King James Version

What Does Psalms 122:2 Mean?

Psalms 122:2 in the King James Version says “Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 122 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.”

Psalms 122:2 · 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:

4

Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The arrival is celebrated: 'Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.' The physical arrival ('our feet...stand') symbolizes stability, security, and accomplishment of journey. Gates represented points of entry, gathering, judgment, and defense in ancient cities. Standing 'within' suggests not just arrival but belonging - being inside the covenant community. 'Jerusalem' means 'foundation of peace' or 'possession of peace,' making it the fitting location for God's dwelling and His people's assembly. The future tense 'shall stand' expresses confident anticipation - the journey isn't complete, but its completion is certain. This verse captures the pilgrim's joy at reaching the destination, foreshadowing the believer's ultimate arrival in the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22-24; Revelation 21:2).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem sat elevated on Mount Zion, requiring pilgrims to 'ascend' to reach it. The city's gates (Damascus Gate, Jaffa Gate, etc.) served as entry points where travelers would first set foot within the holy city. For diaspora Jews, reaching Jerusalem for the feasts represented both physical achievement and spiritual homecoming.

Reflection Questions

  1. What emotions accompany the fulfillment of long-anticipated spiritual goals?
  2. How does physical arrival at Jerusalem serve as metaphor for spiritual arrival in God's presence?
  3. In what ways do believers today experience 'standing within' God's community?
  4. How does this verse point forward to the eternal Jerusalem described in Revelation?
  5. What 'gates' must we pass through to enter fully into worship and fellowship with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
עֹ֭מְדוֹת1 of 5

“shall stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

הָי֣וּ2 of 5
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

רַגְלֵ֑ינוּ3 of 5

“Our feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

בִּ֝שְׁעָרַ֗יִךְ4 of 5

“within thy gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃5 of 5

“O Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 122:2 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 122:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 84:7Psalms 100:42 Chronicles 6:6Exodus 20:24Psalms 87:1-3

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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