Psalms 68:5
What does Psalms 68:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 68:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 68:5 means
This verse beautifully portrays God's character as a compassionate protector, particularly for the most vulnerable in society. The terms “father of the fatherless” and “defender of widows” highlight His active role in caring for those who lack traditional societal support and advocacy. This imagery emphasizes God's paternal love and His commitment to justice for the marginalized. His “holy habitation,” referring to His dwelling in heaven or the Temple, signifies that this divine care is rooted in His perfect and righteous nature, emanating from His very being as the sovereign Lord. It's a declaration of divine benevolence and active intercession.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, Is God in his holy habitation.
KJV
King James Version · 1611A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, Is God in his holy habitation.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949A father to those who have no father, a judge of the widows, is God in his holy place.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Father of the fatherless, and judge of the widows, <FI>Is<Fi> God in His holy habitation.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752They are multiplied above the hairs of my head, who hate me without cause. My enemies are grown strong who have wrongfully persecuted me: then did I pay that which I took not away.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, isGod in his holy habitation.
Context
Psalm 68 is a triumphant psalm celebrating God's power and presence among His people, often associated with the ark's procession. Verses 1-4 describe God scattering His enemies and the righteous rejoicing before Him. This verse (v. 5) then shifts to emphasize God's benevolent character amidst His power, setting the stage for further descriptions of His care for the needy (v. 6) and powerful acts of deliverance (vv. 7-10). It highlights that God's strength is not just for war, but also for compassion, offering a balance to the preceding martial imagery.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 49:11
Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me.
- Psalms 146:9
Jehovah preserveth the sojourners; He upholdeth the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
- Psalms 82:3
Judge the poor and fatherless: Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.
- Deuteronomy 10:18
He doth execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loveth the sojourner, in giving him food and raiment.
- Psalms 33:14
From the place of his habitation he looketh forth Upon all the inhabitants of the earth,
- Job 31:16
If I have withheld the poor fromtheirdesire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
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