Psalms – Chapter 47

Old Testament • 15 Verses

Chapter Summary

"A psalm of a canticle, for the sons of Core, on the second day of the week." — so begins Psalms 47. Across its 15 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and justice and care for the poor. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1A psalm of a canticle, for the sons of Core, on the second day of the week.

2Great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be praised in the city of our God, in his holy mountain.

3With the joy of the whole earth is mount Sion founded, on the sides of the north, the city of the great king.

4In her houses shall God be known, when he shall protect her.

5For behold the kings of the earth assembled themselves: they gathered together.

6So they saw, and they wondered, they were troubled, they were moved:

7Trembling took hold of them. There were pains as of a woman in labour.

8With a vehement wind thou shalt break in pieces the ships of Tharsis.

9As we have heard, so have we seen, in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God: God hath founded it for ever.

10We have received thy mercy, O God, in the midst of thy temple.

11According to thy name, O God, so also is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of justice.

12Let mount Sion rejoice, and the daughters of Juda be glad; because of thy judgments, O Lord.

13Surround Sion, and encompass her: tell ye in her towers.

14Set your hearts on her strength; and distribute her houses, that ye may relate it in another generation.

15For this is God, our God unto eternity, and for ever and ever: he shall rule us for evermore.

Important Verses in Psalms 47

“Great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be praised in the city of our God, in his holy mountain.”

Psalms 47:2

“For behold the kings of the earth assembled themselves: they gathered together.”

Psalms 47:5

“We have received thy mercy, O God, in the midst of thy temple.”

Psalms 47:10

“For this is God, our God unto eternity, and for ever and ever: he shall rule us for evermore. ”

Psalms 47:15

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 47 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 15 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "A psalm of a canticle, for the sons of Core, on the second day of the week." The chapter ends with: "For this is God, our God unto eternity, and for ever and ever: he shall rule us for evermore. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 2: "Great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be praised in the city of our God, in his holy mountain." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1988). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize worship and praise as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 47, containing 15 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 1324). Here the emphasis falls on living the Gospel in daily work, which shapes how the Church understands prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 1604).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 47 about?

Psalms 47 contains 15 verses. It opens with "A psalm of a canticle, for the sons of Core, on the second day of the week." and closes with "For this is God, our God unto eternity, and for ever and ever: he shall rule us for evermore. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 47?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "Great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be praised in the city of our God, in his holy mountain." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

1 Samuel 11Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Samuel 6Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Kings 1Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

Deepen your understanding with these related articles

How to Pray

Hope Prayer: Catholic Faith Trust in God During Difficult Times

10 min readRead article
How to Pray

Intercessory Prayer and Divine Mercy: A Catholic Perspective

11 min readRead article
Bible & Faith

How to Use Faith to Embrace God's Mercy and Forgiveness

7 min readRead article
Explore All Articles