Psalms 87:4

² The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

³ Glorious things are ascribed to you, O city of God. Selah

“I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me— along with Philistia, Tyre, and Cush — when I say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”

⁵ And it will be said of Zion: “This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High Himself will establish her.”

⁶ The LORD will record in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” Selah

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: “I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me— along with Philistia, Tyre, and Cush — when I say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”
KJV: I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
WEB: I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me. Behold, Philistia, Tyre, and also Ethiopia: “This one was born there.”
ASV: I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon as among them that know me: Behold, Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia: This one was born there.
DARBY: I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon among them that know me; behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia: this [man] was born there.
BLB: “I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me—behold Philistia and Tyre, with Cush: This one was born there.

ÅB: Jeg nevner Rahab[^1] og Babel blant dem som kjenner meg; se filisteren og tyrieren med etioperen: Denne er født der.
OTB: “Jeg vil nevne Rahab og Babylon blant dem som kjenner Meg;
Se, Filistia og Tyrus med Kusj:
‘Denne ble født der.’”
B1930: Jeg nevner Rahab og Babel blandt dem som kjenner mig; se filisteren og tyrieren med etioperen: Denne er født der. / < d.e. Egypten.>

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

Psalms 45:12
The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; men of wealth will seek your favor.
Read in context
Isaiah 19:23–25
In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt, and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together.
Read in context
Psalms 68:31
Envoys will arrive from Egypt; Cush will stretch out her hands to God.
Read in context
Psalms 89:10
You crushed Rahab like a carcass; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.
Read in context
Job 9:13
God does not restrain His anger; the helpers of Rahab cower beneath Him.
Read in context
2 Kings 20:17–18
The time will surely come when everything in your palace and all that your fathers have stored up until this day will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD.
Read in context
Acts 8:27
So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship,
Read in context
Revelation 18:2
And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast.
Read in context