](/psalms/87-1-2 "Psalms 87:1-2 - God's Love for Zion"). Verse 3 speaks of "glorious things" being spoken of the city, setting the stage for the astonishing revelation in verse 4. This verse dramatically shifts focus from Zion's inherent glory to its universal reach, presenting a vision where former adversaries are incorporated into its citizenry, culminating in the declaration that Zion is the spiritual birthplace for all peoples [Psalms 87:5-7](/psalms/87-5-7 "Psalms 87:5-7 - Zion as the Mother of All").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The nations listed—Egypt (Rahab), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia—were powerful entities in the ancient Near East, often hostile to Israel or representing the broader Gentile world. Egypt and Babylon were major empires that had oppressed Israel at various times. Philistia and Tyre were immediate neighbors, sometimes adversaries, sometimes trading partners. Ethiopia (Cush) represented the distant, southern reaches of the known world. In a culture where national identity and covenant membership were primarily defined by physical descent from Abraham and residence in the land of Israel, the idea that individuals from these foreign nations could be "born" in Zion was revolutionary. It challenged the prevailing ethnocentric worldview, pointing towards a future where God's redemptive plan would transcend national and ethnic boundaries, a concept truly radical for its time.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Zion's Universal Significance**, portraying Jerusalem not merely as the capital of Israel but as a spiritual metropolis from which God's blessing extends to all nations. Secondly, it powerfully introduces the theme of **Inclusion of the Nations**, anticipating a time when God's people will comprise individuals from every tribe and tongue, a concept foundational to the New Testament's understanding of the Church. This inclusion is not based on physical relocation or ethnic assimilation, but on a spiritual "birth" or registration within God's city. Finally, it underscores **God's Sovereign Authority** over all peoples and His redemptive power to transform adversaries into fellow citizens, demonstrating that His plan is ultimately for the salvation of humanity, as seen in the prophetic visions of a restored Israel drawing all nations to God's mountain [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Nations Flowing to Zion") and [Micah 4:1-3](/micah/4-1-3 "Micah 4:1-3 - The Mountain of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rahab (Hebrew, _Rahab'_):** The same as רַהַב; Rahab (i.e., boaster), an epithet of Egypt. In this context, "Rahab" is not the harlot of Jericho but a symbolic, poetic name for Egypt, often used to denote its mythical monstrousness, pride, or chaotic power (cf. [Isaiah 51:9](/isaiah/51-9 "Isaiah 51:9 - Rahab as a Dragon")). Its inclusion alongside Babylon, another great imperial power, emphasizes the scope of God's redemptive reach to the mightiest and most formidable nations, transforming them from symbols of oppression into participants in Zion's blessing.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to know," encompassing a wide range of senses including to ascertain by seeing, comprehend, recognize, or be acquainted with. In the phrase "to them that know me," it refers to God's covenant people who have a relational, experiential knowledge of Him. This knowledge implies a prior relationship and understanding of God's character and promises, making the revelation of His universal inclusion even more profound and challenging to their established worldview.
* **Born (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bear young" or "to be begotten." In Psalms 87:4, the word appears in the Pual passive form (יֻלַּד, _yullad_), meaning "to be born" or "to be begotten." The passive voice is highly significant, implying that this "birth" or registration as a native of Zion is not an act of human will or physical migration, but a divine act. It signifies a spiritual transformation and inclusion, where God Himself counts or registers individuals from these foreign nations as if they were true citizens and offspring of Zion, conferring upon them a new identity and belonging.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me:"**: This opening clause sets the stage for God's astonishing declaration. The "I" is God Himself, indicating a divine pronouncement. "Rahab" (Egypt) and "Babylon" represent powerful, often hostile, empires. To "make mention of" them implies a divine act of recognition and inclusion, spoken "to them that know me"—to God's covenant people, who are being prepared for this radical expansion of His kingdom. It's a revelation that challenges their preconceived notions of who belongs to God.
* **"behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia;"**: This continues the list of prominent foreign nations, further expanding the scope of God's redemptive intention. Philistia (Israel's perennial enemy), Tyre (a wealthy Phoenician city-state), and Ethiopia (Cush, representing the distant south) complete a geographical and political sweep, encompassing both near and far, historically antagonistic and culturally distinct peoples. The imperative "behold" draws attention to the wonder and unexpected nature of what follows.
* **"this [man] was born there."**: This is the climactic declaration. The KJV's "this [man]" (the word "man" is supplied) refers to an individual from any of the aforementioned nations. The phrase "was born there" (in Zion) is the core of the verse's revolutionary message. It signifies a spiritual birthright or registration, where God declares that individuals from these foreign lands are counted as true natives of Zion. It's not about physical relocation, but about a new, divinely-granted identity and citizenship within God's spiritual city, transcending all ethnic and national barriers.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 87:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Personification** is evident as Zion is implicitly portrayed as a mother, giving birth to or registering people from diverse nations as her children, a concept made explicit in the following verse [Psalms 87:5](/psalms/87-5 "Psalms 87:5 - Zion as Mother"). This emphasizes Zion's role as the spiritual birthplace for all who come to God. The listing of specific nations—Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia—functions as a form of **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, where a few prominent parts are named to represent the whole; in this case, all the nations of the earth. This technique powerfully communicates the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. Furthermore, the verse is rich in **Prophecy** and **Foreshadowing**, as it anticipates a future reality where the boundaries of God's covenant people are dramatically expanded to include Gentiles, a vision that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament. The very idea of historical adversaries being "born" in Zion also creates a striking **Reversal** or **Paradox**, highlighting God's transformative power and inclusive grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 87:4 stands as a profound Old Testament anticipation of God's universal redemptive plan, challenging the common perception of a covenant limited to ethnic Israel. It reveals that God's ultimate intention was always to draw people from every nation into His family, not through physical lineage or national identity, but through a spiritual transformation and inclusion within His holy city, Zion. This vision points forward to the New Covenant, where spiritual birth into the family of God transcends all earthly distinctions, establishing a new, inclusive community. The "birth" in Zion signifies a divine act of adoption and spiritual regeneration, making former outsiders into true citizens of God's kingdom.

* [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "The Mountain of the Lord and All Nations")
* [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20-23 "Many Peoples and Strong Nations Seek the Lord")
* [Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Fellow Citizens with the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 87:4 offers a breathtaking vision of God's expansive grace and inclusive heart. It reminds us that God's redemptive plan was never meant to be confined to one nation or ethnicity, but was always global in scope. For believers today, this verse challenges any lingering ethnocentric or exclusive tendencies within the church. It calls us to embrace a truly global perspective on the gospel, recognizing that people from every background, culture, and former allegiance are equally welcome and equally capable of being "born" into God's spiritual family. Our identity in Christ transcends earthly citizenship, uniting us as fellow citizens of heaven. This should inspire us to actively participate in God's mission to reach all nations, welcoming and integrating those from diverse backgrounds into the body of Christ, celebrating the rich tapestry of God's redeemed people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of being "born in Zion" challenge our human tendencies towards exclusivity or tribalism within faith communities?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's heart for all nations, and how should that inform our understanding of missions and evangelism?**
* **In what ways can we, as the modern spiritual Zion, actively welcome and integrate people from diverse backgrounds, reflecting God's inclusive vision?**

### FAQ
**What does "Rahab" mean in this verse?**

Answer: In Psalms 87:4, "Rahab" (Hebrew: רָהַב, _Rahab'_) is a poetic and symbolic name for Egypt, not the harlot of Jericho mentioned in the book of Joshua. This usage is common in prophetic and poetic books of the Old Testament, where Egypt is often depicted as a proud, powerful, or even mythical adversary (e.g., [Isaiah 30:7](/isaiah/30-7 "Isaiah 30:7 - Egypt's Help is Worthless") and [Psalms 89:10](/Psalms/89-10 "Psalms 89:10 - God Crushed Rahab")). Its inclusion alongside Babylon and other nations highlights the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, encompassing even the most formidable and historically antagonistic powers.

**Does "this [man] was born there" imply physical birth in Jerusalem?**

Answer: No, the phrase "this [man] was born there" (referring to Zion) does not imply a literal, physical birth in Jerusalem for individuals from Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, or Ethiopia. Instead, it signifies a spiritual birth, a divine act of registration or adoption into the citizenry of God's holy city. The Hebrew verb used (יֻלַּד, _yullad_) is in the passive voice, emphasizing that this "birth" is divinely conferred, not achieved by human effort or physical relocation. It is a prophetic declaration that God will count individuals from these diverse nations as true, legitimate citizens of Zion, granting them a new identity and belonging within His covenant community, a concept that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual citizenship offered through Christ [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 87:4 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Church. The prophetic vision of people from all nations being "born" in Zion, counted as true citizens of God's city, is precisely what the New Testament reveals through the gospel. Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity in Himself [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace"). Through faith in Him, individuals from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation are spiritually regenerated—"born again" [John 3:3-8](/john/3-3-8 "John 3:3-8 - You Must Be Born Again")—and are incorporated into the Church, which is the spiritual Zion, the "city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - Mount Zion, the City of God"). In Christ, there is no longer "Jew or Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"). Thus, the ancient psalm's astonishing declaration of universal inclusion is fully realized in the global body of Christ, where all who believe are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household, truly "born" into the new, eternal Jerusalem, whose builder and maker is God [Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem").

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 45:12

And the daughter of Tyre [shall be there] with a gift; [even] the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.

Isaiah 19:23

In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.

Isaiah 19:25

Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed [be] Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

Psalms 68:31

Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.

Job 9:13

[If] God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.

Psalms 89:10

Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.

Isaiah 23:1

¶ The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.