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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 87:1 His foundation is on the holy mountains.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/87-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/19_Psa_087_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 87:1 - The LORD Loves the Gates of Zion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="His foundation is on the holy mountains." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/87-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/87-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/87.htm">Chapter 87</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/86-17.htm" title="Psalm 86:17">◄</a> Psalm 87:1 <a href="/psalms/87-2.htm" title="Psalm 87:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/87.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/87.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. A song. He has founded his city on the holy mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/87.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/87.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />On the holy mount stands the city he founded;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/87.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A song. He has founded His city on the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/87.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A Psalm <i>or</i> Song for the sons of Korah. His foundation <i>is</i> in the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/87.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song. His foundation <i>is</i> in the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/87.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/87.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/87.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />His foundation is in the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/87.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Of the sons of Korah. A Psalm. A Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/87.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song. His foundation is on the holy mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/87.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A psalm of the sons of Korah. A song. The city he founded is on the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/87.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A psalm of the sons of Korah. A song. His foundation is on the holy mountains. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/87.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A Psalm of the sons of Korah; a Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/87.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Zion was built by the LORD on the holy mountain, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/87.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A Psalm of the sons of Korah; a Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/87.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[By Korah's descendants; a psalm; a song.] [The city] the LORD has founded [stands]on holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/87.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD built his city on the sacred hill; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/87.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />God's foundation is in the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/87.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A song. He has founded His city on the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/87.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Written by the Korahites; a psalm, a song. The LORD's city is in the holy hills. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/87.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />[A Psalm by the sons of Korah; a Song.] His foundation is in the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/87.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah. His foundation is in the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/87.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A Psalm by the sons of Korah; a Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/87.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A PSALM OF THE SONS OF KORAH. A SONG. His foundation [is] in holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/87.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> By sons of Korah. -- A Psalm, a song. His foundation is in holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/87.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To the sons of Korah chanting a song. His foundations are in the mountains of holiness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/87.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For the sons of Core, a psalm of a canticle. The foundations thereof are in the holy mountains: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/87.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 86:1>A Canticle Psalm to the sons of Korah. Its foundations are in the holy mountains:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/87.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/87.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />On the holy mount stands the city he founded;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/87.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />HER foundations are on his holy mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/87.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />His foundations are in his holy mountain!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/87.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A Psalm of the sons of Korah; a Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/87.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A Psalm of a Song for the sons of Core. His foundations are in the holy mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/87-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=10842" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/87.htm">The LORD Loves the Gates of Zion</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4210.htm" title="4210: miz·mō·wr (N-ms) -- A melody. From zamar; properly, instrumental music; by implication, a poem set to notes.">A Psalm</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê- (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">of the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/7141.htm" title="7141: qō·raḥ (N-proper-ms) -- An Edomite name, also an Isr. name. From qarach; ice; Korach, the name of two Edomites and three Israelites.">of Korah.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7892.htm" title="7892: šîr (N-ms) -- A song, singing. Or feminine shiyrah; from shiyr; a song; abstractly, singing.">A song.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3248.htm" title="3248: yə·sū·ḏā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Foundation. Feminine of ycud; a foundation."> He has founded His city</a> <a href="/hebrew/6944.htm" title="6944: qō·ḏeš (N-ms) -- Apartness, sacredness. From qadash; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity.">on the holy</a> <a href="/hebrew/2042.htm" title="2042: bə·har·rê- (Prep-b:: N-mpc) -- Hill, mountain. From an unused root meaning to loom up; a mountain.">mountains.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-2.htm">Isaiah 2:2-3</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Hebrews 12:22</a></span><br />Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/21-2.htm">Revelation 21:2</a></span><br />I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1-3</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-26.htm">Galatians 4:26</a></span><br />But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-12.htm">Revelation 3:12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/4-1.htm">Micah 4:1-2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/48-1.htm">Psalm 48:1-2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/8-3.htm">Zechariah 8:3</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14</a></span><br />You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/62-1.htm">Isaiah 62:1-2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">Ephesians 2:19-22</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/21-10.htm">Revelation 21:10-11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/132-13.htm">Psalm 132:13-14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-21.htm">John 4:21-23</a></span><br />“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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">His foundation is in the holy mountains.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="hdg">his</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/3-1.htm">2 Chronicles 3:1</a></b></br> Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where <i>the LORD</i> appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16</a></b></br> Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner <i>stone</i>, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Matthew 16:18</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="hdg">the holy</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/48-1.htm">Psalm 48:1,2</a></b></br> A Song <i>and</i> Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great <i>is</i> the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, <i>in</i> the mountain of his holiness… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/68-16.htm">Psalm 68:16</a></b></br> Why leap ye, ye high hills? <i>this is</i> the hill <i>which</i> God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell <i>in it</i> for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/121-1.htm">Psalm 121:1</a></b></br> A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/72-16.htm">City</a> <a href="/job/38-4.htm">Foundation</a> <a href="/psalms/78-69.htm">Founded</a> <a href="/psalms/77-13.htm">Holiness</a> <a href="/psalms/86-2.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/psalms/84-10.htm">House</a> <a href="/psalms/86-17.htm">Korah</a> <a href="/psalms/78-68.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/psalms/78-68.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/psalms/83-14.htm">Mountains</a> <a href="/psalms/32-1.htm">Of</a> <a href="/psalms/86-17.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/77-2.htm">Resting</a> <a href="/psalms/86-17.htm">Song</a> <a href="/psalms/76-1.htm">Song&Gt</a> <a href="/psalms/45-9.htm">Stands</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/87-3.htm">City</a> <a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Foundation</a> <a href="/psalms/89-11.htm">Founded</a> <a href="/psalms/89-35.htm">Holiness</a> <a href="/psalms/89-5.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/psalms/88-11.htm">House</a> <a href="/psalms/87-7.htm">Korah</a> <a href="/psalms/89-9.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/psalms/95-4.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/psalms/90-2.htm">Mountains</a> <a href="/psalms/24-1.htm">Of</a> <a href="/psalms/87-7.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Resting</a> <a href="/psalms/87-7.htm">Song</a> <a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Song&Gt</a> <a href="/psalms/89-2.htm">Stands</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 87</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/87-1.htm">The nature and glory of the church</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/87-4.htm">The increase, honor, and comfort of the members thereof.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/87.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/87.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A Psalm of the sons of Korah.</b><br>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 (<a href="/1_chronicles/6-31.htm">1 Chronicles 6:31-38</a>). 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.<p><b>A song.</b><br>This designation indicates that the Psalm was intended to be sung, reflecting its use in worship and liturgical settings. Songs in ancient Israel were a means of teaching theology, expressing communal identity, and reinforcing cultural values. The musical aspect underscores the joy and celebration associated with the themes of the Psalm.<p><b>He has founded His city on the holy mountains.</b><br>The "city" refers to Jerusalem, often called Zion, which holds a central place in biblical theology as the chosen dwelling place of God (<a href="/psalms/132-13.htm">Psalm 132:13-14</a>). The "holy mountains" emphasize the city's divine selection and sanctity. Geographically, Jerusalem is situated on a series of hills, with Mount Zion being one of the most significant. This location is not only strategic but also symbolic of God's protection and presence. Theologically, the founding of the city on holy mountains signifies God's sovereign choice and the establishment of His kingdom on earth. This phrase also connects to prophecies about the New Jerusalem (<a href="/revelation/21-2.htm">Revelation 21:2</a>), symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for His people. The mountains can be seen as types of Christ, representing strength, stability, and the place where God meets humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/z/zion.htm">Zion (Jerusalem)</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sons_of_korah.htm">The Sons of Korah</a></b><br>The authors of this psalm, who were a group of Levitical singers and musicians, responsible for temple worship.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_holy_mountains.htm">The Holy Mountains</a></b><br>Refers to the elevated regions of Jerusalem, emphasizing its spiritual significance and divine selection as the foundation of God's presence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_chosen_foundation.htm">God's Chosen Foundation</a></b><br>Just 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_stability_of_god's_presence.htm">The Stability of God's Presence</a></b><br>The imagery of a foundation on mountains suggests stability and permanence. Trust in the unchanging nature of God's presence in your life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_significance_of_place.htm">Spiritual Significance of Place</a></b><br>While physical locations can hold spiritual significance, remember that true worship is in spirit and truth, transcending geographical boundaries.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_holiness.htm">The Call to Holiness</a></b><br>As Zion is described as holy, believers are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_87.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 87</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_god_'founded'_zion.htm">Psalm 87:1–2 – Where is the archaeological evidence that God personally “founded” Zion? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_god_condemn_individuals_to_hell.htm">Does God condemn individuals to hell?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/psalm_87_7__how_are_all_'springs'_in_zion.htm">Psalm 87:7 – In what sense are all “springs” in Zion, given that historically rivers and water sources are not exclusive to Jerusalem?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_deepen_my_bond_with_god.htm">How can I deepen my relationship with God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/87.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">His foundation.</span>--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 <span class= "ital">gates of Zion </span>in apposition with <span class= "ital">His foundation:</span><p>His foundation on the holy hill<p>Loveth Jehovah, (even) Zion's gates,<p>More than all Jacob's dwellings.<p>Here <span class= "ital">His foundation </span>is equivalent to <span class= "ital">that which He hath founded, </span>and the gates are put by metonymy for the city itself. (Comp. <a href="/jeremiah/14-2.htm" title="Judah mourns, and the gates thereof languish; they are black to the ground; and the cry of Jerusalem is gone up.">Jeremiah 14:2</a>.)<p>With regard to the plural, <span class= "ital">mountains, </span>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" (<span class= "ital">Sinai and Palestine, </span>p. 177).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/87.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 1-3.</span> - The praises of Zion. <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> She is built upon the holy mountains; <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> God loves her pre-eminently; and <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> a glorious future is assigned to her in the counsels of God. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Ver. 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">His foundation is in the holy mountains</span>. God's foundation - the city which he has founded - is "in the holy mountains;" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> in the hill country of Judaea, a congeries of mountains, "holy," since they surround the holy city and belong to the "holy land" (<a href="/zechariah/2-12.htm">Zechariah 2:12</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/87-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A Psalm</span><br /><span class="heb">מִזְמ֣וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(miz·mō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4210.htm">Strong's 4210: </a> </span><span class="str2">Instrumental music, a poem set to notes</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the sons</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבְנֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(liḇ·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Korah.</span><br /><span class="heb">קֹ֭רַח</span> <span class="translit">(qō·raḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7141.htm">Strong's 7141: </a> </span><span class="str2">Korah -- an Edomite name, also an Israelite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">A Song.</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁ֑יר</span> <span class="translit">(šîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7892.htm">Strong's 7892: </a> </span><span class="str2">A song, singing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His foundation</span><br /><span class="heb">יְ֝סוּדָת֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·sū·ḏā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3248.htm">Strong's 3248: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foundation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] on the holy</span><br /><span class="heb">קֹֽדֶשׁ׃</span> <span class="translit">(qō·ḏeš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6944.htm">Strong's 6944: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sacred place, thing, sanctity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mountains.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּהַרְרֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·har·rê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2042.htm">Strong's 2042: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hill, mountain </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/87-1.htm">Psalm 87:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/87-1.htm">Psalm 87:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/87-1.htm">Psalm 87:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/87-1.htm">Psalm 87:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/87-1.htm">Psalm 87:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/87-1.htm">Psalm 87:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/87-1.htm">Psalm 87:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/87-1.htm">Psalm 87:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/87-1.htm">Psalm 87:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/87-1.htm">Psalm 87:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/87-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 87:1 A Psalm by the sons of Korah (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/86-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 86:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 86:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/87-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 87:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 87:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>