Old Testament
Psalms 67:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
May God be merciful to us and bless us; may he cause his face to shine upon us. Selah.
Compare translations
God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.
What Psalms 67:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is asking for God's mercy and blessings. The phrase 'may he cause his face to shine upon us' suggests a desire for God's presence and favor. This reflects a deep yearning for divine guidance and support. The use of 'Selah' indicates a pause for reflection, inviting the reader to contemplate the significance of God's blessings. The verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God's grace in our lives, recognizing that His mercy is essential for our well-being. It also highlights the communal aspect of faith, as the psalmist speaks on behalf of the people, expressing a collective hope for God's kindness and light. This verse serves as a reminder that we are dependent on God's goodness and that His blessings can lead to joy and peace in our lives.
How to apply Psalms 67:1 to your life
In our daily lives, we can seek God's mercy and blessings through prayer and reflection. By acknowledging our dependence on Him, we open ourselves to His guidance and favor. This verse encourages us to pray not only for ourselves but also for our community, fostering a spirit of unity and hope.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 67:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 67:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 67:1 mean?
Psalms 67:1 expresses a plea for God's mercy and blessings, highlighting the desire for His presence and favor in our lives. It reflects a communal hope for divine guidance and support.
What is the meaning of 'may he cause his face to shine upon us' in Psalms 67:1?
The phrase 'may he cause his face to shine upon us' signifies a longing for God's presence and approval, suggesting that His light brings joy, guidance, and blessings to the people.
How can I apply Psalms 67:1 in my life?
You can apply Psalms 67:1 by praying for God's mercy and blessings in your life and the lives of others, fostering a spirit of unity and hope within your community.
Why does Psalms 67:1 include 'Selah'?
The term 'Selah' is often interpreted as a pause for reflection, inviting readers to contemplate the significance of God's blessings and the importance of seeking His mercy.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.