Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:

PSALMS 118:19KJV
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Psalms 118:19 (KJV)

What does Psalms 118:19 mean?

Psalms 118:19 is a request to be allowed into a special place described as the "gates of righteousness," where the speaker promises to enter and give praise to the LORD. The verse expresses a longing to approach God in a way that is right and worthy, with the intent to offer thanks and worship.

In this psalm, the speaker is likely a worshipper or possibly a group of worshippers approaching the temple in Jerusalem, asking for entrance into the area set apart for those who live rightly. The "gates of righteousness" refers to the temple gates, symbolizing access to God’s presence. The act of praising the LORD inside these gates highlights both gratitude and a recognition of God’s holiness.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 118:19

  • "Open" (פָּתַח, pātaḥ): This word means to open something that is closed, like a door or gate. Here, it shows the speaker is asking for access, not assuming it.
  • "Gates" (שַׁעַר, shaʿar): This word refers to physical gates, most likely those of the temple. The gates are called "of righteousness," suggesting only those who are right with God may enter.
  • "Righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq): This word means what is just, right, or in line with God’s standards. The gates are not just any gates—they are for those who seek to live rightly.
  • "Praise" (יָדָה, yadah): This word means to give thanks or confess, often with an attitude of gratitude. The speaker’s goal in entering is to publicly thank and honor God.
  • "LORD" (יָהּ, Yah): This is a shortened, intimate form of God’s name, showing closeness and reverence.

Why Psalms 118:19 matters

  • This verse clears up that access to God’s presence is not automatic; it is something to be sought and asked for, highlighting humility.
  • The focus on "righteousness" shows that the invitation is for those who desire to live according to God’s ways, not just anyone by default.
  • In the wider context of Psalms 118, this verse is part of a procession or celebration, possibly during a festival, where worshippers move toward the temple, making the act of entering and praising God a communal and joyful event.

Where else these words appear

“LORD” Hebrew H3050 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
  • Psalms 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

“righteousness” Hebrew H6664 · used in 109 verses

  • Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
  • Psalms 52:3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

“praise” Hebrew H3034 · used in 111 verses

  • Genesis 29:35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.
  • Psalms 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
  • Psalms 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

“Open” Hebrew H6605 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
  • Nehemiah 1:6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.
  • Isaiah 14:17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?