1 T he city God built stands on the holy mountains.

On the holy hills stands the city God founded.

2 T he Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other places of Jacob.

The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Israel).

3 G reat things are said about you, O city of God.

Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. Selah!

4 I will say that Rahab and Babylon are among those who know Me. Look, Philistia and Tyre and Ethiopia say, “This one was born there.”

I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon as among those who know —behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia (Cush)—, This man was born there.

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

Yes, of Zion it shall be said, This man and that man were born in her, for the Most High Himself will establish her.

6 T he Lord will write in the book of the people, “This one was born there.”

The Lord shall count, when He registers the peoples, that this man was born there. Selah!

7 T hen those who sing and those who play music will say, “All my wells of joy are in you.”

The singers as well as the players on instruments shall say, All my springs (my sources of life and joy) are in you.