But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

PSALMS 68:3KJV
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Psalms 68:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 68:3 mean?

Psalms 68:3 describes how those who are righteous should be glad and rejoice greatly in God’s presence. The verse calls for a deep, joyful celebration among people who live rightly, emphasizing their happiness before God.

This verse is part of a psalm attributed to David, celebrating God’s power and care for His people. The focus shifts from the fate of the wicked (in the previous verse) to the joy of the righteous, highlighting a sharp contrast. The language encourages not just ordinary happiness, but an overflowing, visible joy that comes from being close to God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 68:3

  • צַדִּיק (tsaddiq, H6662): This word means "righteous" or "just." It refers to people who live according to God’s ways, not just those who are outwardly good.
  • שָׂמַח (samach, H8055): Translated as "be glad," this word often describes a deep, inner happiness, not just a surface feeling.
  • יָגִילוּ (yagilu, H5970): Rendered "rejoice," this word carries the sense of joyful exultation, often shown outwardly.
  • פָּנִים (panim, H6440): Translated "before" (God), this word literally means "face" or "presence," emphasizing closeness to God.
  • אֱלֹהִים (Elohim, H430): The general Hebrew word for "God," used here to speak of God’s majesty and power.
  • שִׂמְחָה (simchah, H8057): The phrase "exceedingly rejoice" uses this word, which means great joy or gladness, highlighting the intensity of the emotion.
  • רָנַן (ranan, H7797): Also translated "rejoice," this word can mean to shout for joy or sing out, suggesting a very expressive celebration.

Why Psalms 68:3 matters

  • Psalms 68:3 makes clear that the joy of the righteous is not a quiet or private thing, but something to be expressed openly and energetically before God.
  • The verse stands in contrast to the fate of the wicked in the surrounding verses, showing that God’s presence brings very different responses depending on a person’s relationship to Him.
  • The use of multiple Hebrew words for joy and gladness underlines the depth and fullness of the happiness being described, encouraging readers to see this as more than just a mild feeling.

Where else these words appear

“rejoice” Hebrew H5970 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
  • Psalms 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
  • Psalms 25:2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

“rejoice” Hebrew H7797 · used in 24 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:63 And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.
  • Psalms 70:4 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.
  • Isaiah 65:19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.

“exceedingly” Hebrew H8057 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Esther 9:17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

“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.