Psalms 68:6
What does Psalms 68:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 68:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 68:6 means
This verse highlights God's providential care and justice. "God sets the lonely in families" speaks to His desire to provide community and belonging for those who are isolated, often understood as the vulnerable and outcast. "He brings out the prisoners with singing" signifies liberation from bondage, both literal and spiritual, emphasizing joy and triumph that accompanies divine deliverance. Conversely, "the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land" presents a stark contrast, illustrating the judgment and desolation awaiting those who defy God. This imagery of a barren land underscores the consequences of disobedience, depicting a life devoid of blessing and flourishing.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth out the prisoners into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
KJV
King James Version · 1611God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth out the prisoners into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Those who are without friends, God puts in families; he makes free those who are in chains; but those who are turned away from him are given a dry land.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862God--causing the lonely to dwell at home, Bringing out bound ones into prosperity, Only--the refractory have inhabited a dry place.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my offences are not hidden from thee:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890God maketh the solitary into families; those that were bound he bringeth out into prosperity: but the rebellious dwell in a parched [land].
Context
Psalm 68 is a triumphal hymn, celebrating God's power and His victorious leading of His people. Immediately preceding verse 6, the psalm speaks of God rising and scattering His enemies, portraying Him as a mighty warrior and protector. Verse 6 then shifts to describe the blessings and judgments that stem from this powerful God. Following this verse, the psalm continues to recount God's mighty acts, particularly His provision for and deliverance of Israel, as well as His ultimate reign from Zion. This verse serves as a crucial link, demonstrating the practical implications of God's sovereign rule for individuals within the larger narrative of His redemptive history.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 146:7
Who executeth justice for the oppressed; Who giveth food to the hungry. Jehovah looseth the prisoners;
- Psalms 113:9
He maketh the barren woman to keep house, And to bea joyful mother of children. Praise ye Jehovah.
- Deuteronomy 28:23
And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron.
- Malachi 1:3
but Esau I hated, and made his mountains a desolation, and gave his heritage to the jackals of the wilderness.
- Acts 16:26
and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison-house were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened; and every one’s bands were loosed.
- Acts 12:6
And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and guards before the door kept the prison.
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