Psalm 84 4

Psalm 84:4 kjv

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

Psalm 84:4 nkjv

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You. Selah

Psalm 84:4 niv

Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.

Psalm 84:4 esv

Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah

Psalm 84:4 nlt

What joy for those who can live in your house,
always singing your praises. Interlude

Psalm 84 verses

Psalm 84 4 Meaning

This verse declares a profound and continuous blessedness upon those who continually dwell within God's intimate presence, symbolizing a sustained relationship and devotion that naturally overflows into constant praise of Him. It articulates that the highest state of human well-being is found in unending communion with the Divine, marked by perpetual adoration.

Psalm 84 4 Context

Psalm 84 is one of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), traditionally sung by pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for the annual feasts (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles). It expresses an intense longing and affection for the physical sanctuary, the Temple in Jerusalem, understood as the dwelling place of God's presence. Verses 1-3 describe the soul's yearning for God's courts. Verse 4 transitions from this profound desire to a declaration of blessedness upon those who already experience this close proximity, likely referring to the Levites and priests who lived and served in the Temple, but also expanding to a spiritual blessedness for all who constantly abide in God's presence.

Psalm 84 4 Word analysis

• Blessed (אַשְׁרֵי - Ashreiy): This term is often found at the beginning of "beatitudes" (e.g., Ps 1:1, Matt 5:3ff). It denotes a deep, intrinsic state of profound well-being, happiness, and spiritual flourishing, rooted in divine favor and proper relationship with God. It's not merely external good fortune but an inward state of contentment and divine approval.
• are those who dwell (יוֹשְׁבֵי - yosh'vey): Derived from `yashav`, meaning "to sit," "to reside," "to abide," "to inhabit." This is a participle, emphasizing a continuous state of dwelling or living. It implies not just temporary visits or casual presence but a settled, intimate, and persistent residency. In the context of the Temple, it refers to those perpetually serving within it. Spiritually, it signifies a constant and deep communion with God.
• in your house (בֵיתֶךָ - veytecha): `Bayit` (house/temple) with the second person singular suffix. This refers literally to the Temple in Jerusalem, the place where God's special presence was understood to reside. Metaphorically, it refers to God's presence itself, His divine fellowship, or later in the New Testament, the spiritual "house" of God which is His people (Eph 2:19-22, 1 Tim 3:15) or the individual believer as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19).
• they will still (עוֹד - 'od): This adverb signifies continuation, persistence, or reiteration. It means "yet," "still," "continually," "ever." It emphasizes the enduring nature of the action that follows, implying an unending or unbroken process.
• be praising (יְהַלְלוּךָ - yehallu'ka): This is the imperfect form of `halal` (to praise, to shine, to boast), indicating an ongoing, repeated, or habitual action. The `u` suffix is "you" (masculine singular). Thus, it means "they will praise you continually" or "they are ever praising you." This reflects that constant fellowship with God naturally results in perpetual worship and adoration.
• Selah (סֶּלָה - Selah): A technical musical or liturgical term found frequently in the Psalms. While its exact meaning is debated, it generally indicates a pause for reflection, contemplation, or a musical interlude, inviting the worshiper to ponder the profound truth just stated.

• "Blessed are those who dwell in your house": This phrase expresses the immense favor and happiness experienced by those who have intimate and continuous access to God's presence. It shifts from the psalmist's longing in earlier verses to a celebratory declaration about those who already possess such a privilege. This privilege extends beyond literal priests to all who choose to make God's presence their true "home."
• "they will still be praising you": This clause reveals the natural outflow and defining characteristic of those who constantly dwell in God's presence. Their state of "blessedness" is expressed not in idle enjoyment but in unceasing praise. This signifies that true communion with God results in an active, joyful, and continuous adoration of Him. Praise becomes their default mode of being.

Psalm 84 4 Bonus section

The concept of "dwelling" (yashav) here implies more than mere proximity or occasional visits; it conveys a settled, deep, and continuous relationship, a spiritual home. The praise that stems from this dwelling is not forced or intermittent, but an spontaneous, unceasing flow, indicative of genuine joy and contentment in God's presence. The "Selah" acts as a profound invitation for the hearer to pause and internalize this immense truth: a life immersed in God's presence is a life of blessed, perpetual praise, a reality worthy of deep reflection. This verse stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of God's dwelling and the nature of true worship.

Psalm 84 4 Commentary

Psalm 84:4 unveils a core truth about blessedness: it flows from intimate, continuous dwelling in God's presence. This dwelling isn't passive; it evokes an unceasing response of praise. It describes an ideal state of being where life in God's nearness generates an endless song of adoration. This applies to both the Old Covenant servants of the temple and to New Covenant believers who, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, carry God's presence within and are called to live a life of continuous worship, finding their ultimate satisfaction in Him.