Psalms 118:19

KJV

¶ Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, [and] I will praise the LORD:

KJV (with Strong's)

Open {H6605} to me the gates {H8179} of righteousness {H6664}: I will go {H935} into them, and I will praise {H3034} the LORD {H3050}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Open the gates of righteousness for me; I will enter them and thank Yah.

Berean Standard Bible

Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter and give thanks to the LORD.

American Standard Version

Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will enter into them, I will give thanks unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 118:19 captures the psalmist's fervent plea for divine access to God's sacred presence, expressed through the metaphor of "gates of righteousness." This verse, embedded within a larger psalm of thanksgiving for God's steadfast love and miraculous deliverance, articulates a profound desire for intimate communion with the Almighty, with the explicit purpose of offering unreserved praise and worship for His redemptive acts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 118 concludes the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), a collection of psalms traditionally recited during significant Jewish festivals like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. This placement underscores its celebratory and redemptive themes. The preceding verses of Psalm 118 recount the psalmist's personal experience of distress and God's powerful intervention, culminating in a declaration of trust and triumph over enemies (e.g., [Psalm 118:5-7](/psalms/118-5 "Psalm 118:5-7 - God's Deliverance from Distress")). The psalm shifts from recounting past deliverance to a forward-looking desire for worship and public testimony, setting the stage for the psalmist's request to enter the "gates of righteousness" as an act of grateful response to God's salvation. The verses immediately following [Psalm 118:19](/psalms/118-19 "Psalm 118:19 - Opening the Gates of Righteousness") continue this theme, with the psalmist entering and proclaiming God's goodness (e.g., [Psalm 118:20-21](/psalms/118-20 "Psalm 118:20-21 - The Gate of the LORD and Thanksgiving")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "gates of righteousness" most likely refer to the literal gates of the Temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for ancient Israel. Entering these gates was a pilgrimage act, signifying access to God's dwelling place. During festivals, pilgrims would throng these gates, eager to offer sacrifices and praise. The Temple itself was not merely a building but a symbol of God's presence among His people, a place where heaven and earth met. The concept of "righteousness" (Hebrew: *tzedek*) was deeply embedded in Israelite covenant theology, encompassing moral integrity, justice, and conformity to God's divine standards. Access to God's holy presence was understood to be contingent upon ritual purity and moral uprightness, reflecting the holiness of God Himself, as detailed in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 118 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Thanksgiving**, as the psalmist's desire to enter the gates is a direct response to God's saving acts. Secondly, it emphasizes **Access to God's Presence**, portraying this access as a privilege granted by God, not earned, and pursued with fervent desire. The imagery of gates underscores the idea of a guarded, sacred space that only the righteous, or those made righteous by God, can enter. Thirdly, the verse underscores the centrality of **Worship and Praise** as the ultimate and proper response to God's goodness. The psalmist's intent upon entering is explicitly stated as "I will praise the LORD," reinforcing the idea that all deliverance and access lead to doxology. This aligns with the psalm's repeated refrain, "Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" (e.g., [Psalm 118:1](/psalms/118-1 "Psalm 118:1 - Give Thanks to the LORD")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Open (Hebrew, _patach'_):** This verb signifies to unbar, loose, or unlock. It implies a previous state of closure or restriction, highlighting that access to the "gates of righteousness" is not automatic or self-achieved but requires a divine act of permission or enablement. The psalmist is not attempting to force entry but humbly appealing for God's gracious intervention to grant access.
* **Gates of righteousness (Hebrew, _sha'arei tzedek'_):** This phrase is rich with meaning. "Gates" (*sha'ar*) refers to the entrance to a city, temple, or significant place, often serving as a place of judgment, public assembly, and security. "Righteousness" (*tzedek*) encompasses justice, moral rectitude, and conformity to God's divine standard. The genitive construction ("gates *of* righteousness") can imply gates that *lead to* righteousness, gates that *are* righteousness (i.e., righteous gates), or gates that are *opened by* righteousness (God's own righteous character). Given the context of seeking access to God's presence, it points to the divinely appointed way to approach a holy God, a path either made righteous by God or requiring the worshiper's alignment with God's standards.
* **Praise (Hebrew, _yadah'_):** This verb means to give thanks, laud, confess, or praise. It often involves extending the hand, signifying an act of public acknowledgment and adoration. The psalmist's ultimate purpose in seeking entry is not personal gain but the glorification of God. This indicates that true access to God's presence culminates in worship, a grateful response to His saving acts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Open to me the gates of righteousness:"** This is a direct, urgent petition to God. The psalmist recognizes that access to God's sacred presence, symbolized by these gates, is not a right but a privilege granted by divine initiative. The "gates of righteousness" represent the divinely ordained pathway or means of approach to God, whether literally the Temple gates or metaphorically the way of life aligned with God's holy character. The plea acknowledges human inability to enter by self-effort alone.
* **"I will go into them,"** This clause expresses the psalmist's firm resolve and eager intention once the divine permission is granted. It signifies a committed response to God's grace, an active step of faith and obedience to enter the sacred space. This is not a passive waiting but an immediate and decisive movement towards communion.
* **"[and] I will praise the LORD:"** This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose and outcome of gaining access. The psalmist's deepest desire is to offer thanksgiving and worship to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This highlights that the goal of seeking God's presence is not merely to experience it but to respond with adoration and gratitude for His steadfast love and deliverance, making praise the fitting culmination of the spiritual journey.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Metaphor** is central, with "gates of righteousness" serving as a rich symbolic representation of the divinely appointed way to access God's holy presence, likely referring to the Temple gates but extending to the spiritual path of communion. The act of "opening" these gates is an **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action (opening a gate) to God, emphasizing His active role in granting access. The structure of the verse itself, moving from petition ("Open to me") to resolution ("I will go") and culminating in purpose ("I will praise the LORD"), demonstrates a clear **progression** that highlights the psalmist's earnest desire and the ultimate goal of worship. This progression also creates a sense of **anticipation** and **fulfillment**, where the granting of the request leads directly to the intended act of praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 118:19 encapsulates the profound human yearning for divine communion and the recognition that such access is solely by God's grace and provision. Theologically, it underscores God's holiness, which necessitates a "righteous" path for approach, and His mercy, which makes that path available. The psalmist's desire to enter for the purpose of praise reinforces the biblical truth that worship is the proper and ultimate response to God's saving acts. This verse points forward to a greater fulfillment, where the barriers between God and humanity are fully removed, and access is granted not through a physical gate, but through a divine person, enabling all believers to draw near with confidence and offer spiritual sacrifices of praise.

* [Psalm 100:4](/psalms/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Enter His gates with thanksgiving")
* [Isaiah 26:2](/isaiah/26-2 "Isaiah 26:2 - Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter")
* [Revelation 21:25](/revelation/21-25 "Revelation 21:25 - The gates of the New Jerusalem will never be shut")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 118:19 invites us to examine the depth of our own desire for God's presence and the nature of our approach to Him. Do we earnestly long for intimacy with the Almighty, recognizing that true access is a gift of His grace? The psalmist's plea reminds us that we cannot force our way into God's presence; rather, we must humbly ask Him to open the way, trusting in His righteous character and provision. Furthermore, the verse challenges us to consider our motives for seeking God. Is our ultimate aim to offer Him praise and thanksgiving for who He is and what He has done, or are we primarily focused on what we can receive? Like the psalmist, our entry into God's presence, whether in corporate worship, private devotion, or through a life lived in accordance with His will, should culminate in unreserved adoration and gratitude, acknowledging Him as the source of all deliverance and blessing. This verse calls us to live a life that reflects the righteousness of the One we seek to praise, ensuring our walk aligns with our worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gates" or barriers, real or perceived, do you feel prevent you from drawing closer to God's presence?**
* **How does the psalmist's explicit purpose of "praising the LORD" upon entry challenge or affirm your own motivations for seeking God?**
* **In what practical ways can you "enter the gates of righteousness" in your daily life, beyond formal worship services?**

### FAQ
**What are the "gates of righteousness" in Psalm 118:19?**

Answer: The "gates of righteousness" primarily refer to the literal gates of the Temple in Jerusalem, which was the central place of worship and where God's presence was manifested. Entering these gates was a significant act of pilgrimage and worship for ancient Israelites. Metaphorically, they represent the divinely appointed way to approach a holy God. This path is either made righteous by God Himself, or it requires the worshiper to align with God's standards of moral integrity and covenant faithfulness. It underscores that access to God's presence is not arbitrary but is granted through a righteous means or by God's own righteous character, as seen throughout the Old Testament's emphasis on holiness and purity for approaching the divine (e.g., [Exodus 19:22](/exodus/19-22 "Exodus 19:22 - Priests who come near the LORD must consecrate themselves")).

**Why does the psalmist ask God to "open" the gates?**

Answer: The request to "open" the gates signifies that access to God's presence is not something the psalmist can achieve through personal effort or merit alone; it requires divine intervention and grace. It highlights the recognition that God is sovereign over access to His holy dwelling. This plea acknowledges human limitation and dependence on God's gracious provision to enter His sacred space. It implies that there might be barriers—whether spiritual, physical, or due to unworthiness—that only God can remove, allowing the worshiper to draw near and fulfill their purpose of praise. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God initiates and enables communion with humanity (e.g., [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 118:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalmist longed for access to the earthly Temple gates, which served as a shadow of God's presence, Jesus declares Himself to be the true and living "gate" or "door" through whom humanity gains access to the Father. He is the very embodiment of "righteousness," not merely providing a way, but being the way itself (e.g., [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ has opened the "gates of righteousness" for all who believe, tearing down the veil that separated humanity from God's holy presence (e.g., [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")). The author of Hebrews powerfully articulates that we now have "boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh" (e.g., [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")). Thus, the psalmist's desire to enter and praise the LORD is fully realized in the Christian's ability to draw near to God through Christ, offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, for He is our access, our righteousness, and the very object of our worship (e.g., [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual Sacrifices")).

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.

Cross-References

Isaiah 26:2

Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.

Revelation 22:14

Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Psalms 100:4

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

Psalms 9:13

Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble [which I suffer] of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:

Psalms 9:14

That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.

Isaiah 38:22

Hezekiah also had said, What [is] the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?

Psalms 95:2

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.