King James Version

What Does Psalms 118:19 Mean?

Psalms 118:19 in the King James Version says “Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 118 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:”

Psalms 118:19 · KJV

Context

17

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

18

The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.

19

Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:

20

This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.

21

I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

Read Psalms 118 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD. This verse shifts from battlefield to temple—from military victory to worship celebration. The psalmist arrives at Jerusalem's gates seeking entrance to worship. Pitchu li sha'arei tzedek (open to me gates of righteousness). Sha'arei tzedek (gates of righteousness) could mean gates leading to righteous worship, gates through which the righteous enter, or gates of the righteous city (Jerusalem). Temple gatekeepers controlled access, ensuring ceremonial purity (Psalm 15, 24:3-6).

The confident declaration: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD (avo vam odeh Yah). Avo (I will enter) expresses determination. Odeh (I will praise/give thanks) comes from the same root as verse 1's hodu (give thanks)—the psalm's opening and closing frame thanksgiving. Entry into God's presence results in praise. Access to worship spaces isn't casual entitlement but precious privilege. The righteous long to enter God's courts (Psalm 84:1-2, 10), while the wicked are excluded. The question isn't merely physical entry but spiritual fitness: "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?" (Psalm 24:3).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem's gates held both practical and symbolic significance. Physical gates controlled access to the city and temple precincts. Priests served as gatekeepers, examining pilgrims for ceremonial cleanness. Major festivals brought enormous crowds—thousands of pilgrims converging on Jerusalem for Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Psalm 118, as part of Hallel liturgy, would be sung as pilgrims approached and entered the city. Some scholars suggest verses 19-27 represent processional liturgy: pilgrims request entry (v. 19), gatekeepers respond (v. 20), pilgrims testify (vv. 21-25), priests bless entering worshipers (vv. 26-27). Jesus's triumphal entry fulfilled this imagery—crowds singing Hallel psalms as He approached Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9). Christ's crucifixion and resurrection opened access to God's presence: the temple veil tore (Matthew 27:51), and believers now enter God's presence boldly through Christ's blood (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to seek entry through 'gates of righteousness' when Christ is the door (John 10:9)?
  2. How should believers approach worship gathering—as casual routine or precious privilege requiring spiritual preparation?
  3. In what ways has Christ's death and resurrection opened access to God's presence previously restricted by ceremonial law?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
פִּתְחוּ1 of 8

“Open”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

לִ֥י2 of 8
H0
שַׁעֲרֵי3 of 8

“to me the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

צֶ֑דֶק4 of 8

“of righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

אָֽבֹא5 of 8

“I will go”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בָ֝ם6 of 8
H0
אוֹדֶ֥ה7 of 8

“into them and I will praise”

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

יָֽהּ׃8 of 8

“the LORD”

H3050

jah, the sacred name

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 118:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 118:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 26:2Revelation 22:14Psalms 9:13-14Psalms 100:4Isaiah 38:22Psalms 95:2

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 118 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 118 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes