Psalms 100:4

KJV

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name.

KJV (with Strong's)

Enter {H935} into his gates {H8179} with thanksgiving {H8426}, and into his courts {H2691} with praise {H8416}: be thankful {H3034} unto him, and bless {H1288} his name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, enter his courtyards with praise; give thanks to him, and bless his name.

Berean Standard Bible

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name.

American Standard Version

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise: Give thanks unto him, and bless his name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 100:4 is a vibrant, imperative call to worship, inviting all people to approach God's sacred presence with a heart overflowing with gratitude and adoration. It prescribes the manner of entry into the divine sphere, emphasizing that thanksgiving and praise are not merely optional additions but foundational postures for genuine communion with the Almighty, preparing the worshiper's heart to acknowledge and celebrate God's inherent goodness and faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 100 stands out as the only psalm explicitly titled "A Psalm of Thanksgiving" (Hebrew: *Mizmor l'Todah*). It is a short, five-verse psalm, often categorized as a psalm of declarative praise, inviting the entire earth to worship the Lord. The preceding verses (Psalms 100:1-3) issue a universal summons to "make a joyful noise," "serve the Lord with gladness," and "come before his presence with singing," grounding this call in God's identity as Creator and Shepherd. Verse 4 then specifies *how* this joyful approach is to be made, detailing the spiritual disposition required for entering God's dwelling. The psalm concludes in verse 5 by providing the theological basis for such worship: God's enduring goodness, steadfast love, and faithfulness. Thus, verse 4 serves as a pivotal instruction, bridging the universal call to worship with the eternal reasons for it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm likely served a liturgical function, possibly used during temple worship or festivals of thanksgiving. The references to "gates" and "courts" directly allude to the physical architecture of the Jerusalem Temple, which was the central place of worship for ancient Israel. Worshippers would literally pass through the outer gates into the various courtyards (e.g., the Court of the Gentiles, Court of Women, Court of Israel) to offer sacrifices and engage in corporate worship. The concept of "thanksgiving" (Hebrew: *todah*) often involved specific thank offerings (Leviticus 7:12-15) brought to the Temple as an expression of gratitude for deliverance or blessings received. Therefore, the psalm is not just a spiritual metaphor but also a practical guide for how Israelites were to participate in the communal worship life centered around the Temple, emphasizing the internal disposition over mere ritualistic observance.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 100:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Access to God**, presenting thanksgiving and praise as the appropriate "entry requirements" for drawing near to the divine presence. This access is not earned but is a joyful response to God's character and acts, contrasting with approaches based on fear or obligation. Secondly, the verse highlights **Worship as an Intentional Act**, using imperative verbs like "Enter," "be thankful," and "bless." This emphasizes that worship is a deliberate, conscious choice and a proactive engagement of the heart and voice, rather than a passive feeling. It is a commanded response to God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in the call to "know that the Lord, He is God" in [Psalms 100:3](/psalms/100-3 "Psalms 100:3 - God is Creator and Shepherd"). Lastly, the command to "bless his name" points to the theme of **God's Worthiness and Character**. It moves beyond merely appreciating what God has done to adoring who He is in His essence—His holiness, majesty, and inherent blessedness, echoing the broader biblical call to glorify God's name, as seen in [1 Chronicles 16:29](/1_chronicles/16-29 "1 Chronicles 16:29 - Give to the Lord the glory due His name").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thanksgiving (Hebrew, _todah'_):** This word (תּוֹדָה) carries a rich meaning beyond simple gratitude. It often refers to a "thank offering" or "sacrifice of thanksgiving" (e.g., [Leviticus 7:12](/leviticus/7-12 "Leviticus 7:12 - Peace Offering of Thanksgiving")). It implies a public declaration of gratitude, often accompanied by a specific ritual or act of worship. Thus, "entering with thanksgiving" suggests not just a feeling, but a demonstrated, expressed acknowledgment of God's goodness and faithfulness, a response to His saving acts.
* **Praise (Hebrew, _tehillah'_):** The word (תְּהִלָּה) denotes a spontaneous, joyful outburst of adoration, often in song or acclamation. It is the root of "Hallelujah" (Praise the Lord). While *todah* can be more formal, *tehillah* speaks to an uninhibited, enthusiastic expression of God's greatness and glorious deeds. It signifies a celebration of God's character and power, a joyful noise made in His honor.
* **Bless (Hebrew, _barak'_):** When applied to God (בָּרַךְ), this verb means to acknowledge and declare His inherent blessedness, majesty, and worthiness. It is not that humans can "add" to God's blessedness, but rather that we recognize and proclaim His divine nature and supreme value. To "bless His name" is to hallow His identity, to declare Him as the source of all blessing, and to honor His reputation and character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving":** This clause initiates the command, setting the stage for approach to God's dwelling. The "gates" symbolize the initial point of entry into the sacred space, whether the literal Temple gates or the metaphorical threshold of God's presence. The accompanying "thanksgiving" (todah) signifies that the very first posture of the heart and action of the worshiper must be one of expressed gratitude, a public acknowledgment of God's past and present goodness.
* **"[and] into his courts with praise":** Building upon the initial entry, this clause describes a deeper progression into God's presence, moving from the gates to the "courts" (the inner areas where worship activities took place). Here, "praise" (tehillah) is the prescribed accompaniment, indicating a more fervent, vocal, and celebratory adoration. This suggests that as one draws nearer to God, the expression of worship intensifies from gratitude to joyful acclamation of His greatness.
* **"be thankful unto him":** This is a direct, imperative command, reinforcing the theme of gratitude. It reiterates the necessity of a thankful heart and active expression of thanks. It's a call for a conscious, deliberate orientation of one's entire being towards God in appreciation for His character and deeds, ensuring that thanksgiving is not merely a fleeting emotion but an abiding disposition.
* **"[and] bless his name":** This final command encapsulates the ultimate goal of the worship described. To "bless his name" is to declare God's inherent holiness, majesty, and supreme worthiness. It is an act of profound adoration that acknowledges who God is in His essence, beyond just what He has done. It elevates worship to a recognition of God's intrinsic glory, honoring His reputation and character above all else.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 100:4 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. Foremost is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of a line or verse repeats or reinforces the idea of the first half using different words. We see this clearly in "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise," where "gates" and "courts" are synonymous architectural elements, and "thanksgiving" and "praise" are closely related expressions of worship. The second half of the verse, "be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name," further exemplifies this, with "be thankful" echoing "thanksgiving" and "bless his name" expanding on the concept of "praise." This repetition emphasizes and deepens the core message. The use of **Imperative Mood** ("Enter," "be thankful," "bless") serves as a direct command, highlighting the active and intentional nature of worship. It is not a suggestion but a divine directive. Furthermore, the physical elements of "gates" and "courts" function as **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, representing the very presence or sphere of God's dwelling, making the spiritual act of worship tangible and relatable to the Israelite worshiper.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 100:4 provides a timeless theological principle for approaching God: true worship is inextricably linked to gratitude and adoration. It teaches that our access to God's presence is not based on our merit, but on His invitation, and our appropriate response is one of heartfelt thanksgiving and praise. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding that God delights in the worship of His people, a worship that stems from a recognition of His character and His mighty acts. The emphasis on "blessing His name" elevates worship beyond mere appreciation for benefits received to a profound acknowledgment of God's inherent worthiness, holiness, and glory. This posture of gratitude transforms the worshiper, shifting focus from self to the divine, and fostering a deeper relationship built on trust and adoration.

* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering the Sacrifice of Praise")
* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray With Thanksgiving")
* [Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Do Everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus, Giving Thanks")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 100:4 offers profound guidance for contemporary believers, transcending its original Temple context. While we no longer enter physical gates and courts in Jerusalem, the principle remains: our approach to God, whether in personal devotion or corporate worship, must be characterized by thanksgiving and praise. This means cultivating a heart that actively remembers God's goodness, acknowledges His faithfulness in every circumstance, and expresses adoration for who He is. In a world prone to complaint and anxiety, choosing to "enter with thanksgiving" is a radical act of faith that shifts our perspective from our problems to God's sovereignty. It encourages us to be intentional about our worship, not waiting for a feeling to strike, but actively engaging our will to offer God the honor due His name. This practice transforms our spiritual lives, opening us to a deeper experience of God's presence and fostering a spirit of joy and contentment regardless of external circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving change your perspective on daily challenges?**
* **In what practical ways can you "enter His gates with thanksgiving" in your personal prayer life?**
* **What does it mean for you to "bless His name" beyond simply saying "thank you"?**
* **How might your corporate worship experience be transformed if every participant intentionally approached with thanksgiving and praise?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "gates" and "courts" in this verse?**

Answer: The "gates" and "courts" in Psalms 100:4 refer to the physical architecture of the ancient Jerusalem Temple. The gates were the entry points into the Temple complex, and the courts were the various open areas within the complex where worshippers gathered, offered sacrifices, and participated in communal worship. Metaphorically, they represent the threshold and inner sanctums of God's presence. The verse uses these tangible locations to illustrate the spiritual journey of drawing near to God, emphasizing that the *manner* of entry—with thanksgiving and praise—is crucial, whether one is approaching a physical temple or God's spiritual presence. This imagery grounds the spiritual command in a relatable, historical context for the original audience, while for us today, it symbolizes the intentional and reverent approach we are to take when seeking communion with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 100:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament worshiper approached God through the physical Temple, its gates, and courts, and through animal sacrifices, believers today "enter" God's presence through the new and living way provided by Christ's finished work. Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). He is the ultimate "gate" through whom we gain access to God's presence, having torn the veil that separated humanity from the Holy of Holies ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")). His body was the true temple, destroyed and raised in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Furthermore, Christ Himself is our perfect "sacrifice of thanksgiving," offering Himself once for all, thereby making continuous access to God possible for us ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). As a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), we are now empowered to offer "spiritual sacrifices" of thanksgiving and praise, not confined to a physical location but offered "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23 - True Worshipers Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thus, Psalms 100:4 is fulfilled in the Christian life as we, by faith in Christ, continually draw near to God's throne of grace with grateful hearts and lips overflowing with praise for His redemption and everlasting goodness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.