This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

PSALMS 118:24KJV
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Psalms 118:24 (KJV)

What does Psalms 118:24 mean?

Psalms 118:24 declares that the day being experienced is one that the LORD has created, and calls people to respond with joy and gladness. The verse is an invitation to recognize God's hand in the present moment and to celebrate it together.

The psalm is traditionally attributed to an individual or group giving thanks to God, likely after a significant deliverance or victory. The speaker addresses a gathered community, encouraging them to see this specific day as a gift from the LORD (the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible). The focus is on collective rejoicing, highlighting both gratitude and shared celebration as a response to God's actions.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 118:24

  • "day" (יוֹם, yom): This word refers to a specific period of time, often a literal day. Here, it emphasizes the uniqueness and significance of the moment being celebrated.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, underscoring that it is Israel’s God who has made this day, not just any deity or force.
  • "made" (עָשָׂה, asah): This verb means "to make" or "to do." The verse credits God as the one who actively brought about this day, suggesting intentionality and purpose.
  • "rejoice" (גִּיל, gil): This word carries the sense of exulting or expressing great joy, often with physical movement or loud praise.
  • "glad" (שָׂמַח, samach): This verb means to be glad or to experience happiness, highlighting the emotional response expected from the people.

Why Psalms 118:24 matters

  • Psalms 118:24 is sometimes quoted as a general encouragement, but in context, it refers to a specific day of deliverance or celebration, deepening its meaning as a response to God's saving work.
  • The verse emphasizes communal joy, not just individual happiness, showing that gratitude and celebration are meant to be shared experiences.
  • Recognizing the LORD (YHWH) as the one who "made" the day connects this moment to God's ongoing involvement and care in the lives of His people, reinforcing trust and thankfulness.

Where else these words appear

“rejoice” Hebrew H1523 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
  • Psalms 89:16 In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
  • Isaiah 35:2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.

“glad” Hebrew H8055 · used in 145 verses

  • Exodus 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
  • Psalms 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
  • Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.