King James Version

What Does Psalms 122:4 Mean?

Psalms 122:4 in the King James Version says “Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 122 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 122:4 · KJV

Context

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.

5

For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. are: Heb. do sit

6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Read Psalms 122 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The purpose of Jerusalem's gathering is stated: 'Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.' The phrase 'tribes go up' refers to the three annual pilgrimage feasts (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles) when all Israel assembled in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16). These tribes are designated 'tribes of the LORD' - their identity derives from covenant relationship with YHWH. The phrase 'testimony of Israel' likely refers to the law/covenant that defines Israel's relationship with God. The ultimate purpose is 'to give thanks unto the name of the LORD' - worship centered on gratitude for God's character and deeds. This verse establishes that gathering is not optional or individual preference but covenant obligation ('testimony'), and that thanksgiving is worship's essence. Corporate gratitude binds the community together in recognition of shared grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The law required all Israelite males to appear before the LORD three times annually (Exodus 23:14-17). These pilgrimages created national unity, reinforced covenant identity, and provided opportunity for communal worship. The festivals recounted God's redemptive acts (exodus, law-giving, wilderness provision), making thanksgiving the natural response.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did God design His people's worship to be corporate rather than purely individual?
  2. What is the 'testimony of Israel' that draws God's people together?
  3. How does thanksgiving function as the heart of authentic worship?
  4. In what ways do Christian gatherings continue the pattern of 'tribes going up' to worship?
  5. What happens to faith communities when thanksgiving fades and complaint increases?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
שֶׁשָּׁ֨ם1 of 10

“Whither”

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עָל֪וּ2 of 10

“go up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

שִׁבְטֵי3 of 10

“the tribes”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

שִׁבְטֵי4 of 10

“the tribes”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יָ֭הּ5 of 10

“of the LORD”

H3050

jah, the sacred name

עֵד֣וּת6 of 10

“unto the testimony”

H5715

testimony

לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל7 of 10

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְ֝הֹד֗וֹת8 of 10

“to give thanks”

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

לְשֵׁ֣ם9 of 10

“unto the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 10

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 122:4 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 122:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 16:16Psalms 66:13-16Psalms 132:13Psalms 107:1-3Exodus 34:23-24Psalms 118:19

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