Psalms 122:4
Psalms 122:4 in Multiple Translations
where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.
Whither the tribes go up, even the tribes of Jehovah, For an ordinance for Israel, To give thanks unto the name of Jehovah.
To which the tribes went up, even the tribes of the Lord, for a witness to Israel, to give praise to the name of the Lord.
All the tribes—the tribes of the Lord—go up there, following the command given to Israel to give thanks to the Lord.
Whereunto the Tribes, euen the Tribes of the Lord go vp according to the testimonie to Israel, to prayse the Name of the Lord.
For thither have tribes gone up, Tribes of Jah, companies of Israel, To give thanks to the name of Jehovah.
where the tribes go up, even the LORD’s tribes, according to an ordinance for Israel, to give thanks to the LORD’s name.
Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to the testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
For our soul is greatly filled: we are a reproach to the rich, and contempt to the proud.
We people of the tribes of Israel who belong to Yahweh can now go up there as Yahweh commanded that we should do, and we can thank him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 122:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 122:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֶׁ/שָּׁ֨ם
עָל֪וּ
שְׁבָטִ֡ים
שִׁבְטֵי
יָ֭הּ
עֵד֣וּת
לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
לְ֝/הֹד֗וֹת
לְ/שֵׁ֣ם
יְהוָֽה
שֶׁ/שָּׁ֨ם
shâm
H8033
there
Rel | Adv
עָל֪וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שְׁבָטִ֡ים
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
N-mp
שִׁבְטֵי
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
N-mp
יָ֭הּ
Yâhh
H3050
LORD
N-proper
עֵד֣וּת
ʻêdûwth
H5715
testimony
N-fs
לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
לְ֝/הֹד֗וֹת
yâdâh
H3034
to give thanks
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לְ/שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 122:4
שֶׁ/שָּׁ֨ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Rel | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
עָל֪וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
שְׁבָטִ֡ים
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
N-mp
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
שִׁבְטֵי
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
N-mp
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
יָ֭הּ
Yâhh
H3050
"LORD"
N-proper
Jah is a shortened form of the name LORD, used in many compounds, such as names ending in -iah or -jah. It appears in the Bible as a way to refer to God.
Definition: A shortened form of the name ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) used in many compounds as the letters 'Je' or 'jah'
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: Jah, the Lord, most vehement. Compare names in '-iah,' '-jah.' See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 118:17; Psalms 68:5.
עֵד֣וּת
ʻêdûwth
H5715
"testimony"
N-fs
This word means a testimony or witness, often referring to God's laws or instructions. It is used in several books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe God's guidance. The word emphasizes the importance of following God's laws.
Definition: testimony
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: testimony, witness. See also: Exodus 16:34; Numbers 17:19; Psalms 19:8.
לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
לְ֝/הֹד֗וֹת
yâdâh
H3034
"to give thanks"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To give thanks or praise, originally meaning to throw or cast, like shooting an arrow. In the Bible, it's used to describe worship or confession with extended hands. It appears in Psalms and other books, like 1 Chronicles.
Definition: 1) to throw, shoot, cast 1a) (Qal) to shoot (arrows) 1b) (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give thanks, laud, praise 1c2) to confess, confess (the name of God) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to confess (sin) 1d2) to give thanks Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדָא "to praise" H3029)
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). See also: Genesis 29:35; Psalms 57:10; Psalms 6:6.
לְ/שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 122:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 122:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 122:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 122:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 122:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 122:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 122:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 122:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 122:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 122:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 122:4
- Sermons on Psalms 122:4
Context — Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
2Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.
3Jerusalem is built up as a city united together,
4where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
5For there the thrones of judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David. 6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 16:16 | Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed. |
| 2 | Psalms 118:19 | Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter and give thanks to the LORD. |
| 3 | Psalms 107:1–3 | Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy and gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. |
| 4 | Psalms 132:13 | For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His home: |
| 5 | Exodus 23:17 | Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD. |
| 6 | Exodus 34:23–24 | Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel. For I will drive out the nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the LORD your God. |
| 7 | Psalms 66:13–16 | I will enter Your house with burnt offerings; I will fulfill my vows to You— the vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke in my distress. I will offer You fatlings as burnt offerings, with the fragrant smoke of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. Selah Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for me. |
| 8 | Exodus 32:15 | Then Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands. They were inscribed on both sides, front and back. |
| 9 | Exodus 26:33–34 | And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Put the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 12:5 | Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go. |
Psalms 122:4 Summary
This verse is talking about the tribes of Israel going to Jerusalem to worship and give thanks to God. It's like a big family reunion, where all of God's people come together to praise and honor Him. We can learn from this by making time to come together with other believers to worship and give thanks, just like we see in Hebrews 10:24-25, where we are encouraged to gather together to stir one another up to love and good works. By doing so, we can experience the joy and unity that comes from being part of God's family, as seen in Psalms 133:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the tribes to go up to Jerusalem?
In Psalms 122:4, the tribes going up to Jerusalem refers to the gathering of God's people to worship and give thanks to the Lord, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:16, where all males were required to appear before the Lord in the place He would choose, which is Jerusalem.
Why is it important to give thanks to the name of the Lord?
Giving thanks to the name of the Lord is a way to acknowledge and honor God's greatness and provision, as seen in Psalms 100:4, where we are commanded to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.
What is the significance of the tribes of the Lord?
The tribes of the Lord refer to the people of Israel, who are God's chosen people, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6, where they are called a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Psalm?
This verse is part of a larger description of Jerusalem as a united city, where God's people come to worship and give thanks, and where the thrones of judgment stand, as seen in Psalms 122:3 and Psalms 122:5.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to 'go up' to the Lord, and how can I do that in my daily life?
- How can I give thanks to the name of the Lord in a way that is meaningful and sincere?
- What are some ways that I can be a part of the 'tribes of the Lord' and join with other believers in worship and thanksgiving?
- How can I pray for the peace of Jerusalem, as commanded in Psalms 122:6, and what does that mean for my life and ministry?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 122:4
Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,.... The twelve tribes of Israel; the males of them went up three times a year to Jerusalem to worship, at the feasts of passover, pentecost, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 122:4
Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD. Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel. Muis, Dr.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 122:4
The tribes; not some few pious people of each tribe, as in Saul’ s time and under the judges, but whole tribes; nor only one or two of the tribes, as it was during the late civil wars, but all the twelve tribes. The tribes of the Lord; whom God hath chosen to be his people, and whom he hath invited and required to resort thither. Unto the testimony of Israel; unto the ark, which is oft called the testimony, as 24:3 Num 17:, 1, and more fully the ark of the testimony, as ,34, and elsewhere; because of the tables of the covenant laid up in it, which are called God’ s testimony, and the tables of the testimony, as 31:18, &c. And this may well be called the testimony of or to Israel, because it was given by God to them and for their good. Or, by or according to the testimony of Israel, i.e. God’ s command given to Israel, which may be alleged here as the reason which moved them to this journey. To give thanks unto the name of the Lord; to worship God; this one eminent part and action thereof being put for all the rest.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 122:4
Psalms 122:4 Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.Ver. 4. Whither the tribes go up] Thrice a year all the males appeared before the Lord in Sion; the females also, as many as would (as Hannah, the Virgin Mary, &c.), but they were not bound. At which times there was such a general meeting as no city could show the like; a type of that great panegyris, Hebrews 12:22-23. Unto the testimony of lsrael] The ark was so called, in regard of the tables of the covenant kept therein, as two letters of contract between God and men, saith Aben Ezra, Exodus 15:16; those two tables are called the testimony.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 122:4
(4) Unto the testimony.—This is erroneous. The words are parenthetical: “Thither go (or, must and shall go) the tribes, the tribes of Judah (it is an ordinance for Israel) to praise the name of Jehovah.” (See Exodus 23:17, Deuteronomy 16:16, to this regulation.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 122:4
Verse 4. The testimony of Israel] There is the ark, where the presence of God is manifested; there is the holy of holies; and there all the tribes assembled to worship Jehovah. He no doubt alludes to the assembling of the tribes annually at each of the three grand national festivals.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 122:4
4. Whither the tribes went up, (even) the tribes of Jah, (As) a testimony for Israel, To give thanks to the name of Jehovah. The perfect tense might denote “custom in the past continuing into the present” and so be rendered go up, but it is more natural to take it as referring to the ancient custom of the days before the Exile. The poet idealises the past and forgets the division of the nation. The practice of pilgrimage to the Temple at Jerusalem is called a testimony, i.e. a law or institution which bore witness to Israel’s relation to Jehovah as His people. Cp. Psalms 81:4-5; Exodus 23:17; Deuteronomy 16:16.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 122:4
Whither the tribes - The twelve tribes of the children of Israel. Go up - To the great feasts and festivals of the nation. See Exodus 23:17.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 122:4
4. Tribes go up—Tribes have gone up. The past tense indicates a custom established, which even the present implies. Testimony of Israel—Not “unto the testimony of Israel,” as in our English version.
Sermons on Psalms 122:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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"Whither the Tribes Go Up" by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the importance of God's prescribed convocations for His people, emphasizing the values found in these gatherings. These gatherings were meant to preser |
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The Breaking of Bread by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of announcing and remembering the death of the Lord Jesus. The act of breaking bread and drinking the cup is a testimony to th |
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Exodus 23;14 Missionary Conf. by J.M. Davies | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophetic and commemorative nature of the death and resurrection of Christ. These events are foundational to Christian teaching and serve |
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Worship - Notes of a Reading John 4 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes that true worship is distinct from preaching and requires a relationship with God through salvation. He explains that worship can only occur in the pre |
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The Vocation of the Church by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the church's vocation as a prophetic instrument representing God's mind and purpose, highlighting the need for believers to see the fullness of God's re |
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Testimonies of Those Who Were Seekers and Finders in the Hebrides Revival by Duncan Campbell | Duncan Campbell shares testimonies from the Hebrides Revival, emphasizing the transformative power of prayer and the seeking love of God. He recounts the experiences of individuals |
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Gatekeepers by Dick Brogden | Dick Brogden preaches on the spiritual function of gatekeeping, emphasizing the responsibility of spiritual leaders to keep evil out and usher people into God's presence. He highli |