Psalms 84:5 — Word Study
WLCאַשְׁרֵ֣י אָ֭דָם עֽוֹז־ ל֥וֹ בָ֑ךְ מְ֝סִלּ֗וֹת בִּלְבָבָֽם׃
BSABlessedʼesher [happy, fortunate]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אַשְׁרֵ֣י | how blessed! | Noun common, masculine plural construct |
| אָ֭דָם | [is] a person | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| עֽוֹז־ | [who] strength | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| ל֥וֹ | to him | Preposition, suffix |
| בָ֑ךְ | [is] in you | Preposition, suffix |
| מְ֝סִלּ֗וֹת | [whom] highways | Noun common, feminine plural absolute |
| בִּלְבָבָֽם׃ | [are] in heart their | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. |
| KJV | Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. |
| ASV | Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; In whose heart are the highways to Zion. |
| YLT | O the happiness of a man whose strength is in Thee, Highways [are] in their heart. |
| WEB | Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on a pilgrimage. |
| BBE | Happy is the man whose strength is in you; in whose heart are the highways to Zion. |
All translations agree on the meaning of blessedness in relation to strength in God and devotion of heart.
The main clause introduces the subject, followed by two subordinate phrases that describe the conditions of their blessedness.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectסֶלָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 84:5
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Blessings of Dwelling with Godgenerated
Psalms 84:5 speaks of the joy and blessing found in relying on God for strength and committing one's heart to the journey of faith. This verse emphasizes the importance of spiritual focus and devotion, as it is linked to the overall theme of the psalm, which celebrates the beauty of God's dwelling place and the joy of worshiping Him. The surrounding verses further illustrate the blessings that come from being in God's presence and the strength He provides to those who seek Him.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 28:7–8 | The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song. |
| 2 | Isaiah 45:24 | Surely they will say of Me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’” All who rage against Him will come to Him and be put to shame. |
| 3 | Zechariah 10:12 | I will strengthen them in the LORD, and in His name they will walk,” declares the LORD. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 12:9 | But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. |
| 5 | Philippians 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אַשְׁרֵ֣י, 'ash.Reigenerated
The word אַשְׁרֵי ('ashrei) is a noun that expresses a state of happiness or blessedness. It is often used to convey joy and is derived from a root that signifies happiness. In this verse, it highlights the blessed state of individuals who find their strength in God.
This term is commonly used in the Hebrew Bible to denote a deep sense of joy and fulfillment, particularly in relation to one's relationship with God. The parsing indicates it is in the masculine plural construct form, suggesting a collective experience of blessedness.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, we examine the verse as rendered in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the term blessed.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause is governed by the finite verb אַשְׁרֵ֣י, blessed, which serves as the predicate. The structure includes two noun phrases, one describing the subject and the other detailing the conditions of their blessedness.
The sentence emphasizes the subjects — those whose strength is in God and whose hearts are set on pilgrimage — highlighting their spiritual focus and commitment.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates אַשְׁרֵי as μακάριοι (makarioi), which also means 'blessed' or 'happy.' This choice reflects a consistent interpretation of the Hebrew term, emphasizing the state of being favored by God.
The Greek term carries similar connotations of happiness and divine favor, aligning closely with the original Hebrew meaning.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 84:5 tells us that those who find their strength in God and set their hearts on a journey of faith are truly blessed. This verse emphasizes the joy and fulfillment that comes from relying on God and being devoted to His path.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Having strength in God means relying on Him for support, guidance, and empowerment in life's journey.
Setting one's heart on pilgrimage signifies a commitment to a spiritual journey, focusing on devotion and seeking a closer relationship with God.
Finding strength in God can involve prayer, reading Scripture, and trusting in His promises and presence in your life.
In this context, 'blessed' implies a state of happiness and favor from God that comes from a deep relationship with Him.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I rely on God for strength in my daily life?
- How can I focus my heart more on my spiritual journey?
- What practices can I adopt to deepen my relationship with God?
- How does understanding my blessedness in God affect my outlook on life?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers have commented on this verse, discussing the blessings of relying on God and the journey of faith.
The Old Testament proclaimed the Father openly and the Son more obscurely. The New [Testament] manifested the Son and suggested the deity of the Spirit.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 84 →
“For the lawgiver will give a blessing.” Somebody may ask, “Why in the valley of tears, in the place that God has set for the contest—or for the conflict—why has he placed us as athletes? Why has he willed us to fight?” The psalmist gives…Early Church Fathers on Psalms 84 →
But how shall we come there? "Happy is the man whose strength is in You" [Psalms 84:5].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 84 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 84:5 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBlessed is the man whose strength is in thee, e.] Or, "for thee", as some choose to render the words who have bodily strength from the Lord, for his worship and service, to go up to his house, and
Read John Gill on Psalms 84 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBlessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. -Second part of the First strophe. The rich consolation in God which belongs to believers, like David, even in trouble. Verse 5.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 84 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleWhose strength is in thee; who trusteth in thee as his only strength, and refuge, and portion. Or, who hath strength in (or rather for, as the Hebrew prefix beth is frequently used, as hath been noted again and again) thee, i.e. who hath ability of body and mind for thee, and for thy service; or for that journey which here he seems to insinuate, and in the following words and verses he particularly describes. For it must be considered that all the males of Israel were obliged to come to the tabernacle or temple thrice in a year, ,24, and that some of them lived at a great distance, and consequently were to take a long and troublesome journey, which also might at some times and places be…
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 84 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 84:5 Blessed [is] the man whose strength [is] in thee; in whose heart [are] the ways [of them].Ver. 5. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee] i.e. Who is enabled by thee, both in body and mind, to come from the place of his abode to the solemn feasts. In whose heart are the ways of them] Here the old translation, In whose heart are thy ways, is far better, i.e. As he bringeth his body to the ordinances, so he hath thy ways or laws engraven in his heart.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 84 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(5-7) In these verses, as in the analogous picture (Isaiah 35:6-8; comp. Hosea 2:15-16), there is a blending of the real and the figurative; the actual journey towards Sion is represented as accompanied with ideal blessings of peace and refreshment. It is improbable that the poet would turn abruptly from the description of the swallows in the Temple to what looks like a description of a real journey, with a locality, or at all events a district, which was well known, introduced by its proper name, and yet intend only a figurative reference. On the other hand, it is quite in the Hebrew manner to mix up the ideal with the actual, and to present the spiritual side by side with the literal. We…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 84 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 5. The man whose strength is in thee] "Who life and strength from thee derives; And by thee moves and in thee lives." In whose heart are the ways of them] This is no sense. The original, however, is obscure: מסלות בלבבם mesilloth bilebabam, "the high ways are in their hearts;" that is, the roads winding to thy temple. Perhaps there is a reference here to the high roads leading to the cities of refuge. We wish to escape from the hands and dominion of these murderers, and the roads that lead to Jerusalem and the temple we think on with delight; our hearts are with them, we long to be travelling on them.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 84 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges5–8. Yet not only those are happy, who reside within the precincts of the Temple, but those who in the strength of God surmounting every obstacle appear in His Presence and offer their prayers.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 84 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleBlessed is the man whose strength is in thee - Not merely are they blessed who dwell there permanently, but the man also whose heart is there; who feels that his strength is in God alone who loves to
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 84 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on a pilgrimage.
Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
How blessed are those who find their strength in you, and long to travel the roads that lead to your temple!
Tyndale line
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; In whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them .
Blessed is the man, whose strength is in thee, and in whose heart are thy wayes.
Strictly literal
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee, — they, in whose heart are the highways.
O the happiness of a man whose strength is in Thee, Highways [are] in their heart.
O the blessedness of a man whose strength is in You, || Highways [are] in their heart.
(84:6) Happy is the man whose strong confidence is in thee, [all] whose heart reflecteth on the paths [of righteousness].
Blessed is the man whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways up to Zion.
From the Latin
Convert us, O God our saviour: and turn off thy anger from us.
Simplified
How happy are those whose strength is in you, those who are determined to make a pilgrimage.
Happy is the man whose strength is in you; in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads אַשְׁרֵ֣י אָ֭דָם עֽוֹז־ ל֥וֹ בָ֑ךְ מְ֝סִלּ֗וֹת בִּלְבָבָֽם׃, while the Septuagint matches six of the seven words. The Dead Sea Scrolls — Mas1e fragment contains six words of the verse, with one word partly restored and three supplied by an editor, indicating a high degree of agreement among the witnesses.
אַשְׁרֵ֣י אָ֭דָם עֽוֹז־ ל֥וֹ בָ֑ךְ מְ֝סִלּ֗וֹת בִּלְבָבָֽם׃
6 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[אשרי] [יושבי] [בית׳ך] עוד יהללו׳ך סלה
6 words of the verse are on this fragment — 1 partly restored, 3 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 84:5
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אֶ֫שֶׁר (esher) refers to happiness or blessedness, often used as an interjection to express joy. It is derived from a related root and appears primarily in a masculine plural form. The entries consistently highlight its meaning related to happiness and blessing.
[אֶ֫שֶׁר, or אָשָׁר] n.[m.] happiness, blessedness
base
H835 [אֶ֫שֶׁר, or אָשָׁר] happiness, blessedness
835 'esher eh'-sher
from 833; happiness; only in masculine plural construction as
interjection, how happy!:--blessed, happy.
see HEBREW for 0833
אֶ֫שֶׁר (e.sher) — blessed.
1) happiness, blessedness
1a) often used as interjection
1b) blessed are
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural constructHNcmpc
bles'-ed (barukh): Where God is referred to, this word has the sense of "praise," as in 1Sa 25:32, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel." But where man is in mind it is used in the sense of "happy" or "favored," and most frequently so in the Psalms and the Gospels, as for example, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked" (Ps 1:1); "Blessed art thou among women" (Lu 1:42); "Blessed are the poor in spirit" (Mt 5:3).
See BEATITUDES.
אָדָם (adam) refers to 'man' or 'mankind,' encompassing both individual humans and the species as a whole. It is also the name of the first man in the Bible, Adam, who is mentioned in various verses, including Genesis 2:19. The term can denote a city in the Jordan valley as well. The entries indicate a range of meanings, but there is no significant disagreement among them.
אָדָם 560 n.m. Gn 1:27 man, mankind
a man = human being
coll. man, mankind
n.pr.m. Adam, first man (without art.)
n.pr.loc. city in Jordan valley (as built?)
base
H120 אָדָם man, mankind . a man = human being
. coll. man, mankind
120 'adam aw-dawm'
from 119; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the
species, mankind, etc.):--X another, + hypocrite, + common
sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.
see HEBREW for 0119
אָדָם (a.dam) — man.
1) man, mankind
1a) man, human being
1b) man, mankind (much more frequently intended sense in OT)
1c) Adam, first man
1d) city in Jordan valley
אָדָם (a.dam) — the man (Adam).
The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19;
married to Eve (H2332);
father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33;
Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121)
man, human being
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
עֹז (oz) refers to strength or might, encompassing material, physical, personal, social, and political dimensions. It can denote boldness or impudence and is associated with the might of God. The word is built from the root related to strength and power, with various applications noted in the entries.
עֹז, and (rarely) עוֹז n.m. strength, might
material and physical
personal, social, and political
might of י׳
= boldness, impudence
= stronghold
base
H5797 עֹז, and (rarely) עוֹז strength, might . material and physical
. personal, social, and political
. might of י׳
. = boldness, impudence
. = stronghold
5797 `oz oze
or (fully) rowz {oze}; from 5810; strength in various
applications (force, security, majesty, praise):--boldness,
loud, might, power, strength, strong.
see HEBREW for 05810
עֹז (oz) — strength.
1) might, strength
1a) material or physical
1b) personal or social or political
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
→ A title given to Jehovah 1Sa 15:29
וֹ (o) — him.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular
HRd/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp3ms
ךָּ (ka) — you.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person masculine singular
HRd/Sp2ms — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp2ms
מְסִלָּה (mesillah) means 'highway' and refers to a thoroughfare, which can be literal, like a public road, or figurative, such as a path or course. It is derived from the root word for 'to tread' or 'to walk' (H5549). The entries consistently emphasize its meaning related to roads and pathways.
מְסִלָּה n.f. highway
base
H4546 מְסִלָּה highway
4546 mcillah mes-il-law'
from 5549; a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or
figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase:--causeway,
course, highway, path, terrace.
see HEBREW for 05549
מְסִלָּה (me.sil.lah) — highway.
highway, raised way, public road
HNcfpa — Noun common · feminine plural absoluteHNcfpa
Though during the sway of the Romans over Palestine they made a few substantial roads for their carts and chariots, yet for the most of the time, as today, the Jews had nothing such as we call roads, but only footpaths through which animals walk in single file. These are never cared for, no repairs are made or obstacles removed. This fact brings into striking prominence the figure of repairing a highway for the return Of the captives, or the coming of the great King. On special occasions kings had roads prepared for the progress of their armies, or their own going from place to place. --ED.
לֵבָב (lebab) refers to the inner man, encompassing the mind, will, and heart. It highlights aspects like emotions, moral character, and conscience, often contrasting the inner self with the outer. The term is used primarily for humans and can also denote courage and appetites.
לֵבָב 251 n.m. inner man, mind, will, heart
seldom of things in the midst of the seas
usu. of men
the inner man in contrast with the outer
the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
specific ref. to mind
spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will
spec. ref. to conscience
spec. ref. to moral character
= the man himself
spec. as seat of appetites
spec. of seat of the emotions and passions
seat of courage
base
H3824 לֵבָב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the seas
. usu. of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer
. the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
. specific ref. to mind
. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will
. spec. ref. to conscience
. spec. ref. to moral character
. = the man himself
. spec. as seat of appetites
. spec. of seat of the emotions and passions
. seat of courage
3824 lebab lay-bawb'
from 3823; the heart (as the most interior organ); used also
like 3820:--+ bethink themselves, breast, comfortably,
courage, ((faint), (tender-)heart((-ed)), midst, mind, X
unawares, understanding.
see HEBREW for 03823
see HEBREW for 03820
לֵבָב (le.vav) — heart.
1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding
1a) inner part, midst
1a1) midst (of things)
1a2) heart (of man)
1a3) soul, heart (of man)
1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
1a6) conscience
1a7) heart (of moral character)
1a8) as seat of appetites
1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
HR/Ncmsc/Sp3mp — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp3mp