What does Psalms 118:20 mean?

"This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter." - Psalms 118:20

"This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter." - Psalms 118:20

Psalms 118:20 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter." This verse comes from a Psalm of thanksgiving and praise. The entire Psalm 118 is a hymn of thanksgiving for deliverance from enemies and for the steadfast love of the Lord. It is traditionally attributed to King David and is often included in Jewish liturgy.

The verse is part of a larger section in the Psalm that emphasizes the importance of righteousness and the gate of the Lord. In ancient times, gates were the entrance and exit points of cities where the righteous conduct business and enter through. They were also the places where judges would sit to arbitrate legal matters. In this context, the gate of the Lord symbolizes the place where the righteous can come into the presence of God and receive His blessings and favor.

The theme of righteousness is central to this verse. The righteous are those who adhere to God's laws and live in accordance with His will. The gate of the Lord is open to them, suggesting that they have unhindered access to God's presence and blessings. This implies a special relationship between the Lord and the righteous, where the righteous are welcome and accepted in God’s presence.

This verse also speaks to the idea of divine favor and protection. By entering the gate of the Lord, the righteous find safety and refuge in God. It reflects the idea that those who live righteously will be under God's protection and care. The gate symbolizes a boundary or boundary point, beyond which divine providence extends. This verse serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate protector and provider for those who seek to do His will.

From a Christian perspective, this verse can be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ teachings. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the gate or the door through which the faithful can enter into God’s presence. In John 10:9, Jesus says, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." This further reinforces the idea that the gate of the Lord is a symbol of access to God's presence and salvation, which is only possible through Christ.

The verse also carries a message of hope and assurance. It encourages the righteous to continue in their faith and obedience, knowing that they have a place in God's presence. It assures them that their righteous deeds and devotion will not go unnoticed by God, and they will be welcomed into His presence.

In terms of context, the verse is part of a larger psalm that highlights the deliverance and salvation that come from trusting in the Lord. It is a declaration of praise and thanksgiving for God's faithfulness and steadfast love. It is a psalm that emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, and the verse in question underscores the special relationship between the righteous and the Lord.

In conclusion, Psalms 118:20 in the King James Version offers a message of hope and encouragement to the righteous. It speaks to the idea of divine favor, protection, and access to God's presence for those who live according to His will. It holds significance in both the Old and New Testaments, providing a timeless message of assurance and hope for believers. It continues to be a source of inspiration for those who seek to live righteously and trust in the Lord.

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Psalms 118:20 - "This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter."

Psalms 118:20 - "This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter."

"This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter." - Psalms 118:20

"This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter." - Psalms 118:20

Psalms 118:24 - "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalms 118:24 - "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

"This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." - Psalms 118:23

"This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." - Psalms 118:23

Psalms 118:6 - "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"

Psalms 118:6 - "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"

Psalms 118:23 - "This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."

Psalms 118:23 - "This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."

"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalms 118:24

"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalms 118:24

"The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation." - Psalms 118:14

"The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation." - Psalms 118:14

Psalms 118:9 - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes."

Psalms 118:9 - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes."

"Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalms 118:2

"Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalms 118:2

"Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalms 118:3

"Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalms 118:3

Psalms 118:14 - "The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation."

Psalms 118:14 - "The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation."

Psalms 118:8 - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Psalms 118:8 - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Psalms 118:17 - "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD."

Psalms 118:17 - "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD."

Psalms 118:2 - "Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:2 - "Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:22 - "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner."

Psalms 118:22 - "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner."

Psalms 118:3 - "Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:3 - "Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:16 - "The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly."

Psalms 118:16 - "The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly."

Psalms 118:19 - "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:"

Psalms 118:19 - "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:"

Psalms 118:4 - "Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:4 - "Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:10 - "All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them."

Psalms 118:10 - "All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them."

Psalms 118:15 - "The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly."

Psalms 118:15 - "The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly."

Psalms 119:118 - "Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood."

Psalms 119:118 - "Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood."

Psalms 118:29 - "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:29 - "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:13 - "Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me."

Psalms 118:13 - "Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me."

Psalms 118:21 - "I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation."

Psalms 118:21 - "I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation."

Psalms 118:11 - "They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them."

Psalms 118:11 - "They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them."

Psalms 118:1 - "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:1 - "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 118:5 - "I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place."

Psalms 118:5 - "I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place."

Psalms 118:26 - "Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD."

Psalms 118:26 - "Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD."