Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. A song. He has founded his city on the holy mountain. New Living Translation On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the LORD. English Standard Version On the holy mount stands the city he founded; Berean Standard Bible A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A song. He has founded His city on the holy mountains. King James Bible A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah. His foundation is in the holy mountains. New King James Version A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains. New American Standard Bible A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains. NASB 1995 A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains. NASB 1977 His foundation is in the holy mountains. Legacy Standard Bible Of the sons of Korah. A Psalm. A Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains. Amplified Bible A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song. His foundation is on the holy mountain. Christian Standard Bible A psalm of the sons of Korah. A song. The city he founded is on the holy mountains. Holman Christian Standard Bible A psalm of the sons of Korah. A song. His foundation is on the holy mountains. American Standard Version A Psalm of the sons of Korah; a Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains. Contemporary English Version Zion was built by the LORD on the holy mountain, English Revised Version A Psalm of the sons of Korah; a Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains. GOD'S WORD® Translation [By Korah's descendants; a psalm; a song.] [The city] the LORD has founded [stands]on holy mountains. Good News Translation The LORD built his city on the sacred hill; International Standard Version God's foundation is in the holy mountains. NET Bible Written by the Korahites; a psalm, a song. The LORD's city is in the holy hills. New Heart English Bible [A Psalm by the sons of Korah; a Song.] His foundation is in the holy mountains. Webster's Bible Translation A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah. His foundation is in the holy mountains. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleA Psalm of the sons of Korah. A song. He has founded His city on the holy mountains. World English Bible A Psalm by the sons of Korah; a Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA PSALM OF THE SONS OF KORAH. A SONG. His foundation [is] in holy mountains. Young's Literal Translation By sons of Korah. -- A Psalm, a song. His foundation is in holy mountains. Smith's Literal Translation To the sons of Korah chanting a song. His foundations are in the mountains of holiness. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor the sons of Core, a psalm of a canticle. The foundations thereof are in the holy mountains: Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible A psalm of the Korahites. A song. His foundation is on holy mountains, [2] The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than any dwelling in Jacob. New Revised Standard Version On the holy mount stands the city he founded; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHER foundations are on his holy mountain. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated His foundations are in his holy mountain! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A Psalm of the sons of Korah; a Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains. Brenton Septuagint Translation A Psalm of a Song for the sons of Core. His foundations are in the holy mountains. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The LORD Loves the Gates of Zion1A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A song. He has founded His city on the holy mountains. 2The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.… Cross References Isaiah 2:2-3 In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. / And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Hebrews 12:22 Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels Revelation 21:2 I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Galatians 4:26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. Revelation 3:12 The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from My God), and My new name. Micah 4:1-2 In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and the peoples will stream to it. / And many nations will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Psalm 48:1-2 A song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain. / Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King. Zechariah 8:3 This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.” Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Isaiah 62:1-2 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep still, until her righteousness shines like a bright light, her salvation like a blazing torch. / Nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow. Ephesians 2:19-22 Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, / built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. / In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ... Revelation 21:10-11 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, / shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal. Psalm 132:13-14 For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His home: / “This is My resting place forever and ever; here I will dwell, for I have desired this home. John 4:21-23 “Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. / You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. / But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. Treasury of Scripture His foundation is in the holy mountains. A. his 2 Chronicles 3:1 Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite. Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. the holy Psalm 48:1,2 A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness… Psalm 68:16 Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in it for ever. Psalm 121:1 A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. Jump to Previous City Foundation Founded Holiness Holy House Korah Mount Mountain Mountains Of Psalm Resting Song Song&Gt StandsJump to Next City Foundation Founded Holiness Holy House Korah Mount Mountain Mountains Of Psalm Resting Song Song&Gt StandsPsalm 87 1. The nature and glory of the church4. The increase, honor, and comfort of the members thereof. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. The sons of Korah were a group of Levitical singers and musicians, descendants of Korah, who was a Levite that led a rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16). Despite Korah's rebellion, his descendants were spared and became prominent in temple worship (1 Chronicles 6:31-38). This background highlights themes of redemption and grace, as God used the descendants of a rebel to lead in worship. The Psalms attributed to them often focus on the majesty of God and the beauty of His dwelling place. A song. He has founded His city on the holy mountains. Persons / Places / Events 1. Zion (Jerusalem)The city of God, often referred to as the holy mountain, is central to this verse. It symbolizes God's chosen place for His dwelling and the spiritual center for His people. 2. The Sons of Korah The authors of this psalm, who were a group of Levitical singers and musicians, responsible for temple worship. 3. The Holy Mountains Refers to the elevated regions of Jerusalem, emphasizing its spiritual significance and divine selection as the foundation of God's presence. Teaching Points God's Chosen FoundationJust as God chose Zion as His dwelling place, He chooses to dwell within believers today. Reflect on the significance of being a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Stability of God's Presence The imagery of a foundation on mountains suggests stability and permanence. Trust in the unchanging nature of God's presence in your life. Spiritual Significance of Place While physical locations can hold spiritual significance, remember that true worship is in spirit and truth, transcending geographical boundaries. The Call to Holiness As Zion is described as holy, believers are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 87:1?2. How does Psalm 87:1 emphasize the significance of God's foundation in Zion? 3. What does "His foundation" in Psalm 87:1 reveal about God's eternal plan? 4. How can we apply the concept of God's foundation in our daily lives? 5. What other scriptures highlight the importance of Zion in God's redemptive history? 6. How does Psalm 87:1 inspire confidence in God's unchanging promises to believers? 7. What is the significance of Zion in Psalm 87:1? 8. How does Psalm 87:1 reflect God's relationship with Jerusalem? 9. Why is the foundation of God's city emphasized in Psalm 87:1? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 87? 11. Psalm 87:1–2 – Where is the archaeological evidence that God personally “founded” Zion? 12. Does God condemn individuals to hell? 13. Psalm 87:7 – In what sense are all “springs” in Zion, given that historically rivers and water sources are not exclusive to Jerusalem? 14. How can I deepen my relationship with God? What Does Psalm 87:1 Mean A Psalm of the sons of Korah• This heading reminds us that certain Levites—descendants of Korah—were set apart to lead temple worship (1 Chronicles 9:19; 2 Chronicles 20:19). • Their family history is a testimony of grace. Though Korah perished for rebellion (Numbers 16:31-33), his offspring were preserved (Numbers 26:11) and later served in the house of the LORD. • By attaching their name to the psalm, the writers humbly acknowledge that God redeems and re-commissions even the line of a fallen ancestor—proof that His mercy endures forever (Psalm 103:17). • This backdrop prepares us to hear the psalm as worship led by servants who know firsthand the seriousness of sin and the wonder of forgiveness (Psalm 42:4; 84:1-2). A song • The label signals a piece designed to be sung, not merely recited. Melody helps truth settle into the heart (Colossians 3:16). • Calling it a “song” underscores joy. The psalm that follows celebrates Zion’s glory and God’s global plan; naturally it bursts into music. • By preserving the musical notation, Scripture reminds today’s believers that worship is both doctrinal and doxological—truth married to delight (Psalm 33:1-3). He has founded His city on the holy mountains • The declarative “He has founded” points to God Himself as the architect of Zion. Jerusalem exists by divine appointment, not human ingenuity (2 Samuel 5:7; Psalm 48:8). • “His city” identifies Zion as uniquely belonging to the LORD. Of all places, He chose that ridge of hills to set His Name (Psalm 132:13-14; 2 Chronicles 6:6). • “On the holy mountains” highlights separation and stability: ‑ Mountains convey permanence (Psalm 125:1-2), portraying God’s unshakable covenant with His people (Isaiah 54:10). ‑ “Holy” marks the site as set apart for God’s presence (Exodus 3:5). Holiness is not merely moral purity but distinctiveness—God dwelling with men. • The statement also anticipates a broader fulfillment. Hebrews 12:22 speaks of “Mount Zion…the heavenly Jerusalem,” and Revelation 21:2 shows the city’s ultimate unveiling. The earthly Zion foreshadows the eternal dwelling God is preparing for all who are in Christ (Ephesians 2:19-22). • Because the foundation is the LORD’s doing, assurance flows to every believer. What God establishes, no power can overturn (Psalm 46:4-5; Isaiah 28:16). summary Psalm 87:1 anchors hope in the God who sovereignly chose, founded, and sanctified Zion. Authored by redeemed Levites, sung with joy, and declaring the LORD’s immovable groundwork, the verse assures us that God’s plans for His city—and for all who trust in Him—stand firm forever. (1) His foundation.--This abrupt commencement with a clause without a verb has led to the conjecture that a line has dropped away. But this is unnecessary if we neglect the accents, and take gates of Zion in apposition with His foundation:His foundation on the holy hill Loveth Jehovah, (even) Zion's gates, More than all Jacob's dwellings. Here His foundation is equivalent to that which He hath founded, and the gates are put by metonymy for the city itself. (Comp. Jeremiah 14:2.) With regard to the plural, mountains, it is probably only poetical, though geographically it is correct to speak of Jerusalem as situated on hills. Dean Stanley speaks of "the multiplicity of the eminences" which the city "shares, though in a smaller compass, with Rome and Constantinople" (Sinai and Palestine, p. 177). Verses 1-3. - The praises of Zion.(1) She is built upon the holy mountains; (2) God loves her pre-eminently; and (3) a glorious future is assigned to her in the counsels of God. Ver. 1. - His foundation is in the holy mountains. God's foundation - the city which he has founded - is "in the holy mountains;" i.e. in the hill country of Judaea, a congeries of mountains, "holy," since they surround the holy city and belong to the "holy land" (Zechariah 2:12). Hebrew A Psalmמִזְמ֣וֹר (miz·mō·wr) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4210: Instrumental music, a poem set to notes of the sons לִבְנֵי־ (liḇ·nê-) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Korah. קֹ֭רַח (qō·raḥ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7141: Korah -- an Edomite name, also an Israelite name A Song. שִׁ֑יר (šîr) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7892: A song, singing His foundation יְ֝סוּדָת֗וֹ (yə·sū·ḏā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3248: A foundation [is] on the holy קֹֽדֶשׁ׃ (qō·ḏeš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity mountains. בְּהַרְרֵי־ (bə·har·rê-) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 2042: Hill, mountain Links Psalm 87:1 NIVPsalm 87:1 NLT Psalm 87:1 ESV Psalm 87:1 NASB Psalm 87:1 KJV Psalm 87:1 BibleApps.com Psalm 87:1 Biblia Paralela Psalm 87:1 Chinese Bible Psalm 87:1 French Bible Psalm 87:1 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 87:1 A Psalm by the sons of Korah (Psalm Ps Psa.) |