Psalms 87:5

KJV

And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of Zion {H6726} it shall be said {H559}{H8735)}, This and that man {H376} was born {H3205}{H8795)} in her: and the highest {H5945} himself shall establish {H3559}{H8787)} her.

Complete Jewish Bible

But of Tziyon it will be said, "This one and that was born in it, for the Most High himself establishes it."

Berean Standard Bible

And it will be said of Zion: “This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High Himself will establish her.”

American Standard Version

Yea, of Zion it shall be said, This one and that one was born in her; And the Most High himself will establish her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 87:5 is a profound prophetic declaration celebrating Zion's unique spiritual significance and divine security. It envisions Zion, God's chosen city, as a spiritual mother from whom individuals, regardless of their earthly origin, find their true birth and belonging. The verse culminates in the powerful assertion that Zion's enduring existence and stability are not founded upon human strength or geopolitical alliances, but are sovereignly established and sustained by the Most High God Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 87 is one of the "Songs of Zion," a genre within the Psalter that extols Jerusalem as God's holy dwelling place, the center of His covenantal presence, and the source of blessing. The psalm begins by declaring God's love for Zion's gates, emphasizing its divine foundation and glorious destiny (vv. 1-3). Immediately preceding verse 5, verse 4 speaks of God "remembering" or "registering" various nations—Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia)—as those who know Him, implying their future inclusion within Zion's spiritual sphere. Verse 5 then shifts from God's recognition of these nations to Zion's own declaration, asserting that these diverse peoples will find their spiritual origin within her. This verse serves as the climax of the psalm's vision, leading into verse 6, where God Himself records the birthright of these new spiritual citizens, affirming Zion's role as a universal spiritual mother.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, Jerusalem, or Zion, was the capital of the kingdom of Judah and the site of the Temple, making it the religious and political heart of Israel. It was a city often besieged and threatened by surrounding empires, highlighting its vulnerability from a human perspective. Culturally, the concept of a "mother city" or "motherland" was prevalent in the ancient Near East, signifying the place of one's birth, identity, and allegiance. However, Psalm 87 transcends this physical understanding, elevating Zion to a spiritual plane where individuals from *any* nation could claim spiritual birth. This was a radical idea in a world defined by ethnic and national boundaries, foreshadowing a universal community of faith. The psalm's vision would have resonated deeply with a people who understood the physical limitations of their city yet clung to the divine promises of its eternal significance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions **Zion's spiritual motherhood and universal inclusion**. The phrase "This and that man was born in her" signifies that Zion is not merely a geographic location but a spiritual entity that gives birth to a diverse family of God, transcending physical lineage or nationality. This theme prefigures the New Testament concept of a spiritual rebirth and citizenship in the heavenly Jerusalem, a truth echoed in passages like [Galatians 4:26](/galatians/4-26 "Galatians 4:26 - Jerusalem Above") and [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine establishment and security**. The core message of Zion's enduring nature lies in "the highest himself shall establish her." This declares that Zion's stability and permanence are not dependent on human strength, military might, or political alliances, but solely on God's unwavering power and sovereign will. This principle is foundational, reiterating the truth that [unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **'Elyon (Hebrew, _'elyon'_):** Translated as "highest," this is a significant divine title meaning "Most High." It emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty, exalted position, and absolute authority over all creation and nations. Its use here underscores that the one establishing Zion is not merely a powerful deity, but the ultimate, preeminent ruler of the universe, guaranteeing Zion's security and permanence.
* **Born (Hebrew, _yullad'_):** This verb is a passive form, meaning "was born," "was brought forth," or "originated." It highlights that individuals are "given birth" or "brought into being" in Zion, emphasizing a spiritual or adoptive connection rather than a purely physical one. It points to a transformative experience of identity and belonging that originates from Zion's spiritual essence.
* **Establish (Hebrew, _yekhoneneha'_):** This verb implies making firm, preparing, confirming, or setting up securely. It speaks of a foundational, enduring work. When God "establishes" Zion, it means He is its ultimate architect and sustainer, ensuring its stability, permanence, and fulfilling its divine purpose against all opposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of Zion it shall be said":** This opening phrase introduces a prophetic declaration, signaling a future reality. It shifts the focus to Zion itself as the subject of a profound statement, indicating that its significance will be universally acknowledged and spoken of. It sets the stage for the remarkable truth about to be revealed concerning Zion's spiritual impact.
* **"This and that man was born in her":** This is the heart of the verse's universal vision. "This and that man" (literally "a man and a man") is an idiomatic expression for individuals of all kinds, from all places, without distinction. The declaration that they "were born in her" signifies a spiritual rebirth or adoption into Zion's family. It implies that people from diverse nations, previously considered outsiders, will come to identify Zion as their spiritual mother, the source of their true identity and belonging in God's kingdom.
* **"and the highest himself shall establish her":** This concluding clause provides the ultimate ground for Zion's extraordinary destiny. It asserts that Zion's ability to be a spiritual mother to all nations, and indeed its very existence and security, rests entirely on the sovereign power of God, "the Highest." His personal, direct intervention guarantees her stability, permanence, and success in fulfilling her divine purpose. This emphasizes that Zion's strength is not derived from human might but from divine omnipotence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 87:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Personification** is central, as Zion is depicted as a mother giving birth, transforming a physical city into a spiritual entity capable of nurturing and originating new "citizens." This imbues Zion with a living, active role in God's redemptive plan. The verse also utilizes **Prophecy**, speaking of what "shall be said" of Zion, pointing to a future fulfillment where its universal spiritual significance will be recognized. There is an element of **Hyperbole** in "this and that man," which, while idiomatic for "everyone," emphasizes the vast, inclusive scope of Zion's spiritual offspring, transcending all ethnic and national boundaries. Finally, a subtle **Contrast** is present between the implied fragility of a human-built city and the absolute, unshakeable permanence guaranteed by "the highest himself," highlighting the divine over the human.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 87:5 stands as a powerful testament to God's expansive redemptive plan, revealing a vision far grander than a mere nationalistic aspiration. It prefigures the universal scope of God's kingdom, where salvation is not confined to a single ethnicity or geographical location but extends to all who are "born" into His spiritual family. This verse connects the Old Testament concept of Zion as God's dwelling place with the New Testament reality of the Church as the spiritual body of Christ, the new Jerusalem. It underscores that true identity and security are found not in earthly allegiances but in being divinely established within God's eternal purposes. The inclusion of "this and that man" points to God's unwavering desire to gather a people for Himself from every tribe, tongue, and nation, all united under His sovereign establishment.

* [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")
* [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - You Have Come to Mount Zion")
* [Revelation 21:2-4](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2-4 - The New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 87:5 offers profound comfort, assurance, and a call to embrace our true identity. Just as ancient Zion was a symbol of God's presence and security, the Church, as the spiritual body of Christ, is also divinely established. We are called to be spiritual citizens of this heavenly Jerusalem, a place of ultimate belonging and security that transcends all earthly divisions. This verse reminds us that our ultimate identity and belonging are not in fleeting earthly nations or transient cultural affiliations, but in God's eternal kingdom. All who are "born again" into faith in Christ become spiritual citizens of this divine city, finding their true origin and purpose within God's family. The Church, built upon the unshakeable foundation laid by "the Highest himself," stands as a beacon of hope and stability in an ever-changing world, echoing the promise that the gates of hell shall not prevail against Christ's church. Furthermore, the idea of "this and that man" being born in Zion celebrates the radical inclusion of people from all backgrounds, uniting them under one spiritual parentage in Christ. This fosters a vibrant sense of community, shared heritage, and mission among believers worldwide, urging us to embrace diversity while upholding unity in the Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Zion as a spiritual mother impact your sense of belonging and identity as a believer?**
* **In what ways does the truth that "the highest himself shall establish her" provide comfort and security in your life amidst worldly uncertainties?**
* **How can the Church today better embody the inclusive vision of "this and that man" being born into God's family, transcending cultural or social barriers?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more fully as a "citizen" of the heavenly Jerusalem rather than being solely defined by earthly allegiances?**

### FAQ
**What does "This and that man was born in her" truly mean, given that Zion is a city?**

Answer: This phrase, "This and that man," is an idiomatic expression in Hebrew, meaning "a man and a man," signifying individuals of all kinds, from diverse backgrounds, without distinction. When applied to Zion, it means that people from various nations—even those previously considered enemies or outsiders (as implied in [Psalms 87:4](/psalms/87-4 "Psalm 87:4 - Nations Registered in Zion"))—will come to identify Zion as their spiritual birthplace. It's not about physical birth in Jerusalem, but a spiritual or adoptive connection, a profound change in allegiance and identity where they recognize Zion (and by extension, the God of Zion) as the source of their true spiritual life and belonging. This concept foreshadows the universal nature of God's kingdom and the inclusion of Gentiles in the family of God through faith.

**Is Zion in this psalm primarily a physical place or a spiritual concept?**

Answer: While Zion certainly refers to the physical city of Jerusalem, in Psalms 87:5, its meaning transcends mere geography to embrace a profound spiritual and theological concept. It is presented as a spiritual mother, a place of divine origin and establishment for a diverse family of God. The psalm elevates Zion from a national capital to a universal spiritual center, where God's saving work extends to all nations. This spiritual understanding of Zion finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament's concept of the Church and the heavenly Jerusalem, as seen in [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - Mount Zion, the City of the Living God") and [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Coming Down").

**How does "the highest himself shall establish her" relate to human efforts to build or protect Zion?**

Answer: This powerful declaration emphasizes that Zion's ultimate security and permanence are solely dependent on God's sovereign power, not on human strength, military might, or political strategies. While human efforts might play a role in the physical upkeep or defense of Jerusalem, the psalm asserts that Zion's spiritual significance and enduring existence are divinely guaranteed. It highlights God's personal involvement ("the highest himself") in making Zion firm and secure. This principle resonates with [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House"), which states that "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." It assures that God's purposes for Zion, and by extension His kingdom, cannot be thwarted by human weakness or opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 87:5 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the Church, His spiritual body. The prophetic vision of "this and that man" being born in Zion, finding spiritual origin and belonging, is realized in Christ's redemptive work, which broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - One New Humanity in Christ")). Through faith in Christ, individuals from every nation, tribe, and tongue are "born again" not of physical descent or earthly citizenship, but by the Spirit into God's family ([John 3:3-8](/john/3-3-8 "John 3:3-8 - Born Again by the Spirit")). Christ Himself is the true "Zion," the cornerstone upon whom God's spiritual temple, the Church, is built ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Just as "the highest himself shall establish her," so too did God establish His kingdom through Christ's resurrection and ascension, and Christ Himself declared that the gates of hell would not prevail against His Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church")). The universal inclusion envisioned in Psalm 87 is perfectly embodied in the Great Commission, where disciples are made from all nations, becoming spiritual citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, whose builder and maker is God ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - City with Foundations")). Thus, the spiritual motherhood of Zion culminates in Christ, the head of the Church, who continually brings forth new spiritual life and establishes His people on an unshakeable, eternal foundation.

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

Galatians 3:26

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

1 Peter 1:23

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

1 Peter 1:24

¶ For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

Ezekiel 48:35

[It was] round about eighteen thousand [measures]: and the name of the city from [that] day [shall be], The LORD [is] there.

Hebrews 11:32

¶ And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and [of] Barak, and [of] Samson, and [of] Jephthae; [of] David also, and Samuel, and [of] the prophets: