Psalms 96:7

KJV

Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

KJV (with Strong's)

Give {H3051} unto the LORD {H3068}, O ye kindreds {H4940} of the people {H5971}, give {H3051} unto the LORD {H3068} glory {H3519} and strength {H5797}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Give ADONAI his due, you families from the peoples; give ADONAI his due of glory and strength;

Berean Standard Bible

Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

American Standard Version

Ascribe unto Jehovah, ye kindreds of the peoples, Ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 96:7 issues a profound and universal summons, urging all human families and nations to actively acknowledge and ascribe fitting honor to the Lord. This verse commands a recognition of God's inherent splendor, majesty, and omnipotence, setting the stage for a global chorus of praise that rightly attributes to Him the glory and strength that are His alone.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 96 is a vibrant psalm of praise, strategically placed within a collection (Psalms 93-99) often referred to as "enthronement psalms." These psalms collectively celebrate the Lord's universal reign as King over all the earth, anticipating a future when His sovereignty will be fully recognized. The psalm opens with an exhilarating call to "Sing to the LORD a new song" ([Psalms 96:1](/psalms/96-1 "Psalms 96:1 - A Call to Sing a New Song")), emphasizing a fresh, enthusiastic recognition of God's majesty that transcends previous expressions of worship. Verse 7 specifically broadens the scope of this worship beyond the nation of Israel, directly addressing "O ye kindreds of the people," thereby anticipating a future time when God's dominion will be universally acknowledged and celebrated by all humanity, leading into the subsequent call for the whole earth to tremble before Him ([Psalms 96:9](/psalms/96-9 "Psalms 96:9 - Worship the Lord in the Splendor of Holiness")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise dating of Psalm 96 is debated, its themes resonate strongly with a post-exilic context, where Israel, having returned from Babylon, needed to reaffirm God's universal sovereignty in a world dominated by pagan empires and their national deities. In the ancient Near East, the concept of "giving" glory or strength to a deity or king often involved acts of tribute, homage, and public acknowledgment of their supreme authority and power. By commanding "all kindreds of the people" (a phrase encompassing every distinct human grouping, not just political nations) to ascribe glory and strength to Yahweh, the psalm directly challenges the prevalent polytheistic and nationalistic religious paradigms. It asserts that the God of Israel is not merely a tribal deity, but the one true God to whom all peoples, regardless of their cultural or ethnic background, owe ultimate allegiance and worship.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several foundational theological themes. The most prominent is the **Universal Call to Worship**, underscored by the phrase "O ye kindreds of the people" (Hebrew: _mishpachot ammim_, "families of peoples"), which unequivocally extends the invitation and command to worship beyond a select group or nation to every ethnic group and family on earth. This prophetic vision of global worship finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the eschatological vision of [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude from Every Nation Worshipping God"), where a countless multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language stands before the throne, worshipping God. Secondly, the theme of **Ascribing Glory** is central; to "give unto the LORD glory" means to acknowledge His inherent splendor, majesty, and honor. The Hebrew word for glory, _kabod_ (כָּבוֹד), conveys the idea of weight, significance, and intrinsic worth, recognizing God for who He truly is—the magnificent Creator and Sovereign Ruler. This is a recurring biblical imperative, as seen in the nearly identical command in [1 Chronicles 16:29](/1_chronicles/16-29 "1 Chronicles 16:29 - Ascribe to the Lord the Glory Due His Name"). Finally, the command to **Ascribe Strength** emphasizes God's omnipotence and active power. The Hebrew term for strength, _oz_ (עֹז), speaks to God's vigor, defense, and His unhindered ability to execute His will and purposes. It is an acknowledgment that all true power originates from Him and that He is mighty to save and to judge, a truth echoed in [Psalm 29:1](/psalms/29-1 "Psalm 29:1 - Ascribe to the Lord Glory and Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Give (Hebrew, הָבוּ, _habu'_):** This word is an imperative verb, a direct and forceful command. It means "bring," "ascribe," "render," or "present." It is not a suggestion but a divine summons to an active, deliberate, and intentional act of homage and recognition. The repetition of this imperative in the verse underscores the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the call to worship.
* **Kindreds of the people (Hebrew, מִשְׁפְּחוֹת עַמִּים, _mishpachot ammim'_):** This phrase is profoundly significant for its universal scope. _Mishpachot_ refers to "families," "clans," or "tribes," while _ammim_ refers to "peoples" or "nations." Together, they encompass every distinct human grouping, from the smallest familial unit to the largest national entity. This is a radical inclusion, extending the call to worship far beyond Israel to all humanity, signifying God's ultimate claim over every segment of the global population.
* **Glory (Hebrew, כָּבוֹד, _kabod'_):** Derived from a root meaning "heavy" or "weighty," _kabod_ denotes intrinsic worth, honor, splendor, and majesty. To "give glory" to the Lord is not to bestow something upon Him that He lacks, but to acknowledge, declare, and publicly recognize His inherent, weighty reality, His magnificent presence, and His unparalleled excellence. It is the proper response to His divine nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give unto the LORD":** This opening imperative, repeated for emphasis, establishes the direct and non-negotiable nature of the command. It is a unilateral demand from God, calling for an active response of worship and recognition from His creation. The object of this giving is exclusively "the LORD" (Yahweh), emphasizing His unique and singular status as the only true God.
* **"O ye kindreds of the people":** This is the vocative address, specifying the recipients of the command. It broadens the scope of worship dramatically, moving beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel to encompass all humanity, every family, clan, and nation. This phrase anticipates a global worship movement and underscores God's universal sovereignty and redemptive plan.
* **"give unto the LORD glory and strength":** This final clause specifies what is to be ascribed to Yahweh. "Glory" refers to His inherent majesty, splendor, and intrinsic worth, while "strength" refers to His omnipotence, power, and might. The pairing of these two attributes offers a comprehensive picture of God's essence (His glorious being) and His active power (His sovereign might). The repetition of "give unto the LORD" powerfully reinforces that these attributes are due to Him alone, demanding a singular focus of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 96:7 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the anaphora of "Give unto the LORD," which serves to emphasize the command's urgency, its divine origin, and the singular, non-negotiable object of worship. The use of the **Imperative Mood** (from the Hebrew _habu_) transforms the verse from a mere suggestion into a direct, forceful command, demanding an active response from its audience. The phrase "O ye kindreds of the people" functions as a powerful declaration of **Universalism** or **Inclusivity**, dramatically expanding the scope of God's worship beyond any single nation or group to encompass all humanity. While not strict parallelism of clauses, the pairing of "glory and strength" can be seen as a form of **Merism**, where two complementary terms are used to represent a comprehensive reality—in this case, the totality of God's inherent being and His active power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 96:7 stands as a powerful theological statement regarding God's universal sovereignty and the proper response of all creation. It asserts that true worship is not merely an emotional experience but a deliberate act of ascribing to God what is inherently His: His glory and His strength. This command underscores that God lacks nothing and is not dependent on human "gifts," but rather, humanity's role is to acknowledge and declare His intrinsic worth and omnipotence. This verse fuels the missionary impulse, reminding believers that God's plan of salvation extends to "all kindreds of the people," anticipating a future where every tongue and tribe will worship Him. It challenges any ethnocentric view of God, proclaiming His reign over all nations and calling them to turn from idols to the living God.

* [1 Chronicles 16:28-29](/1_chronicles/16-28 "1 Chronicles 16:28-29 - Ascribing Glory and Strength to the Lord")
* [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation Worshipping God")
* [Psalm 29:1-2](/psalms/29-1 "Psalm 29:1-2 - Ascribe to the Lord Glory and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 96:7 serves as a profound reminder for believers today, calling us to an intentional and expansive understanding of worship. It challenges us to move beyond a self-centered faith and embrace a God-centered, global perspective. To "give unto the LORD glory and strength" means to live lives that visibly declare His supreme worth and power, not just in our words of praise, but in our actions, our priorities, and our dependence on Him. This involves recognizing His sovereignty over all aspects of life, acknowledging His power in our weakness, and living in a way that reflects His character to a watching world. Furthermore, the universal scope of this command compels us to participate actively in God's mission to draw all "kindreds of the people" to Himself, whether through prayer, giving, or direct involvement in sharing the Gospel. Our worship is incomplete if it does not extend to a passionate desire for all nations to know and glorify the King of kings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "give unto the LORD glory and strength" in my daily life, beyond formal worship settings?**
* **How does the universal scope of this psalm impact my understanding of God's kingdom and my personal role in fulfilling the Great Commission?**
* **What idols or competing sources of "glory" and "strength" in my life might be preventing me from fully ascribing these attributes to God alone?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalm command "giving" glory and strength to God, as if He lacks them?**

Answer: The term "give" (Hebrew: _habu_) in this context does not imply that God is deficient in glory or strength and requires humans to supply them. Rather, it means to "ascribe," "attribute," "acknowledge," or "render due homage." God inherently possesses infinite glory and strength; they are intrinsic to His nature. The command is for humanity to recognize, declare, and publicly affirm these attributes that are already His. It's an act of worship, submission, and proper alignment with reality, acknowledging God's supreme sovereignty and worth. It's about giving Him the honor and recognition He is due, not about augmenting His being. This concept is consistent with other scriptures that affirm God's self-sufficiency and infinite perfections, such as [Acts 17:25](/acts/17-25 "Acts 17:25 - God Needs Nothing from Human Hands").

**What is the significance of the phrase "kindreds of the people"?**

Answer: The phrase "kindreds of the people" (Hebrew: _mishpachot ammim_) is profoundly significant because it expands the scope of worship beyond a single nation or chosen people (like Israel) to encompass all humanity. _Mishpachot_ refers to families, clans, or tribes, while _ammim_ refers to peoples or nations. Together, they signify every distinct human grouping, from the smallest familial unit to the largest national entity. This highlights God's universal claim over all creation and His redemptive plan that extends to every tribe and tongue. It anticipates the global reach of the Gospel and the ultimate vision of a multi-ethnic multitude worshipping God, as prophesied in passages like [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude from Every Nation Worshipping God"). It underscores that God's kingdom is not limited by human boundaries but is destined to encompass all peoples.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 96:7 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalm issues a universal call to ascribe glory and strength to Yahweh, it is through Christ that this global worship becomes a reality. Jesus is the embodiment of God's glory, the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). In Him, the invisible God is made visible, and His inherent glory is revealed to humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us")). Furthermore, all strength and authority in heaven and on earth have been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), making Him the one through whom God's omnipotence is fully manifested. The vision of "all kindreds of the people" coming to worship finds its eschatological realization in the exaltation of Christ, where "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")). It is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), who is declared "worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy Is the Lamb")). Thus, the universal call to give glory and strength to the Lord is ultimately a call to worship the Father through the Son, who perfectly embodies and reveals both.

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

Revelation 19:1

¶ And 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 6:13

And 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 5:9

And 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 22:27

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

1 Chronicles 29:11

Thine, O LORD, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all [that is] in the heaven and in the earth [is thine]; thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

1 Chronicles 29:13

Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

Revelation 7:12

Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.