Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When God went out against Egypt, he established it as a statute for Joseph. I heard an unknown voice say: New Living Translation He made it a law for Israel when he attacked Egypt to set us free. I heard an unknown voice say, English Standard Version He made it a decree in Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt. I hear a language I had not known: Berean Standard Bible He ordained it as a testimony for Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt, where I heard an unfamiliar language: King James Bible This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not. New King James Version This He established in Joseph as a testimony, When He went throughout the land of Egypt, Where I heard a language I did not understand. New American Standard Bible He established it as a testimony in Joseph When he went throughout the land of Egypt. I heard a language I did not know: NASB 1995 He established it for a testimony in Joseph When he went throughout the land of Egypt. I heard a language that I did not know: NASB 1977 He established it for a testimony in Joseph, When he went throughout the land of Egypt. I heard a language that I did not know: Legacy Standard Bible He established it for a testimony in Joseph When he went forth over the land of Egypt. I heard a language that I did not know: Amplified Bible He established it for a testimony in Joseph When He went throughout the land of Egypt. I heard the language [of One whom] I did not know, saying, Christian Standard Bible He set it up as a decree for Joseph when he went throughout the land of Egypt. I heard an unfamiliar language: Holman Christian Standard Bible He set it up as an ordinance for Joseph when He went throughout the land of Egypt. I heard an unfamiliar language:” American Standard Version He appointed it in Joseph for a testimony, When he went out over the land of Egypt, Where I heard a language that I knew not. Contemporary English Version The descendants of Joseph were told to obey it, when God led them out from the land of Egypt. In a voice unknown to me, I heard someone say: English Revised Version He appointed it in Joseph for testimony, when he went out over the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I knew not. GOD'S WORD® Translation These are the instructions God set in place for Joseph when Joseph rose to power over Egypt. I heard a message I did not understand: Good News Translation He gave it to the people of Israel when he attacked the land of Egypt. I hear an unknown voice saying, International Standard Version a decree that he prescribed for Joseph when he went throughout the land of Egypt, speaking a language I did not recognize. Majority Standard Bible He ordained it as a testimony for Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt, where I heard an unfamiliar language: NET Bible He decreed it as a regulation in Joseph, when he attacked the land of Egypt. I heard a voice I did not recognize. New Heart English Bible He appointed it in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out over the land of Egypt, I heard a language that I did not know. Webster's Bible Translation This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not. World English Bible He appointed it in Joseph for a covenant, when he went out over the land of Egypt, I heard a language that I didn’t know. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHe has placed it—a testimony on Joseph, "" In his going forth over the land of Egypt. A lip, I have not known—I hear. Young's Literal Translation A testimony on Joseph He hath placed it, In his going forth over the land of Egypt. A lip, I have not known -- I hear. Smith's Literal Translation He set him a testimony in Joseph in his going forth upon the land of Egypt: I shall hear a lip I knew not. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe ordained it for a testimony in Joseph, when he came out of the land of Egypt: he heard a tongue which he knew not. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible He made it a decree for Joseph when he came out of the land of Egypt. New Revised Standard Version He made it a decree in Joseph, when he went out over the land of Egypt. I hear a voice I had not known: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThis he ordained in Joseph for a testimony when he went out to the land of Egypt, where he heard a language that he understood not. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He appointed a testimony in Joseph when he went forth to the land of Egypt; he heard a language that he did not know. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He appointed it in Joseph for a testimony, When He went forth against the land of Egypt. The speech of one that I knew not did I hear: Brenton Septuagint Translation He made it to be a testimony in Joseph, when he came forth out of the land of Egypt: he heard a language which he understood not. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Sing for Joy to God, Our Strength…4For this is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob. 5He ordained it as a testimony for Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt, where I heard an unfamiliar language: 6“I relieved his shoulder of the burden; his hands were freed from the basket.… Cross References Exodus 12:12 On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. Exodus 13:3 So Moses told the people, “Remember this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; for the LORD brought you out of it by the strength of His hand. And nothing leavened shall be eaten. Exodus 19:4-5 ‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. / Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. Deuteronomy 4:34 Or has any god tried to take as his own a nation out of another nation—by trials, signs, wonders, and war, by a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and by great terrors—as the LORD your God did for you in Egypt, before your eyes? Deuteronomy 6:12 be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Deuteronomy 26:8 Then the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, signs, and wonders. Joshua 24:17 For the LORD our God brought us and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and performed these great signs before our eyes. He also protected us throughout our journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. Judges 6:8-9 He sent them a prophet, who told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. / I delivered you out of the hands of Egypt and all your oppressors. I drove them out before you and gave you their land. 1 Samuel 10:18 and said to the Israelites, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I rescued you from the hands of the Egyptians and of all the kingdoms that oppressed you.’ Isaiah 63:11-12 Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them, / who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown, Jeremiah 32:21 You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and with great terror. Hosea 12:13 But by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved. Acts 7:36 He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness. Acts 13:17 The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers. He made them into a great people during their stay in Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out of that land. Romans 9:17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Treasury of Scripture This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not. in Joseph Psalm 77:15 Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. Psalm 80:1,2 To the chief Musician upon ShoshannimEduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth… Amos 6:6 That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. for a Psalm 78:6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: Exodus 13:8,9,14-16 And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt… Deuteronomy 4:45 These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt, through. Exodus 12:12,27,29 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD… where Psalm 114:1 When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language; Deuteronomy 28:49 The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; Isaiah 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. Jump to Previous Appointed Decree Ears Egypt Established Forth Hear Heard Joseph Language Ordained Placed Sounding Speech Statute Strange Testimony Throughout Tongue Understand Understood Voice Witness WordsJump to Next Appointed Decree Ears Egypt Established Forth Hear Heard Joseph Language Ordained Placed Sounding Speech Statute Strange Testimony Throughout Tongue Understand Understood Voice Witness WordsPsalm 81 1. An exhortation to a solemn praising of God4. God challenges that duty by reason of his benefits 8. God, exhorting to obedience, complains of their disobedience, which proves their own hurt. He ordained it as a testimony for Joseph This phrase refers to God's establishment of a decree or law as a testimony for Joseph, symbolically representing the tribes of Israel. Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, rose to prominence in Egypt, and his story is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness. The "testimony" likely refers to the statutes and laws given to Israel, which serve as a witness to God's covenant relationship with His people. This connects to Genesis 41, where Joseph's leadership in Egypt is a fulfillment of God's promises. The use of "Joseph" here can also symbolize the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim, Joseph's son. when he went out over the land of Egypt where I heard an unfamiliar language Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephA key figure in the Old Testament, Joseph was one of the twelve sons of Jacob. He rose to prominence in Egypt, becoming second in command to Pharaoh. His life is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness. 2. Egypt A significant location in biblical history, Egypt was both a place of refuge and bondage for the Israelites. It represents a land of foreign culture and language, as mentioned in this verse. 3. Testimony In this context, it refers to God's established covenant and laws given to His people, serving as a witness to His faithfulness and expectations. 4. Unfamiliar Language This phrase highlights the cultural and linguistic differences Joseph and the Israelites encountered in Egypt, symbolizing the challenges of living in a foreign land. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Foreign LandsJust as God was with Joseph in Egypt, He is with us in unfamiliar or challenging situations. We can trust His sovereignty and guidance. Cultural Challenges and Faithfulness Encountering unfamiliar cultures and languages can be daunting, but like Joseph, we are called to remain faithful and uphold God's testimony. The Role of Testimonies God's testimonies serve as reminders of His faithfulness and our responsibilities. They guide us in living according to His will, even in foreign or challenging environments. Providence and Purpose Joseph's journey to Egypt was part of God's larger plan for His people. We can find comfort in knowing that God has a purpose for our lives, even when circumstances seem difficult. Language as a Barrier and Bridge The mention of an unfamiliar language highlights the barriers we may face, but also the potential for God's work to transcend cultural differences and bring about His purposes.(5) Joseph.--The prominence given to this name indicates, according to some critics, that the author belonged to the northern kingdom:. but when a poet was wishing to vary his style of speaking of the whole people--the names Israel and Jacob have just been used--the name Joseph would naturally occur, especially with the mention of Egypt, where that patriarch had played such a conspicuous part. Through the land of Egypt.--The Hebrew means either upon, over, or against, but none of these meanings will suit with Israel as the subject of the verb. Hence, the LXX., in disregard of use, give "out of Egypt." But God is doubtless the subject of the verb, and we may render, over the land of Egypt, in allusion to Exodus 12:23, or against the land of Egypt, in reference to the Divine hostility to Pharaoh. Where I heard . . .--The insertion of the relatival adverb, where, makes this refer to the Egyptian tongue (comp. Psalm 114:1), giving an equivalent for, "when I was in a foreign country." So apparently the LXX. and Vulg. But the expression, words unknown to me I heard, when followed by an apparent quotation, most naturally introduces that quotation. The poet hears a message, which comes borne to him on the festival music, and this he goes on to deliver. Verse 5. - This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony. The special mention of "Joseph" here is strange. Professor Cheyne explains, "God appointed the Law to be valid in northern as well as southern Israel." Hengstenberg and Professor Alexander account for the expression by the pre-eminence of Joseph during the sojourn in Egypt. When he went out through the land of Egypt. When he (Joseph) went out over (or, across) the land," i.e. at the time of the Exodus. Where I heard a language that I understood not. It can scarcely be supposed that this clause belongs properly to ver. 5. It is rather an introduction to the monody wherewith the psalm (as it has come down to us) concludes - the mournful complaint of God against his people. So Professor Cheyne, who translates, "The discourse of no whom I had not known (i.e. of God) did I hear."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew He ordained itשָׂמ֗וֹ (śā·mōw) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set as a testimony עֵ֤דוּת ׀ (‘ê·ḏūṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5715: Testimony for Joseph בִּֽיה֘וֹסֵ֤ף (bî·hō·w·sêp̄) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3084: Jehoseph when he went out בְּ֭צֵאתוֹ (bə·ṣê·ṯōw) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim over עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the land אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of Egypt, מִצְרָ֑יִם (miṣ·rā·yim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa [where] I heard אֶשְׁמָֽע׃ (’eš·mā‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently an unfamiliar לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no language: שְׂפַ֖ת (śə·p̄aṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin Links Psalm 81:5 NIVPsalm 81:5 NLT Psalm 81:5 ESV Psalm 81:5 NASB Psalm 81:5 KJV Psalm 81:5 BibleApps.com Psalm 81:5 Biblia Paralela Psalm 81:5 Chinese Bible Psalm 81:5 French Bible Psalm 81:5 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 81:5 He appointed it in Joseph (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
    |