King James Version

What Does Psalms 24:3 Mean?

Psalms 24:3 in the King James Version says “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?”

Psalms 24:3 · KJV

Context

1

A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

2

For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

3

Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

4

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He: Heb. The clean of hands

5

He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Read Psalms 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The question 'Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD?' addresses prerequisites for worship. The 'hill of the LORD' (Mount Zion) represents God's presence. This rhetorical question anticipates the answer in verse 4, establishing that worship requires moral qualification. From a Reformed perspective, this verse raises the problem that Psalm 15 also addresses: who is righteous enough to enter God's presence? The ultimate answer is Christ, who ascended as our representative and now brings us with Him (Eph. 2:6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for festivals would sing this psalm. The question created anticipation and self-examination, preparing worshipers to enter God's presence with proper reverence and awareness of holiness requirements.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the question 'who shall ascend' teach about the holiness required for worship?
  2. How does Christ's ascension enable your access to God's presence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
מִֽי1 of 8
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יַעֲלֶ֥ה2 of 8

“Who shall ascend”

H5927

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

בְהַר3 of 8

“into the hill”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 8

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וּמִי5 of 8
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יָ֝קוּם6 of 8

“or who shall stand”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

בִּמְק֥וֹם7 of 8

“place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

קָדְשֽׁוֹ׃8 of 8

“in his holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 24:3 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 24:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 15:1Hebrews 12:28Psalms 2:6Psalms 65:4Malachi 3:1Psalms 68:18

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