King James Version

What Does Psalms 84:2 Mean?

“My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.”

Context

To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! for the sons: or, of the sons

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Longeth.**—From root meaning to *grow pale, *expressing one effect of strong emotion—*grows pale with longing. *So the Latin poets used *pallidus *to express the effects of passionate love, and generally of any strong emotion: “Ambitione mala aut argenti pallet amore.” HOR., *Sat. ii.* 3, 78. Or we may perhaps compare Shakespeare’s “Sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought.” For a similar fervid expression of desire for communion with God, comp. Psalm 63:1. **Fainteth.**—Or more properly, as LXX., *faileth*. **Courts.**—This, too, seems, like tabernacles above, to be used in a general poetical way, so that there is no need to think of the court of the priests as distinguished from that of the people. **The living God.**—Comp. Psalm 42:2, the only other place in the Psalms where God is so named.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 84:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.