Psalms 87:6

KJV

The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, [that] this [man] was born there. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} shall count {H5608}{H8799)}, when he writeth up {H3789}{H8800)} the people {H5971}, that this man was born {H3205}{H8795)} there. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he registers the peoples, ADONAI will record, "This one was born there."(Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will record in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” Selah

American Standard Version

Jehovah will count, when he writeth up the peoples, This one was born there. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 87:6 presents a profound vision of God's meticulous and personal accounting of His people, particularly those who find their spiritual origin and identity in Zion, the city of God. It depicts a divine census where the LORD Himself actively records individuals, acknowledging their spiritual birthright within His holy dwelling. This verse underscores God's sovereign knowledge and intimate care for each person who belongs to Him, transcending earthly lineage or nationality to establish a heavenly citizenship and an enduring place in His divine register.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 87 is a unique "Song of Zion," a hymn celebrating Jerusalem as God's chosen city and the spiritual mother of all nations. The psalm opens by establishing Zion's divine foundation and glorious destiny, declaring God's deep affection for its gates above all other dwellings of Jacob, as seen in [Psalms 87:1-2](/psalms/87-2 "Psalms 87:1-2 - God's Love for Zion"). Verses 3-5 speak of "glorious things" declared about Zion and then remarkably list various nations—Rahab (a poetic name for Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia)—as those who will be associated with Zion, even to the astonishing point of being declared "born there." This radical inclusion sets the stage for verse 6, where the LORD Himself steps in to validate and formally record this spiritual inclusion. The verse serves as the divine ratification of Zion's universal spiritual motherhood, emphasizing God's personal involvement in acknowledging each individual who finds their spiritual home and identity in Him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, Zion referred to the fortified hill in Jerusalem, which became synonymous with the city itself, especially after King David established it as his capital and brought the Ark of the Covenant there, making it the center of Israel's worship and national identity. The concept of a "census" was familiar in the ancient Near East, often conducted for military conscription, taxation, or establishing national identity, as exemplified by the census in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - Census of Israel"). Culturally, one's birthplace determined identity, rights, and tribal affiliation. However, Psalm 87:6 radically redefines "birthplace" and "census" spiritually. It asserts that spiritual birth in Zion, not physical origin, is what truly matters in God's divine register. This challenged the ethnocentric views prevalent in ancient Israel, hinting at a broader, more inclusive community of faith that transcends traditional ethnic and national boundaries.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Recognition and Record-Keeping**, portraying God as actively engaged in knowing and registering His people. This is not a passive observation but a deliberate act of "counting" and "writing up" individuals, underscoring His sovereignty and personal relationship with believers, a theme echoed in the biblical concept of the [Book of Life](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Names in the Book of Life"). Secondly, the theme of **Spiritual Birthright in Zion** is central. The phrase "this man was born there" transcends physical origin, pointing to a spiritual identification with Zion, God's dwelling place, signifying a new citizenship and belonging within His kingdom. It suggests that through faith, individuals from all nations can be considered "born" in Zion, becoming part of God's family. Finally, the psalm's broader context, mentioning diverse nations like Rahab/Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia in [Psalms 87:4](/psalms/87-4 "Psalms 87:4 - Nations Associated with Zion"), emphasizes **Universal Inclusion**. God's register includes not just physical Israelites but all who spiritually align with Him, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, as seen in the New Testament concept of the church as the new Israel and believers as [fellow citizens with the saints](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh," signifying "the self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." Its use here emphasizes that the divine act of counting and recording is performed by the sovereign, unchanging, and personal God who establishes and fulfills His covenant promises. It underscores the authority and permanence of this divine census.
* **count (Hebrew, _çâphar'_):** This verb means "to score with a mark as a tally or record," "to inscribe," or "to enumerate." It implies a precise, deliberate act of enumeration and recording. In a theological context, it suggests God's meticulous knowledge and intentional recognition of each individual. It's not a casual glance but a formal, purposeful act of registration, indicating value, inclusion, and a personal relationship.
* **writeth up (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** This word means "to grave," "to write," "to inscribe," or "to register." It paints a vivid picture of God maintaining a detailed, permanent record. The act of writing signifies permanence, authority, and official recognition. This divine "writing up" is akin to a heavenly register or census, where names are formally and enduringly recorded, ensuring their remembrance and belonging.
* **born (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bear young," "to beget," or "to bring forth." While often referring to physical birth, in this context, it takes on a profound spiritual meaning. It signifies a spiritual origin, a new creation, or an adoption into God's family, transcending mere physical lineage. It highlights that one's true identity and belonging are found in a spiritual connection to Zion.
* **Selah (Hebrew, _çelâh'_):** A recurring term in the Psalms, likely a musical or liturgical notation indicating "suspension" or "pause." It typically invites the reader or worshiper to pause for reflection, contemplation, or a musical interlude. Here, it serves as a powerful cue to deeply ponder the profound truth just stated: God's personal knowledge, registration, and spiritual acknowledgment of those born in Zion. It underscores the weight and significance of the preceding declaration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD shall count":** This opening phrase establishes God's active and sovereign role as the primary agent of this divine census. It is not a human endeavor but a divine one, initiated and executed by Yahweh Himself. The verb "count" (H5608, _çâphar'_) implies a deliberate, precise enumeration, signifying that God knows each individual by name and number, highlighting His omniscience and personal involvement in the lives of His people.
* **"when he writeth up the people":** This clause further elaborates on God's action, portraying Him as a celestial registrar. The act of "writing up" (H3789, _kâthab'_) denotes a formal, permanent record, akin to an official register or "book." This suggests that God maintains an eternal record of those who belong to Him, a concept that resonates deeply with the biblical "Book of Life." It emphasizes the enduring and authoritative nature of this divine recognition.
* **"[that] this [man] was born there":** This is the core declaration being recorded. The phrase "this man" (זֶה, _zeh_) points to any individual, universalizing the scope. "Born there" refers to Zion, the spiritual birthplace. This transcends physical lineage, asserting that spiritual identity and belonging to God's kingdom are paramount. It signifies a new spiritual creation or adoption into God's family, irrespective of one's earthly origins or nationality.
* **"Selah":** This concluding interjection serves as a spiritual exclamation mark. It calls for a moment of quiet contemplation, allowing the profound implications of God's personal knowledge, divine registration, and the spiritual birthright in Zion to sink deeply into the heart and mind of the worshiper. It emphasizes the solemnity, importance, and eternal weight of the truth just proclaimed.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 87:6 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Personification**, as God is depicted with human-like actions of "counting" and "writing up" a register. This anthropomorphism makes the divine act of recognition relatable and emphasizes God's active, personal engagement with humanity. There is also significant **Symbolism**, with "Zion" representing not just a physical city but the spiritual dwelling place of God, His kingdom, and eventually the universal community of believers. The phrase "born there" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual rebirth and adoption into God's family, transcending literal physical birth. This metaphorical language highlights a radical redefinition of identity based on divine grace rather than earthly lineage. The entire psalm, culminating in this verse, uses **Poetic Language** to evoke a sense of wonder and awe at God's inclusive plan for humanity, drawing diverse nations into His fold through spiritual affiliation with Zion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign grace and His expansive plan for humanity's redemption. It profoundly prefigures the New Testament concept of spiritual rebirth and the universal nature of God's kingdom. The divine act of "counting" and "writing up" individuals whose spiritual birthplace is Zion points directly to God's meticulous knowledge of His elect and the eternal security of their salvation. It underscores that true identity and belonging are found not in earthly heritage but in a divine act of adoption into God's family. This inclusion, originally hinted at for various nations in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the church, where believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation are united in Christ as citizens of a heavenly kingdom. The "book" God keeps is a theme woven throughout scripture, signifying divine remembrance, judgment, and ultimately, salvation for those whose names are inscribed therein.

* [Philippians 4:3](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Names in the Book of Life")
* [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - Books Opened at Judgment")
* [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born Again")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 87:6 offers immense comfort, profound assurance, and a clear call to live out our identity. It reminds us that our salvation and belonging are not based on our earthly lineage, nationality, or accomplishments, but on a divine act of grace whereby God Himself recognizes and records us as His own. We are not forgotten; our names are known and eternally recorded by the Lord in His heavenly register. This truth should inspire deep gratitude and unshakeable confidence, knowing that our citizenship is not of this world, but of God's eternal kingdom. It calls us to live as true citizens of that kingdom, reflecting its values of love, justice, and mercy, and to actively participate in God's ongoing mission to invite others to also be "born there" through faith in Jesus Christ, thereby expanding the number of those whose names are written in the divine record.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of God personally "counting" and "writing up" your name impact your sense of personal value and security?**
* **In what ways does your identity as a "citizen of Zion" (spiritually born in God's kingdom) shape your priorities and actions in daily life?**
* **Considering the psalm's emphasis on the inclusion of diverse nations, how can you actively participate in extending God's invitation to spiritual birth in Zion to people from all backgrounds?**
* **What does the "Selah" at the end of the verse prompt you to pause and reflect on regarding God's intimate knowledge and relationship with you?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Selah" in this verse?**

Answer: "Selah" is a Hebrew term found frequently in the Psalms, believed to be a musical or liturgical notation. While its precise meaning is debated, it generally indicates a pause for reflection, contemplation, or a musical interlude. In [Psalms 87:6](/psalms/87-6 "Psalms 87:6 - God's Divine Register"), "Selah" serves as a powerful cue for the reader or worshiper to pause and deeply ponder the profound truth just declared: that the LORD Himself meticulously counts and records each individual who is spiritually "born in Zion." It emphasizes the weight, solemnity, and eternal significance of God's personal knowledge and divine registration of His people, inviting a moment of quiet awe and worship.

**How does "born there" apply to people today, since Zion is a physical location?**

Answer: While Zion was a physical location (Jerusalem), in Psalm 87, it takes on a profound spiritual and theological meaning, symbolizing God's dwelling place, His kingdom, and the community of His people. For believers today, "born there" signifies a spiritual birth, a new creation, or adoption into God's family through faith. It echoes the New Testament concept of being "born again" as described by Jesus in [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born Again") and becoming a citizen of a heavenly kingdom, rather than an earthly one, as articulated in [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven"). It means that our true identity and belonging are found in Christ and His church, which is the spiritual Zion, the dwelling place of God's Spirit, regardless of our physical birthplace or nationality.

**Does this verse imply a literal "book of life" where names are written?**

Answer: The concept of God "writing up the people" strongly resonates with the biblical idea of a "book of life" or "book of remembrance" found in various scriptures. While we shouldn't imagine God literally sitting with a quill and parchment, the imagery conveys a profound spiritual reality: God's perfect and eternal knowledge of those who belong to Him. It signifies a divine, permanent record of the redeemed, those who are citizens of His kingdom. This "book" is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, often in contexts of salvation, judgment, and eternal destiny, such as when the books are opened at judgment in [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - Books Opened at Judgment") or when only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life enter the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Names in the Lamb's Book of Life"). Thus, the verse points to a spiritual truth of divine recognition and eternal security.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 87:6 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His church. While the Old Testament Zion was a physical city, it was always a foreshadowing of God's true dwelling place and the spiritual center of His redemptive plan. In the New Covenant, Christ Himself is the true "foundation" upon which God's spiritual house is built, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1-corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Foundation"). The "spiritual birth" spoken of in [Psalms 87:6](/psalms/87-6 "Psalms 87:6 - God's Divine Register") is fully realized in the New Testament concept of being "born again" through faith in Jesus, as Jesus Himself explains in [John 3:5](/john/3-5 "John 3:5 - Born of Water and Spirit"). It is through Christ that individuals from every nation, tribe, people, and language are grafted into God's family, becoming "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God," as declared in [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints"). The divine census, where God "writes up" those born in Zion, is perfectly fulfilled in the Lamb's Book of Life, where the names of those redeemed by Christ's blood are eternally recorded, as seen in [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Names in the Lamb's Book of Life"). Thus, Christ is the new and eternal Zion, the spiritual birthplace for all who believe, uniting Jew and Gentile into one body where there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - All One in Christ Jesus").

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

Isaiah 4:3

And it shall come to pass, [that he that is] left in Zion, and [he that] remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, [even] every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem:

Luke 10:20

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Ezekiel 13:9

And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

Revelation 20:15

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Philippians 4:3

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in the book of life.

Psalms 69:28

Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

Jeremiah 3:19

But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.