Psalms 24:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 24:5 mean?

Psalms 24:5 says that the person described in the previous verses will receive a blessing from the LORD and be given righteousness from God, who saves him. The verse highlights that God is the source of both blessing and righteousness for those who seek Him in the right way.

In context, Psalms 24 is a psalm of David, reflecting on who is worthy to approach God’s presence. The verse follows a description of someone who is pure in heart and honest in actions. Here, David is teaching that such a person will be rewarded by God—not just with material blessings, but with a right standing before God, which is described as “righteousness.”

The Hebrew behind Psalms 24:5

• "receive" (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): This word often means to take up or carry. Here, it suggests that the person actively receives or is given something valuable from God.
• "blessing" (בְּרָכָה, berākhāh): This word refers to favor or benefit given by God. In this context, it means more than just material good—it points to God’s approval and kindness.
• "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tsedāqāh): This word means rightness or justice. In Psalms 24:5, it refers to being seen as right or just in God’s eyes, a gift from God rather than something earned.
• "salvation" (יֵשַׁע, yesha‘): This word means deliverance or rescue. The verse calls God “the God of his salvation,” emphasizing that God is the one who saves and delivers.

Why Psalms 24:5 matters

• Psalms 24:5 clarifies that blessing and righteousness are not earned by human effort alone but are given by God to those who seek Him sincerely.
• The verse connects personal integrity (described earlier in the psalm) with God’s response, showing that God values both the heart and actions.
• It ties into the broader theme of the psalm, which is about approaching God’s presence with the right attitude and being rewarded by God Himself.