Psalm 65 4

Psalm 65:4 kjv

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.

Psalm 65:4 nkjv

Blessed is the man You choose, And cause to approach You, That he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Of Your holy temple.

Psalm 65:4 niv

Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.

Psalm 65:4 esv

Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!

Psalm 65:4 nlt

What joy for those you choose to bring near,
those who live in your holy courts.
What festivities await us
inside your holy Temple.

Psalm 65 verses

Psalm 65 4 Meaning

Psalm 65:4 pronounces a profound blessing upon those whom God sovereignly chooses and draws close to Himself, enabling them to dwell within His sacred presence. This intimate access leads to a complete spiritual satisfaction, filled with the boundless goodness found within God’s holy dwelling place. It highlights God's initiative in bringing individuals into a saving relationship and the resultant abundant joy and contentment.

Psalm 65 4 Context

Psalm 65 is a psalm of communal thanksgiving, blending praise for God's forgiveness and His abundant provision through creation. It begins by celebrating God's responsiveness to prayer and His atonement for human transgression (v. 1-3). Verse 4 shifts focus from the general mercy shown to all to the specific blessedness of those who are specially chosen and brought into the intimate proximity of God's dwelling. It serves as a transition point before the psalm expands upon God's awesome power demonstrated in nature and His global sovereignty, culminating in praise for a bountiful harvest. The "courts," "house," and "temple" likely refer to the physical Jerusalem Temple, the center of Israelite worship, pilgrimage, and divine presence during the historical period of the psalmist. For the original audience, access to the temple symbolized covenantal blessing, divine favor, and communion.

Psalm 65 4 Word analysis

• Blessed (אשרי, ashrey): A declaration of profound spiritual prosperity and deep inner happiness that comes from being in right relationship with God. It signifies the fortunate and favored state of those upon whom God bestows His grace.

• is the one you choose (תבחר, tivḥar from בח בחר, bachar, to choose, select, elect): Highlights God’s sovereign initiative. This choice is not based on human merit but on divine purpose. It reflects a personal, deliberate act by God to set apart individuals for Himself, signifying an intimate covenantal relationship.

• and bring near (תקרב, taqriv from קרב, qarab, to draw near, bring close): Emphasizes the privileged access granted by God. This term often has a cultic or priestly connotation, referring to priests or worshippers drawing near to God in sacrifice and service within the sanctuary, but here implies an even deeper spiritual proximity and intimacy.

• to dwell (לשבת, lashevet from ישב, yashav, to sit, remain, inhabit): Suggests permanence and established presence, not a temporary visit. It implies a settled, abiding relationship, reflecting comfort, security, and belonging in God's presence.

• in your courts! (חצר יחצר, ḥatser, courtyard, temple enclosure): Refers to the outer areas of the Tabernacle or Temple where people could gather and worship. While not the innermost sanctuary, being allowed in these sacred precincts was a profound privilege and source of joy for the Israelite worshipper, signifying inclusion and access to the holy place.

• We shall be satisfied (נשבעה, nishba from שׂבע, sava, to be full, satisfied, have plenty): Signifies complete spiritual contentment, not just material satiation. It points to a deep and abundant fulfillment found exclusively in God, contrasting with the superficial and transient satisfaction offered by the world. This is a desire, but also a confident expectation born from divine promise.

• with the goodness (טוב, tov, good, pleasant, prosperous, well-being): Refers to God's inherent benevolence, gracious provision, and the spiritual blessings that flow from His nature. This "goodness" is multifaceted, encompassing peace, joy, spiritual nourishment, and ultimate well-being.

• of your house, your holy temple! (בית, bayit, house; היכל קדשך, heikhal qodesheka, temple of your holiness): These are synonymous terms referring to God's sacred dwelling place. "House" conveys intimacy and a sense of belonging, while "holy temple" emphasizes its consecrated nature, distinct from common places and devoted entirely to God. This sacred space is where God's manifest presence was known, and it was the source of life and blessing for His people. It implicitly counters pagan temples, asserting that true holiness and satisfaction are found only with the One, True God.

Psalm 65 4 Bonus section

The progression within this verse—choice, nearness, dwelling, and satisfaction—reveals a deliberate divine plan for human flourishing. God's choice implies a unique privilege and responsibility. "Bringing near" evokes the atonement and mediation necessary for sinful humanity to approach a holy God. "Dwelling in your courts" symbolizes both a physical presence in the worship sanctuary and, more profoundly, a spiritual state of continuous fellowship. This also alludes to the Israelite understanding of their special status as a priestly nation (Exod 19:6), chosen to mediate between God and the nations, having been uniquely brought near to Him. The satisfaction described is an eternal spiritual nourishment, distinguishing itself from temporary physical abundance which Psalm 65 also praises. This foreshadows Christ's declaration of providing living water and bread of life that eternally satisfy those who come to Him, offering a reality that surpasses the earthly temple's offerings. The New Testament affirms this when believers are called living stones building a spiritual house, with Christ as the cornerstone, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Him.

Psalm 65 4 Commentary

Psalm 65:4 presents a cornerstone of covenant theology, declaring a profound blessing for those privileged to be in God's presence. The verse flows from God's initiative, beginning with His sovereign "choice" (bachar), underscoring divine election as the foundation of salvation. This choice is followed by a deliberate act of "bringing near" (qarab), highlighting God's grace in drawing people into intimacy, a priestly-like access. To "dwell in your courts" is to experience settled communion and participation in the life of God's worshiping community, moving from the outer periphery of general human experience into the sanctified sphere of His manifest presence. The outcome is spiritual "satisfaction" (sava) with God’s "goodness," a deep, abiding contentment that surpasses any worldly fulfillment. This blessing culminates within "your house, your holy temple," signifying that ultimate satisfaction and spiritual nourishment are found solely in relationship with God within the framework of His dwelling place—a concept that finds its New Testament fulfillment in Christ and His Body, the Church, where believers themselves become the Spirit's temple. It’s a call to find our ultimate belonging and spiritual food not in what the world offers, but in God Himself and His holy dwelling.