Psalms 118:20
Psalms 118:20 in Multiple Translations
This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.
This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
This is the gate of Jehovah; The righteous shall enter into it.
This is the door of the Lord's house; the workers of righteousness will go in through it.
These are the gates of the Lord where God's faithful people enter.
This is the gate of the Lord: the righteous shall enter into it.
This [is] the gate to Jehovah, The righteous enter into it.
This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous will enter into it.
This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
My soul hath coveted to long for thy justifications, at all times.
Those are the gates through which we enter the temple to worship Yahweh; godly/righteous people enter those gates.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 118:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 118:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זֶֽה
הַ/שַּׁ֥עַר
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
צַ֝דִּיקִ֗ים
יָבֹ֥אוּ
בֽ/וֹ
זֶֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
הַ/שַּׁ֥עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Art | N-ms
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
צַ֝דִּיקִ֗ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
יָבֹ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 118:20
זֶֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הַ/שַּׁ֥עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צַ֝דִּיקִ֗ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
יָבֹ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 118:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 118:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 118:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 118:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 118:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 118:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 118:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 118:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 118:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 118:20
- Sermons on Psalms 118:20
Context — The LORD Is on My Side
18The LORD disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death.
19Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter and give thanks to the LORD.
20This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.
21I will give You thanks, for You have answered me, and You have become my salvation. 22The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 21:24–27 | By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory. Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there. And into the city will be brought the glory and honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. |
| 2 | Isaiah 26:2 | Open the gates so a righteous nation may enter— one that remains faithful. |
| 3 | Psalms 24:7 | Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter! |
| 4 | Psalms 24:3–4 | Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully. |
| 5 | Revelation 22:14–15 | Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by its gates. But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. |
| 6 | Isaiah 35:8–10 | And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it— only those who walk in the Way— and fools will not stray onto it. No lion will be there, and no vicious beast will go up on it. Such will not be found there, but the redeemed will walk upon it. So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee. |
| 7 | Psalms 24:9 | Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter! |
Psalms 118:20 Summary
This verse, Psalms 118:20, is saying that there is a special way to come into God's presence, and that is through the gate of the LORD. The gate is like an entrance to God's house, where only those who love and obey Him can come in (as seen in Psalms 15:1-3 and Matthew 7:13-14). When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we can enter through this gate and experience God's love and salvation (as seen in John 10:9 and Romans 5:1-2). By living a life of obedience to God's will, we can come into His presence and give thanks to Him, just like the psalmist does in this chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the gate of the LORD mentioned in Psalms 118:20?
The gate of the LORD refers to the entrance to God's presence, where the righteous can come to worship and give thanks, as seen in Psalms 100:4 and Isaiah 26:2.
Who are the righteous that shall enter through the gate of the LORD?
The righteous are those who have put their faith in God and live according to His will, as described in Psalms 37:37 and Proverbs 10:3, and they will enter through the gate to experience God's presence and salvation.
Is the gate of the LORD a physical or spiritual entrance?
The gate of the LORD is a spiritual entrance, representing the way to come into God's presence and experience His salvation, as seen in John 10:9, where Jesus says He is the gate for the sheep.
How can we enter through the gate of the LORD?
We can enter through the gate of the LORD by putting our faith in Jesus Christ, as described in Acts 4:12 and Romans 5:1-2, and by living a life of obedience to God's will, as seen in Matthew 7:21-23.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to me personally to enter through the gate of the LORD, and how can I experience God's presence in my life?
- How can I ensure that I am living a righteous life, worthy of entering through the gate of the LORD?
- What are some ways that I can give thanks to the LORD, as the psalmist does in Psalms 118:21, and how can I make gratitude a part of my daily life?
- How can I share the message of the gate of the LORD with others, and invite them to enter into God's presence and experience His salvation?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 118:20
This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter. This seems to be spoken by some other person or persons, distinct from David and the Messiah, pointing at some particular and principal
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 118:20
This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. This (supply, is the) gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter - to "praise the Lord" (Psalms 118:19).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 118:20
These may be the words either, 1. Of the Levites, the porters returning this answer to the foregoing question: This is the gate of the Lord which thou seekest, and which shall be opened to thee according to thy desire, and thy just privilege, for then art one of those righteous ones to whom this of right belongs. Or, 2. Of David himself, who stands as it were pausing and contemplating before he makes his entrance: This, this is that holy and blessed gate, which I so long and earnestly thirsted for in my banishment, and which is now very beautiful in my sight, into which I will enter, and all other righteous persons by my example and encouragement. But as David was a type of Christ and the temple of heaven, so this place hath a further prospect than David, and relates to Christ’ s ascending into heaven, and opening the gates of that blessed temple, both for himself, and for all righteous men or believers.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 118:20
Psalms 118:20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.Ver. 20. This gate of the Lord] Some make the former verse the request of the people, and this to be God’ s answer thereunto. Others make that to be David’ s speech to the Levites, and this their answer: q.d. This beautiful gate is fit to be opened to the Lord alone; if others enter, they must be righteous ones only, and that to praise him. Into which the righteous shall enter] sc. With God’ s good leave and liking. Others may haply thrust into the Church, but then God will say, Friend, how camest thou in hither? who required these things at your hands? who sent for you? O generation of vipers, who hath forewarned you to flee from the wrath to come? "The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?" Proverbs 21:27.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 118:20
Verse 20. This gate of the Lord] Supposed to be the answer of the Levites to the request of the king.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 118:20
20. This is the gate that belongs to Jehovah; The righteous may enter into it. The emphasis is on righteous. Those who would enter must be righteous like Him Who dwells there. Cp. Psalms 15:1 ff.; Psalms 24:3 ff.; Isaiah 26:2.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 118:20
This gate of the Lord - This gate dedicated to the service of the Lord; that belongs to the house of the Lord. Into which the righteous shall enter - Through which the righteous pass.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 118:20
20-27. These verses contain the response (Delitzsch) of the singers within the court, who receive the festal procession.
Sermons on Psalms 118:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Kingdom of God by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical state of the spiritual history of the universe, highlighting the increasing opposition to God and the pressing question of which kingdom wi |
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Israel's Restoration by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the critical importance of Israel's restoration in the context of God's eternal purposes, arguing that the Church's neglect of this issue has led to its spiritu |
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The City Which Hath Foundations by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the spiritual significance of Jerusalem, illustrating how it is central to God's divine plan and serves as a reflection of the heavenly city. He discuss |
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The Significance of Levites in Relation to Heavenly Fullness by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the vital role of the Levites in the context of heavenly fullness, illustrating how they were set apart to bear the ark of the covenant and maintain a c |
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The Heavenly Man and Eternal Life by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that Christ, as the Heavenly Man, embodies eternal life, which is the essence of His being and the foundation of redemption. He explains that eternal li |
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The Nations in the Millennium and the Eternal State by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord preaches about the divine purpose of God for the Gentiles reaching its natural conclusion at the end of the times of the Gentiles marked by the second coming of Je |
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The Kingdom and the Church by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks delves into the significance of the Church and the Kingdom in the Gospel of Matthew. He explores the difference and connection between the two, emphasizing that wh |