Psalms 81:5 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God established these laws as Joseph's descendants left Egypt, proving His power through deliverance.
The Context of Psalms 81:5
God's laws originated from the exodus, Israel's foundational liberation event.
What Does Psalms 81:5 Mean?
The reference to Joseph recalls Israel's origin as descendants of Jacob's son, linking the law-giving to Israel's identity and covenant line. 'When he went out through the land of Egypt' marks the moment of the exodus—when God's power became undeniable through plague and deliverance. These laws commemorated and gave meaning to that divine intervention.
The phrase about hearing 'a language that I understood not' likely refers to Egyptian speech or the incomprehensible plagues and events of the exodus. It underscores how God's deliverance transcended human understanding—Israel witnessed divine action that proved God's supremacy over Egypt's gods and rulers.
Psalms 81:5 in the Original Language
ordained (שׂוּם, sum) — to set in place, establish as a permanent ordinance
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 81:5
What does Psalms 81:5 mean?
God established these laws as Joseph's descendants left Egypt, proving His power through deliverance.
What is the context of Psalms 81:5?
God's laws originated from the exodus, Israel's foundational liberation event.