King James Version

What Does Psalms 122:1 Mean?

Psalms 122:1 in the King James Version says “A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 122 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.”

Psalms 122:1 · KJV

Context

1

A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

2

Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.

3

Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's joy at the prospect of worship is palpable: 'I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.' The Hebrew 'samachti' (I was glad) conveys deep, exuberant joy - not mere obligation or routine but enthusiastic delight. The plural 'they said' indicates corporate worship; faith thrives in community, not isolation. The phrase 'house of the LORD' refers to the tabernacle in David's time (the temple would be built by Solomon), representing God's dwelling among His people. This verse establishes that authentic worship flows from heartfelt joy, not compulsion. The call to worship originates from fellow believers, demonstrating the church's role in stirring affection for God. True worship begins with glad anticipation, not grudging compliance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David established Jerusalem as Israel's political and religious capital, bringing the ark of the covenant to the city (2 Samuel 6). Though David couldn't build the temple (2 Chronicles 6:7-9), he made extensive preparations for it and instituted worship practices. This psalm reflects the joy of pilgrims approaching Jerusalem for the annual feasts, a practice that would continue for centuries.

Reflection Questions

  1. What produces genuine gladness about corporate worship versus mere religious obligation?
  2. How does the invitation of others ('they said unto me') spark our own worship enthusiasm?
  3. In what ways has your joy in worship increased or decreased over time, and why?
  4. How does David's eagerness for God's house challenge modern attitudes toward church attendance?
  5. What New Testament principles build on this Old Testament delight in corporate worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
שָׂ֭מַחְתִּי1 of 6

“I was glad”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בְּאֹמְרִ֣ים2 of 6

“when they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִ֑י3 of 6
H0
בֵּ֖ית4 of 6

“into the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֣ה5 of 6

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

נֵלֵֽךְ׃6 of 6
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 122:1 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 122:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 84:10Micah 4:2Isaiah 2:3Psalms 84:1-2Psalms 128:1Psalms 120:1

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Psalms 122 →

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