Psalms 24:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Who shall ascend {H5927} into the hill {H2022} of the LORD {H3068}? or who shall stand {H6965} in his holy {H6944} place {H4725}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Who may go up to the mountain of ADONAI? Who can stand in his holy place?

Berean Standard Bible

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place?

American Standard Version

Who shall ascend into the hill of Jehovah? And who shall stand in his holy place?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 24:3 presents a profound rhetorical question, probing the spiritual and moral qualifications essential for entering God's sacred presence. Situated within a processional psalm, likely recited by worshippers journeying to the Jerusalem Temple, this verse establishes the divine standard for approaching the Holy One, underscoring that access to God's dwelling is not automatic but contingent upon a life marked by integrity and purity, thereby setting the stage for the psalm's subsequent elaboration of these indispensable virtues.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 24 is a magnificent psalm of entrance, structured as a liturgical dialogue for those approaching the Temple. The psalm commences with a grand declaration of God's universal sovereignty as the Creator and proprietor of the earth and all its fullness in [Psalms 24:1-2](/psalms/24-1-2 "Psalms 24:1-2 - God's Universal Sovereignty"). This foundational truth establishes God's absolute right to dictate the terms of access to His presence. Following this cosmic declaration, verse 3 transitions from God's dominion over creation to His demand for holiness from those who seek Him. The rhetorical question, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?", serves as a crucial pivot, anticipating the answer provided immediately in [Psalms 24:4-6](/psalms/24-4-6 "Psalms 24:4-6 - Qualifications for God's Presence"), which meticulously outlines the moral and spiritual prerequisites for drawing near to the divine. The psalm then culminates in a majestic call for the "everlasting doors" to lift up, welcoming the "King of glory" into His sanctuary, a powerful affirmation of God's abiding presence among His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "hill of the LORD" unequivocally refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, upon which the Temple was built and which served as the central place of worship for ancient Israel. This psalm likely accompanied a liturgical procession, perhaps during one of the annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Weeks, or Booths), where worshippers would physically ascend to the Temple. The act of "ascending" was both physical—climbing the slopes of Jerusalem—and deeply spiritual, symbolizing a movement from the common to the sacred, from the profane to the holy. The Temple itself was considered God's earthly dwelling, a consecrated space where heaven and earth met. Therefore, the question of who could enter was not merely about physical access but about moral and ritual purity, reflecting the deeply ingrained Israelite understanding that a holy God demanded holiness from His people, as seen in the laws concerning purity and holiness found throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Purity and Holiness"). The cultural understanding was that proximity to the divine required careful preparation and a certain state of being.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to the psalm's exploration of several profound themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Access to God's Presence**, emphasizing that drawing near to the Holy One is a profound privilege, not an automatic right, and is conditioned upon specific spiritual and moral qualifications. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, asserting that God's sacred dwelling ("his holy place") reflects His own pure and righteous nature, thus demanding a corresponding purity from those who approach Him. This concept is foundational to Israelite theology, where God's holiness sets Him apart and requires His people to be set apart for Him, as commanded in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). Finally, the rhetorical nature of the question establishes a **Divine Standard for Worship and Fellowship**, challenging the worshiper to engage in rigorous self-examination of their inner state and outward conduct before seeking to enter into communion with God. This standard is further elaborated in [Psalms 15](/psalms/15 "Psalms 15 - The Character of a Citizen of Zion"), which similarly lists the characteristics of one who may "dwell in thy holy hill."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ascend (Hebrew, _‘âlâh'_):** From H5927, this primitive root signifies a physical movement upwards, but in a religious context, it carries the profound implication of drawing near to God's presence. It is used for going up to Jerusalem, to the Temple, or to offer sacrifices. Here, it denotes not merely a physical climb but a spiritual elevation—a movement from the common realm into the sacred space where God dwells, implying a necessary moral and spiritual preparedness for such an encounter.
* **Hill (Hebrew, _har'_):** From H2022, this term is a shortened form of הָרָר, referring to a mountain or range of hills. In this specific context, "the hill of the LORD" (har Yᵉhôvâh) is a specific designation for Mount Zion in Jerusalem, upon which the Temple was built. It is God's chosen dwelling place on earth, symbolizing His presence among His people and the center of Israelite worship and national identity. The phrase emphasizes the sacredness and divine ownership of this location, setting it apart from all other places.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** From H6944, this word describes a sacred place or thing, rarely abstract sanctity. It means "set apart," "consecrated," or "sacred." Thus, in the phrase "his holy place" (mâqôwm qôdesh), it refers to the sanctuary, the Temple itself, which was dedicated exclusively to God and permeated by His divine presence. It signifies a space of profound reverence, distinct from the mundane, where one encounters the transcendent God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD?":** This opening clause poses a fundamental question regarding eligibility for divine access. The interrogative "Who?" immediately shifts focus from God's universal dominion (declared in [Psalms 24:1-2](/psalms/24-1-2 "Psalms 24:1-2 - God's Ownership of the Earth")) to humanity's capacity to approach Him. The "hill of the LORD" (Mount Zion/Temple) represents the physical and spiritual nexus of God's presence. The act of "ascending" implies a journey, both physical and spiritual, requiring effort and preparation to enter such a sacred space. This question sets a high bar, challenging the worshiper to consider their worthiness.
* **"or who shall stand in his holy place?":** This parallel clause reiterates and intensifies the initial inquiry, using synonymous parallelism to emphasize the same core question. "Stand" (Hebrew: `qûwm`, H6965) suggests not merely momentary presence but a sustained, authorized, and accepted presence in God's immediate vicinity—to serve, to worship, or to receive divine revelation. "His holy place" specifically refers to the sanctuary, the inner sanctum of the Temple, the very locus of God's manifest glory. The repetition underscores the profound solemnity and the stringent requirements for enduring in such a sacred environment, highlighting that proximity to God demands a corresponding character.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 24:3 primarily employs **Rhetorical Question** and **Synonymous Parallelism**. The verse opens with a rhetorical question ("Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD?") which immediately engages the audience, prompting self-reflection rather than expecting a direct verbal answer. This device serves to highlight the profound nature of the inquiry and to set up the subsequent answer provided in the following verses. The second clause, "or who shall stand in his holy place?", exemplifies **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line reiterates the thought of the first using different but equivalent terms. "Hill of the LORD" is paralleled by "his holy place," and "ascend" is paralleled by "stand." This parallelism not only adds poetic beauty and emphasis but also deepens the meaning, reinforcing the idea that both the journey to and the sustained presence within God's sanctuary demand specific qualifications. The use of these devices makes the question weighty and universal, inviting every worshiper to consider their own spiritual state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 24:3 profoundly articulates the enduring theological truth that God is holy and demands holiness from those who seek to draw near to Him. This principle is not unique to the Old Testament but resonates throughout biblical revelation, emphasizing that access to the divine presence is predicated on a transformed life. The question "Who shall ascend?" is a timeless challenge, calling individuals to self-examination regarding their moral integrity and spiritual purity before approaching the Creator. It establishes a divine standard that underscores the seriousness of worship and fellowship with God, moving beyond mere ritual to demand genuine righteousness of heart and action. This verse sets the stage for understanding that while God desires communion with humanity, He does so on His terms, which are rooted in His unchanging character of absolute holiness.

* [Psalms 15:1-2](/psalms/15-1-2 "Psalms 15:1-2 - Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill?")
* [Isaiah 33:14-15](/isaiah/33-14-15 "Isaiah 33:14-15 - Who Can Dwell with Consuming Fire?")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Holiness, Without Which No One Will See the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the ancient Israelite worshiper, Psalms 24:3 served as a solemn gateway to the Temple, a moment of profound introspection before entering God's physical dwelling. It was a stark reminder that physical proximity was insufficient; true worship demanded moral integrity and spiritual purity. For believers today, while we no longer ascend a physical hill to encounter God in a localized temple, the spiritual principle remains profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to consider the state of our hearts and lives as we approach God in prayer, worship, and daily living. It calls us to a life of intentional holiness, recognizing that God's presence is sacred and demands reverence. Our access to God is now through Christ, but this access is not an excuse for casualness or moral indifference; rather, it empowers us to pursue the very righteousness that this psalm describes, living lives that honor the One who has brought us near. It prompts us to continually examine our hands (actions) and hearts (motives), seeking alignment with God's perfect character, knowing that true communion flows from a life consecrated to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I prepare my heart and mind before engaging in worship or prayer?**
* **What "hands" (actions) or "heart" (motives) might hinder my sense of closeness to God's holy presence?**
* **How does the New Covenant's provision of access through Christ empower me to pursue the holiness described in this psalm?**
* **What does "standing in His holy place" mean for me in my everyday life, beyond formal worship settings?**

### FAQ
**What is the "hill of the LORD" mentioned in Psalms 24:3?**

Answer: The "hill of the LORD" refers specifically to Mount Zion in Jerusalem. This was the elevated location chosen by King David to bring the Ark of the Covenant, and later, where Solomon built the first Temple. It became the spiritual and political capital of ancient Israel, symbolizing God's dwelling place on earth and the central hub of Israelite worship. The phrase underscores the sacredness and divine ownership of this particular geographical site, distinguishing it as the unique place where God's presence was manifested among His people. The act of "ascending" this hill was a physical pilgrimage that also carried deep spiritual significance for the worshiper, representing a movement from the common to the consecrated.

**Why is the question "Who shall ascend...?" rhetorical in nature?**

Answer: The question in [Psalms 24:3](/psalms/24-3 "Psalms 24:3 - Who Shall Ascend?") is rhetorical because it is not intended to elicit a verbal answer from the audience, but rather to prompt profound introspection and self-examination. The psalm itself provides the immediate answer in [Psalms 24:4-6](/psalms/24-4-6 "Psalms 24:4-6 - The Qualifications for Entering God's Presence"), detailing the moral and spiritual qualifications required. By posing the question, the psalmist compels every individual worshiper to consider their own spiritual state, their actions, and their motives before daring to approach the holy presence of God. It sets a high standard for entry, emphasizing that access to the divine is not automatic but contingent upon a life of integrity and purity, thereby preparing the worshiper to receive the subsequent revelation of these virtues.

**Does this verse imply that only perfect people can approach God?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that only perfectly sinless people can approach God. Rather, it establishes the **divine standard of holiness** that God requires for intimate fellowship. In the Old Testament, this standard was met through a combination of sincere repentance, ritual cleansing, and adherence to God's moral laws. While no one is perfectly sinless, the emphasis is on a sincere desire for purity, integrity of heart, and a life free from intentional or unrepented sin. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalms 24:4](/psalms/24-4 "Psalms 24:4 - Clean Hands and Pure Heart")) clarify that it refers to those who are genuinely committed to righteousness and truth. In the New Covenant, the ultimate fulfillment of this standard is found in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies all righteousness, and through whom believers are made righteous and granted access to God's presence, not by their own perfect merit but by His atoning work ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Bold Access Through Jesus' Blood")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 24:3, with its profound question about who may ascend to God's holy presence, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In the Old Covenant, access to God's dwelling on Mount Zion was restricted by physical and ritual requirements, pointing to the inherent holiness of God and humanity's inability to perfectly meet His standards. However, Jesus, as the perfect Son of God and the true High Priest, is the only one who truly "ascended into the hill of the LORD" and "stood in his holy place" in a way that fully pleased God. He possessed "clean hands and a pure heart" (as described in [Psalms 24:4](/psalms/24-4 "Psalms 24:4 - Qualifications for God's Presence")) not merely ritually, but perfectly and intrinsically, being without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus tore the veil of the Temple ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying that the way into the true "holy place"—God's heavenly presence—was now opened for all who believe. We no longer ascend a physical mountain, but through Christ's shed blood and resurrection, we have bold and confident access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")) and are invited to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" ([Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Drawing Near with Assurance")). Jesus is not only the answer to the psalmist's question but also the very means by which we, as His followers, are enabled to approach the holy God, having been made righteous in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He is the "King of glory" who has truly entered the "everlasting doors" ([Psalms 24:7-10](/psalms/24-7-10 "Psalms 24:7-10 - The King of Glory Enters")), and through Him, we too are granted spiritual ascent and eternal standing in God's presence.

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

Psalms 15:1

¶ A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

Hebrews 12:28

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Psalms 65:4

Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach [unto thee, that] he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, [even] of thy holy temple.

Psalms 2:6

Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

Malachi 3:1

¶ Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

Hebrews 12:22

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

Hebrews 12:24

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.