Psalms 118:20

KJV

This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.

KJV (with Strong's)

This gate {H8179} of the LORD {H3068}, into which the righteous {H6662} shall enter {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the gate of ADONAI; the righteous can enter it.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.

American Standard Version

This is the gate of Jehovah; The righteous shall enter into it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 118:20 declares a profound truth about divine access: "This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter." This verse, situated within a psalm of thanksgiving and deliverance, identifies a specific, divinely appointed pathway to God's presence. It underscores that entry into this sacred space, whether understood as the Temple, God's favor, or His very presence, is not universal but reserved for those who meet His holy standard of righteousness, highlighting both God's sovereign control over access and His gracious provision for those who are in right relationship with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 118 is the final psalm in the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), a collection sung during major Jewish festivals like Passover, Sukkot, and Hanukkah. It is a vibrant song of thanksgiving, celebrating God's enduring lovingkindness and miraculous deliverance from distress. The psalmist, likely a king or national leader, has experienced profound tribulation and God's powerful intervention. Verse 19 sets the immediate scene, with the psalmist pleading, "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD." Verse 20 serves as the divine affirmation or declaration, identifying the very gate sought and specifying the exclusive condition for entry, thereby fulfilling the psalmist's longing for access to God's presence for worship and thanksgiving.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, "gates" (Hebrew: _sha'ar_) were not merely entrances but significant centers of community life, justice, and defense. More specifically, the gates of the Jerusalem Temple were crucial for religious pilgrimage and worship. Entering these gates symbolized drawing near to God's dwelling place. The concept of "righteousness" (Hebrew: _tsaddiqim_) in the Old Testament context referred to living in covenantal faithfulness with God, adhering to His laws, demonstrating moral integrity, and acting justly. It was a status of being in right standing with God, often evidenced by one's actions. The verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding that access to a deity's temple or presence was often restricted and required ritual purity or moral uprightness, a concept deeply embedded in Israelite worship.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Access to God's Presence**, portraying the "gate of the LORD" as the divinely appointed means to approach God, His sanctuary, and His blessings. This imagery resonates deeply with the physical Temple gates but also carries a profound spiritual meaning of communion and worship. Secondly, it highlights the **Prerequisite of Righteousness**, explicitly stating that only "the righteous shall enter." This underscores that access to God is conditional, granted to those who are in a right relationship with Him, reflecting God's holy character. This theme is echoed in other scriptures, such as [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalms/24-3 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?"), which asks, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart." Finally, the phrase "gate of the LORD" emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Invitation**, signifying that God Himself establishes this access point and sets the terms for entry, graciously inviting those who meet His criteria to draw near.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gate (Hebrew, _sha'ar'_):** This word refers to a literal city or temple gate, but here it functions with significant metaphorical weight. It represents an entrance, a point of access, or a designated way. In the context of the Temple, the gate was the threshold between the secular and the sacred, symbolizing the boundary that must be crossed to enter God's holy presence.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH'_):** The use of the covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizes that this gate is not of human design or permission, but is divinely established and owned. It signifies God's absolute authority over who may approach Him and under what conditions. It is His gate, reflecting His character and His terms.
* **Righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddiqim'_):** This plural noun refers to those who are just, upright, and vindicated. In the Old Testament, a _tsaddiq_ is one who lives in conformity with God's covenant and His revealed will, demonstrating moral integrity, justice, and faithfulness. It is a status of being in proper relationship with God, acting in accordance with His divine standards.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This gate of the LORD":** The demonstrative "this" points to a specific, identifiable gate, likely referring to the Temple gate mentioned in the preceding verse. The possessive "of the LORD" unequivocally declares its divine origin and ownership, establishing that access is entirely at God's discretion and according to His sovereign will. It is not a gate of human construction or human terms, but God's designated portal.
* **"into which":** This prepositional phrase indicates the direction and purpose of the gate—it is a passage _into_ a sacred space, a place of divine encounter, blessing, and worship. It signifies movement from an outer, less sacred realm into an inner, more holy presence.
* **"the righteous shall enter":** This clause specifies the exclusive condition for entry. Only those who are _tsaddiqim_—those who are in right standing with God, living according to His covenantal demands—are permitted to pass through. The verb "shall enter" (Hebrew: _yavo'u_) is a strong declaration, signifying a certainty and a divine decree regarding who has legitimate access.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 118:20 is rich in **Symbolism**, primarily through the image of the "gate." The gate functions as a powerful symbol for access to God's presence, His sanctuary, and ultimately, salvation. It is a **Metaphor** for the divinely appointed way to approach the Holy One. The verse also employs a strong sense of **Exclusivity**, clearly delineating who is permitted entry ("the righteous") and, by implication, who is not. This creates a stark contrast between those who are aligned with God's standards and those who are not, emphasizing the holiness of God and the necessary prerequisite for fellowship with Him. The declaration itself carries a tone of **Divine Authority**, as the psalmist proclaims God's terms for entry into His sacred space.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the theological truth that God is holy and demands righteousness from those who would approach Him. It establishes a divine standard for fellowship, emphasizing that access to His presence is not a universal right but a sacred privilege granted on specific terms. The "gate of the LORD" represents the pathway to divine favor, blessing, and communion, a path that requires alignment with God's character. This concept of conditional access, based on righteousness, is a consistent theme throughout the Old Testament, preparing the way for a deeper understanding of how humanity could truly bridge the gap created by sin. It foreshadows the ultimate solution to humanity's unrighteousness, which would be provided by God Himself.

* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalms/24-3 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")
* [Isaiah 26:2](/isaiah/26-2 "Isaiah 26:2 - The Righteous Nation Enters")
* [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow Gate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 118:20 serves as both an encouragement and a challenge for believers today. It reminds us of the profound privilege we have been granted to approach a holy God. Unlike the Old Testament context where access to God's physical dwelling was restricted, through Christ, we now have boldness to enter the very presence of God. This access, however, is not cheap; it was purchased at an infinite cost. Therefore, our response should be one of profound gratitude and a sincere commitment to living lives that reflect the righteousness imputed to us by faith. While we do not earn our way into God's presence, genuine faith always expresses itself in a desire for holiness and obedience. This verse calls us to examine our lives, ensuring that our walk aligns with our profession, and to continually seek to live in a manner worthy of the incredible access we have received. It underscores that God's holiness remains, and our approach to Him, though through grace, should be marked by reverence and a pursuit of purity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "gate of the LORD" deepen your appreciation for the access to God's presence that you have through Christ?**
* **In what ways does your daily life reflect the pursuit of righteousness as a response to God's grace and the privilege of His presence?**
* **How does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's holiness and His requirements for genuine fellowship?**

### FAQ
**Is this "gate" a literal gate or symbolic?**

Answer: While the "gate of the LORD" in Psalms 118:20 certainly has a literal grounding in the gates of the Jerusalem Temple, its primary meaning is profoundly symbolic. It represents the divinely established way or means by which humanity can gain access to God's presence, His favor, and His blessings. In the Old Testament, this access was often tied to the Temple and adherence to the Mosaic Law. However, as we move into the New Testament, this "gate" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who declares Himself to be "the door" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")) and "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")). Thus, it is a symbol of the exclusive and holy path to God.

**What does "righteous" mean in this context for believers today?**

Answer: In the Old Testament context of Psalms 118:20, "righteous" (Hebrew: _tsaddiqim_) refers to those who are in right covenantal standing with God, living in accordance with His laws and demonstrating moral integrity and justice. For believers today, the meaning of "righteous" is transformed and fulfilled through the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. We are declared righteous not by our own perfect adherence to the law, but by God's gracious imputation of Christ's perfect righteousness to us through faith ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith")). This is known as "imputed righteousness." However, this imputed righteousness is not a license for sin; rather, it empowers and obligates us to pursue "practical righteousness" or sanctification—a life lived in increasing conformity to God's will and character, empowered by the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 4:24](/ephesians/4-24 "Ephesians 4:24 - Put on the New Self")). So, for us, being "righteous" means being declared just by God through faith in Christ, and actively striving to live a life that reflects that new identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 118:20 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "gate of the LORD" is none other than Christ Himself, who declared, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")). Humanity's sin rendered us unrighteous, utterly unable to enter God's holy presence through any gate of our own making or merit. However, Jesus, the perfectly righteous Son of God, became the sole and sufficient means of access. His sacrificial death on the cross tore the veil of the Temple, symbolizing the opening of the way into the Most Holy Place, God's very presence ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Veil Torn")). Through His shed blood, we have "boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh" ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Therefore, the "righteous" who enter this gate are those who have received Christ's righteousness by faith, being justified freely by His grace ([Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1-2 - Access by Faith")). He is the gate, and He is the righteousness required for entry, fulfilling the psalmist's longing and God's eternal plan.

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

Revelation 21:24

And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

Revelation 21:27

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Isaiah 26:2

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

Psalms 24:7

¶ Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come 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.

Revelation 22:15

For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Psalms 24:3

¶ Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?