Psalm 81:5
New International Version
When God went out against Egypt, he established it as a statute for Joseph. I heard an unknown voice say:

New Living Translation
He made it a law for Israel when he attacked Egypt to set us free. I heard an unknown voice say,

English Standard Version
He made it a decree in Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt. I hear a language I had not known:

Berean Standard Bible
He ordained it as a testimony for Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt, where I heard an unfamiliar language:

King James Bible
This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.

New King James Version
This He established in Joseph as a testimony, When He went throughout the land of Egypt, Where I heard a language I did not understand.

New American Standard Bible
He established it as a testimony in Joseph When he went throughout the land of Egypt. I heard a language I did not know:

NASB 1995
He established it for a testimony in Joseph When he went throughout the land of Egypt. I heard a language that I did not know:

NASB 1977
He established it for a testimony in Joseph, When he went throughout the land of Egypt. I heard a language that I did not know:

Legacy Standard Bible
He established it for a testimony in Joseph When he went forth over the land of Egypt. I heard a language that I did not know:

Amplified Bible
He established it for a testimony in Joseph When He went throughout the land of Egypt. I heard the language [of One whom] I did not know, saying,

Christian Standard Bible
He set it up as a decree for Joseph when he went throughout the land of Egypt. I heard an unfamiliar language:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He set it up as an ordinance for Joseph when He went throughout the land of Egypt. I heard an unfamiliar language:”

American Standard Version
He appointed it in Joseph for a testimony, When he went out over the land of Egypt, Where I heard a language that I knew not.

Contemporary English Version
The descendants of Joseph were told to obey it, when God led them out from the land of Egypt. In a voice unknown to me, I heard someone say:

English Revised Version
He appointed it in Joseph for testimony, when he went out over the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I knew not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These are the instructions God set in place for Joseph when Joseph rose to power over Egypt. I heard a message I did not understand:

Good News Translation
He gave it to the people of Israel when he attacked the land of Egypt. I hear an unknown voice saying,

International Standard Version
a decree that he prescribed for Joseph when he went throughout the land of Egypt, speaking a language I did not recognize.

Majority Standard Bible
He ordained it as a testimony for Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt, where I heard an unfamiliar language:

NET Bible
He decreed it as a regulation in Joseph, when he attacked the land of Egypt. I heard a voice I did not recognize.

New Heart English Bible
He appointed it in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out over the land of Egypt, I heard a language that I did not know.

Webster's Bible Translation
This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.

World English Bible
He appointed it in Joseph for a covenant, when he went out over the land of Egypt, I heard a language that I didn’t know.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He has placed it—a testimony on Joseph, "" In his going forth over the land of Egypt. A lip, I have not known—I hear.

Young's Literal Translation
A testimony on Joseph He hath placed it, In his going forth over the land of Egypt. A lip, I have not known -- I hear.

Smith's Literal Translation
He set him a testimony in Joseph in his going forth upon the land of Egypt: I shall hear a lip I knew not.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He ordained it for a testimony in Joseph, when he came out of the land of Egypt: he heard a tongue which he knew not.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He set it as a testimony with Joseph, when he went out of the land of Egypt. He heard a tongue that he did not know.

New American Bible
He made it a decree for Joseph when he came out of the land of Egypt.

New Revised Standard Version
He made it a decree in Joseph, when he went out over the land of Egypt. I hear a voice I had not known:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony when he went out to the land of Egypt, where he heard a language that he understood not.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He appointed a testimony in Joseph when he went forth to the land of Egypt; he heard a language that he did not know.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
He appointed it in Joseph for a testimony, When He went forth against the land of Egypt. The speech of one that I knew not did I hear:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He made it to be a testimony in Joseph, when he came forth out of the land of Egypt: he heard a language which he understood not.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sing for Joy to God, Our Strength
4For this is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob. 5He ordained it as a testimony for Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt, where I heard an unfamiliar language: 6“I relieved his shoulder of the burden; his hands were freed from the basket.…

Cross References
Exodus 12:12
On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.

Exodus 13:3
So Moses told the people, “Remember this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; for the LORD brought you out of it by the strength of His hand. And nothing leavened shall be eaten.

Exodus 19:4-5
‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. / Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine.

Deuteronomy 4:34
Or has any god tried to take as his own a nation out of another nation—by trials, signs, wonders, and war, by a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and by great terrors—as the LORD your God did for you in Egypt, before your eyes?

Deuteronomy 6:12
be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

Deuteronomy 26:8
Then the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, signs, and wonders.

Joshua 24:17
For the LORD our God brought us and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and performed these great signs before our eyes. He also protected us throughout our journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.

Judges 6:8-9
He sent them a prophet, who told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. / I delivered you out of the hands of Egypt and all your oppressors. I drove them out before you and gave you their land.

1 Samuel 10:18
and said to the Israelites, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I rescued you from the hands of the Egyptians and of all the kingdoms that oppressed you.’

Isaiah 63:11-12
Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them, / who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown,

Jeremiah 32:21
You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and with great terror.

Hosea 12:13
But by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved.

Acts 7:36
He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness.

Acts 13:17
The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers. He made them into a great people during their stay in Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out of that land.

Romans 9:17
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”


Treasury of Scripture

This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.

in Joseph

Psalm 77:15
Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.

Psalm 80:1,2
To the chief Musician upon ShoshannimEduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth…

Amos 6:6
That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

for a

Psalm 78:6
That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:

Exodus 13:8,9,14-16
And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt…

Deuteronomy 4:45
These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt,

through.

Exodus 12:12,27,29
For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD…

where

Psalm 114:1
When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language;

Deuteronomy 28:49
The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

Isaiah 28:11
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

Jump to Previous
Appointed Decree Ears Egypt Established Forth Hear Heard Joseph Language Ordained Placed Sounding Speech Statute Strange Testimony Throughout Tongue Understand Understood Voice Witness Words
Jump to Next
Appointed Decree Ears Egypt Established Forth Hear Heard Joseph Language Ordained Placed Sounding Speech Statute Strange Testimony Throughout Tongue Understand Understood Voice Witness Words
Psalm 81
1. An exhortation to a solemn praising of God
4. God challenges that duty by reason of his benefits
8. God, exhorting to obedience, complains of their disobedience, which proves their own hurt.














He ordained it as a testimony
The phrase "He ordained it as a testimony" refers to God's establishment of a decree or law as a witness to His covenant and faithfulness. The Hebrew root for "ordained" is "שָׂם" (sam), meaning to place, set, or appoint. This suggests a deliberate and purposeful action by God. The "testimony" (עֵדוּת, edut) is a legal term often used in the context of the covenant between God and Israel, serving as a reminder of His promises and expectations. This phrase underscores the divine authority and intentionality behind God's commands, highlighting His desire for His people to remember and adhere to His statutes as a testament to His enduring relationship with them.

for Joseph
The mention of "Joseph" here is symbolic, representing the entire nation of Israel. Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, played a crucial role in the history of Israel, particularly in Egypt. His life story, marked by trials and triumphs, is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness. By using "Joseph," the psalmist evokes the memory of God's deliverance and provision for His people during their time in Egypt. This serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship that began with the patriarchs and continued through the generations.

when he went out over the land of Egypt
This phrase refers to the time when God led the Israelites out of Egypt, a pivotal event in their history known as the Exodus. The Hebrew word for "went out" (יָצָא, yatsa) signifies a departure or exodus, emphasizing the act of liberation from bondage. "Over the land of Egypt" highlights the geographical and historical context of this deliverance. Egypt, a place of both refuge and oppression for the Israelites, becomes the backdrop for God's mighty acts of salvation. This phrase serves as a reminder of God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to deliver His people from slavery.

where I heard an unfamiliar language
The "unfamiliar language" (שָׂפָה לֹא־יָדַעְתִּי, saphah lo-yadati) signifies the foreignness and alienation experienced by the Israelites in Egypt. The language barrier symbolizes the cultural and spiritual dissonance between God's people and their Egyptian oppressors. This phrase highlights the Israelites' status as strangers in a foreign land, underscoring their need for divine intervention and deliverance. It also serves as a metaphor for the spiritual alienation that occurs when God's people are separated from Him, emphasizing the importance of returning to a place of understanding and communion with God.

(5) Joseph.--The prominence given to this name indicates, according to some critics, that the author belonged to the northern kingdom:. but when a poet was wishing to vary his style of speaking of the whole people--the names Israel and Jacob have just been used--the name Joseph would naturally occur, especially with the mention of Egypt, where that patriarch had played such a conspicuous part.

Through the land of Egypt.--The Hebrew means either upon, over, or against, but none of these meanings will suit with Israel as the subject of the verb. Hence, the LXX., in disregard of use, give "out of Egypt." But God is doubtless the subject of the verb, and we may render, over the land of Egypt, in allusion to Exodus 12:23, or against the land of Egypt, in reference to the Divine hostility to Pharaoh.

Where I heard . . .--The insertion of the relatival adverb, where, makes this refer to the Egyptian tongue (comp. Psalm 114:1), giving an equivalent for, "when I was in a foreign country." So apparently the LXX. and Vulg. But the expression, words unknown to me I heard, when followed by an apparent quotation, most naturally introduces that quotation. The poet hears a message, which comes borne to him on the festival music, and this he goes on to deliver.

Verse 5. - This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony. The special mention of "Joseph" here is strange. Professor Cheyne explains, "God appointed the Law to be valid in northern as well as southern Israel." Hengstenberg and Professor Alexander account for the expression by the pre-eminence of Joseph during the sojourn in Egypt. When he went out through the land of Egypt. When he (Joseph) went out over (or, across) the land," i.e. at the time of the Exodus. Where I heard a language that I understood not. It can scarcely be supposed that this clause belongs properly to ver. 5. It is rather an introduction to the monody wherewith the psalm (as it has come down to us) concludes - the mournful complaint of God against his people. So Professor Cheyne, who translates, "The discourse of no whom I had not known (i.e. of God) did I hear."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He ordained it
שָׂמ֗וֹ (śā·mōw)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

as a testimony
עֵ֤דוּת ׀ (‘ê·ḏūṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5715: Testimony

for Joseph
בִּֽיה֘וֹסֵ֤ף (bî·hō·w·sêp̄)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3084: Jehoseph

when he went out
בְּ֭צֵאתוֹ (bə·ṣê·ṯōw)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the land
אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Egypt,
מִצְרָ֑יִם (miṣ·rā·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

[where] I heard
אֶשְׁמָֽע׃ (’eš·mā‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

an unfamiliar
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

language:
שְׂפַ֖ת (śə·p̄aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin


Links
Psalm 81:5 NIV
Psalm 81:5 NLT
Psalm 81:5 ESV
Psalm 81:5 NASB
Psalm 81:5 KJV

Psalm 81:5 BibleApps.com
Psalm 81:5 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 81:5 Chinese Bible
Psalm 81:5 French Bible
Psalm 81:5 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Psalm 81:5 He appointed it in Joseph (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 81:4
Top of Page
Top of Page