Psalms 87:3 Meaning: Glorious Things Spoken of God's City
Glorious things are spoken about you, city of God. Selah.
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. [Selah
Honourable things are spoken in Thee, O city of God. Selah.
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
Meaning in one sentence
What are the 'glorious things' spoken about the city of God in Psalms 87:3? Discover the meaning of this verse about Zion and God's people.
Context
This psalm comes from the sons of Korah, a family of singers who served in the temple. The poem focuses on Zion, the hill in Jerusalem where the temple stood. God had chosen that place as the center of worship and the symbol of His presence among His people. Verse 3 stands as a bold claim: people speak glorious, weighty things about this city. But the psalm does not stop at geography. It goes on to list nations like Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia, old enemies, and says that each of them will one day be counted among those born in Zion. The city of God is not just a location; it is a people gathered from every corner of the earth.
Key Words
Two Hebrew words anchor this verse. The first is nikhbādôt, from the root kāvad, which means “to be heavy.” When something is heavy in Hebrew thought, it is weighty, substantial, honorable. The word can describe the glorious presence of God filling the temple. So the “glorious things” spoken here are not flattering compliments. They are declarations with real weight, promises that will stand.
The second word is medubbār, a passive form of dāvar, “to speak.” It means “it is spoken,” suggesting that these words are already on record or are being said now. The phrase “city of God” uses ‘îr hā’ĕlōhîm, which points to the place where God dwells. Finally, the word selah appears at the end, a musical term that likely signals a pause. The reader is invited to stop and consider the weight of what has been said.
How Christians Read This Verse
Jewish tradition has always read this verse as praise for the earthly Jerusalem, the city God chose for His temple. Christian interpreters have seen a deeper layer. Matthew Henry wrote that the city of God is the church, founded on Christ, and the glorious things spoken are the promises of the gospel. John Calvin agreed, emphasizing that God’s favor toward Zion points to His care for the whole church, not just one building. Other commentators, like Barnes, noted that the verse looks forward to the final gathering of all nations into God’s family. Both readings honor the text: the physical city of Jerusalem is a real place, and it also foreshadows the heavenly community of all believers.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think “glorious things” refers only to the physical beauty of Jerusalem, its golden stone, its hilltop location. In fact, the psalm points to something much more remarkable: the promise that people from hostile nations will be counted as citizens of God’s city. The glory is not in the scenery but in the gathering of former enemies as children of God.
Living This Out
You live as part of God’s city now. That means the weighty words spoken about Zion apply to you. You are not an outsider. The same God who said He would count Babylon and Egypt among His children has counted you too. This week, when you feel small or forgotten, pause as the psalmist does, selah. Think about the promises God has spoken over His people. They are not light or empty. They carry the full weight of His faithfulness.
Main takeaway: God speaks weighty, enduring promises over His people, and we can pause to trust them.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
The city of God is where God lives. He said wonderful things about it. And if you love Jesus, you are part of that city. That is a happy thing to think about.
For ages 9, 12
Psalms 87:3 says that people speak glorious things about the city of God. That city was Jerusalem, but God uses it to talk about everyone who trusts in Him. He even says that people from other countries, countries that used to be enemies, will be born there. That means God’s family is made up of all kinds of people. You are part of that family, and God has spoken wonderful promises over you.
Questions People Ask
What does 'city of God' mean in Psalms 87:3?
The city of God is first the earthly Jerusalem, the location of the temple. But Christian readers have also seen it as a picture of the church, the community of all who worship God. Both meanings can hold together.
What are the 'glorious things' spoken about the city?
The psalm itself lists them: God loves Zion’s gates, and people from Egypt, Babylon, and other nations will be counted as citizens of God’s city. The glorious things include God’s promises of salvation, inclusion, and a permanent home for His people.
What does 'Selah' mean in this verse?
Selah is a musical term found in the Psalms. Scholars think it may indicate a pause or a musical interlude. In Psalm 87, it invites the reader to stop and reflect on the weight of what has just been said.
Does Psalm 87 refer to literal Jerusalem or the church?
The psalm begins by describing the earthly Zion, but it quickly expands to include people from many nations. Most Christian commentators see both a literal and symbolic meaning: Jerusalem as the historical location and the church as the spiritual community that embraces all believers.
Who wrote Psalm 87?
Psalm 87 is attributed to the sons of Korah, a family of Levitical singers who served in the temple. Their hymns often celebrate Zion and God’s presence among His people.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study