Psalm 84 10

Psalm 84:10 kjv

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Psalm 84:10 nkjv

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Psalm 84:10 niv

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Psalm 84:10 esv

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Psalm 84:10 nlt

A single day in your courts
is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

Psalm 84 verses

Psalm 84 10 Meaning

Psalm 84:10 expresses the psalmist's profound desire for and immense value of God's presence, contrasting a single day in God's holy dwelling with a thousand days anywhere else. It conveys a deep preference for humble service in the house of the Lord over a life of luxury or power in godless environments. This verse encapsulates the longing of the pilgrim for spiritual intimacy with God, prioritizing divine fellowship above all worldly considerations, and embracing a lowly position within God's sanctuary as supremely preferable to high status among the unrighteous.

Psalm 84 10 Context

Psalm 84 is a Psalm of Ascent, sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for one of the annual festivals. It beautifully articulates the fervent desire of the worshiper for God's presence, epitomized by the Tabernacle or Temple (God's "dwelling places"). The psalm opens with an expression of deep affection for God's sanctuary, even portraying birds finding homes there, contrasting with the restless journey of the human pilgrim. It speaks of spiritual strength gained through the journey to Zion and blesses those who dwell in God's house. Verse 10 stands as the climax of this longing, solidifying the immense value placed on proximity to God, however humble, over any worldly prestige or pleasure found elsewhere, specifically among the "tents of wickedness," which represent a lifestyle alienated from God, characterized by sin and moral corruption.

Psalm 84 10 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - ki): A causal conjunction, indicating the reason or justification for the psalmist's longing. It establishes the foundational truth for the declaration that follows.
• a day (יוֹם - yom): Refers to a single period of time, emphasizing brevity. Even a short duration in God's presence holds immense value. This is not about temporal measurement, but the qualitative depth of the experience.
• in Your courts (בַּחֲצֵרֶיךָ - baḥăṣēreyḵā): Refers to the open areas surrounding the Temple or Tabernacle, accessible to worshipers. It signifies being within the immediate sphere of God's revealed presence. It represents a place of sacred worship, communion, and fellowship.
• is better (טוֹב - ṭōv): Implies superiority in quality, blessing, or spiritual advantage. This word signifies true good, goodness that transcends mere pleasure or temporal gain, pointing to what is inherently excellent in God's sight.
• than a thousand (מֵאָלֶף - mē'ālef): A hyperbolic expression to denote an immeasurably greater quantity or duration. It dramatically exaggerates the contrast, underscoring the infinite value of God's presence compared to even the longest period of life spent apart from Him.
• [elsewhere]: This word is implicitly understood in the comparison, reinforcing the stark alternative to being in God's courts.
• I would rather (בָּחַרְתִּי לְהִתְרֹוףֵף - baḥartî ləhiṯrōfēf): Lit. "I have chosen to stand at the threshold" or "to be a doorkeeper." This phrase reveals a conscious, deliberate choice based on spiritual discernment. It indicates a clear preference, not just a fleeting thought. The Hithpolel stem of the verb רפף (rapap) can imply shaking or trembling, perhaps referring to the humility of someone holding such a low position, or it simply refers to being stationary at the entrance.
• be a doorkeeper (שֹׁמֵר סַף - shomer saf): More accurately, "one who guards the threshold" or "a watchman at the door." This is the lowest, most menial position within the Temple. It symbolizes profound humility and self-abnegation, placing access to God's house above any worldly status or prestige. The doorkeeper had no inner access but merely stood at the outer perimeter.
• in the house of my God (בְּבֵית אֱלֹהָי - bəḇēt 'Ĕlōhāy): Refers to the Temple or Tabernacle, God's dwelling place. The possessive "my God" (אֱלֹהָי - 'Ĕlōhāy) expresses a deep personal relationship and ownership of faith. It signifies an intimate connection to the Divine, despite the humble position.
• than dwell (מִדּוּר - middur): Expresses residing or living permanently. The contrast is sharp: the temporary, humble 'doorkeeper' position vs. established 'dwelling.'
• in the tents of wickedness (בְּאָהֳלֵי רֶשַׁע - bə'āholēy reshaʿ): Represents places or lifestyles characterized by ungodliness, sin, and rebellion against God. "Tents" often refer to nomadic life or temporary dwellings, which might also subtly imply the transient and unstable nature of wickedness. This is a direct spiritual polemic against idolatry or any form of life apart from Yahweh, suggesting such a life, regardless of its earthly comforts or luxuries, is ultimately impoverished and destructive. It is the antithesis of God's holy dwelling.

• "For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand": This phrase encapsulates the superlative value of time spent in God's presence. It emphasizes the quality and spiritual enrichment of one day with God outweighing a thousand days lived outside of that divine communion, regardless of worldly success or pleasure. It's a statement about ultimate priorities and intrinsic worth.
• "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness": This contrasting statement highlights the psalmist's ultimate devotion and spiritual discernment. It is a profound declaration of preference for humility and proximity to God over any perceived glory or comfort offered by a life disconnected from Him. The "doorkeeper" (a lowly, potentially uncomfortable position) signifies serving God even in the most insignificant capacity, while "tents of wickedness" represent the allure and eventual emptiness of a life lived contrary to divine will. This emphasizes moral and spiritual separation.

Psalm 84 10 Bonus section

The "house of God" in this Psalm, while originally referring to the physical Temple, carries a profound metaphorical and spiritual significance. In the New Testament, this concept expands to refer to the Church as the dwelling place of God's Spirit (1 Tim 3:15; Eph 2:21-22), and ultimately, to Christ Himself as the true Temple (John 2:19-21; Rev 21:22). Thus, the longing for God's "courts" and "house" is ultimately fulfilled in communion with Christ and His body, the Church, representing God's ongoing presence among His people. The "doorkeeper" then embodies a person whose greatest desire is merely to be in the periphery of divine glory, signifying humility, security, and an unshakable choice for God's way. This verse's emphasis on "better" speaks to the ultimate "good portion" chosen by those who seek the Lord above all earthly riches or renown.

Psalm 84 10 Commentary

Psalm 84:10 is a powerful testament to the overwhelming spiritual attraction to God's presence, reflecting the heart's yearning for divine fellowship above all else. It is a radical statement of spiritual values, placing ultimate significance on one's relationship with God rather than worldly acclaim or comfort. The psalmist prefers the lowest position within God's sacred dwelling – merely standing at the threshold – because that proximity brings profound peace, purpose, and blessing unattainable anywhere else. This choice inherently condemns a life steeped in "wickedness," not merely for its moral failing but for its fundamental separation from the Source of all good. The verse implies that true blessedness is found in humble devotion to God, and that such devotion is infinitely more desirable and sustaining than any earthly gain found outside of His presence. It calls believers to a prioritizing of spiritual things and a discerning separation from that which is antithetical to God.

• Practical examples:
  • Prioritizing regular church attendance or devotional time, even if other social opportunities arise.
  • Choosing a simple life dedicated to serving Christ over pursuing a high-paying job that compromises one's faith or ethics.
  • Volunteering for a humble task in ministry rather than seeking visible leadership roles, driven by a desire for God's presence.
  • Distancing oneself from environments or friendships that consistently draw one away from spiritual devotion and into ungodly patterns.