Psalm 84 5

Psalm 84:5 kjv

Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.

Psalm 84:5 nkjv

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.

Psalm 84:5 niv

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

Psalm 84:5 esv

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

Psalm 84:5 nlt

What joy for those whose strength comes from the LORD,
who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Psalm 84 verses

Psalm 84 5 Meaning

Psalm 84:5 describes a profound spiritual state of blessedness. It speaks of those whose reliance and strength are found in God alone, and whose innermost being is entirely directed towards Him, depicted as having the metaphorical "highways to Zion" established within their hearts. This blessedness is characterized by an internal orientation and deep desire to approach and dwell in God's presence, making the journey to Him an inner reality long before, or even instead of, any physical movement.

Psalm 84 5 Context

Psalm 84 is a "Psalm of Ascent" (Shir Hama'alot), traditionally sung by pilgrims making their way up to Jerusalem for one of the three annual festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles). It expresses a profound yearning for the courts of the Lord and a desire to dwell in God's presence at the temple in Jerusalem, which sits on Mount Zion. The preceding verses lament separation from God's dwelling and express an overwhelming longing for His presence. Verse 5 acts as a pivotal declaration, identifying who is truly blessed among these pilgrims—not just those who physically ascend, but those whose inner being is perfectly aligned with God as their strength and Zion as their ultimate heart's destination. The verse transcends the literal pilgrimage, elevating it to a spiritual journey of the heart.

Psalm 84 5 Word analysis

• Blessed (אַשְׁרֵי - ’ashrei): This Hebrew term implies more than just "happy." It speaks of deep, profound well-being, flourishing, divine favor, and intrinsic prosperity. It often refers to one who is in a right relationship with God, resulting in true fulfillment and divine approval. It carries connotations of being privileged or highly favored by God.

• is the one (הָאָדָם - hā'āḏām): Refers generally to a person, an individual, making the blessing universal yet personal.

• whose strength (עֹוז - ’oz): Signifies might, power, refuge, or a strong defense. In this context, it highlights that the source of their fortitude, resilience, and enabling power for life's journey comes solely from God. It’s not human self-sufficiency but divine enablement.

• is in You (בָּךְ - bākh): The emphatic "You" points directly to God (YHWH). It underlines that God Himself is the fountainhead and direct supplier of this strength, not merely an external aid or a concept, but the very person of God. This signifies deep dependence and trust.

• in whose heart (בִּלְבָבָם - bi-l’ḇāḇām): "Heart" (לֵבָב - lēḇāḇ) in biblical Hebrew refers not just to emotions, but to the very core of one's being: intellect, will, affections, conscience, and purpose. So, "in their heart" means an internal, deliberate, and deeply seated orientation. It's a matter of the inner disposition and desire.

• are the highways (וּמְסִלּוֹת - u-m'sillōṯ): This refers to built-up roads, elevated pathways, or causeways, indicating established, clear, and prepared routes. Spiritually, it implies a fixed intention, a determined and consistent direction, an inner commitment that smooths the way regardless of external obstacles. It's not a meandering desire but a resolute path.

• to Zion (צִיּוֹן - Tsiyyon): Represents Mount Zion, specifically Jerusalem where the temple was located, symbolizing God's dwelling place, His presence, and the place of worship and pilgrimage. More broadly, "Zion" refers to the spiritual city of God, the heavenly Jerusalem, representing the ultimate communion and eternal fellowship with God. It signifies the true object and destination of the soul's deepest longing.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Blessed is the one whose strength is in You": This phrase establishes the condition for true flourishing. It's a complete reliance on God for sustenance and empowerment, contrasting sharply with relying on self or worldly sources. It sets God as the indispensable fount of vitality and success for the spiritual journey.
  • "in whose heart are the highways to Zion": This is a powerful metaphor for internal spiritual dedication. It depicts an inner landscape where paths leading directly to God's presence are not just known but actively established and followed by the will and affections. It’s an unwavering internal trajectory towards intimacy with God, making the outward journey a natural outflow of the inward desire.

Psalm 84 5 Bonus section

The Hebrew phrasing for "highways in the heart" (וּמְסִלּוֹת בִּלְבָבָם) is unusual. Typically, one might expect "his heart is towards Zion" or "his heart longs for Zion." The image of highways suggests not just a general desire, but a clear, well-trodden, and deliberate pathway laid down within the deepest part of one's being. This implies active preparation and ongoing maintenance of one's inner spiritual route to God. The word for "highways" (מְסִלּוֹת - m'sillōṯ) also appears in Isa 40:3, "Prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." This connection suggests that the inner "highways to Zion" are also a preparation for the Lord's presence and activity within the individual, allowing His truth and Spirit to move freely within their lives, guiding them towards spiritual maturity and His ultimate dwelling. This is a purposeful spiritual engineering within the soul.

Psalm 84 5 Commentary

Psalm 84:5 distills the essence of true blessedness. It reveals that happiness and flourishing are not externally contingent but stem from an internal spiritual posture. The core insight is that one's strength must be divinely sourced. When our reliance is wholly on God, we find an inexhaustible reservoir of power for all of life's challenges, particularly the spiritual pilgrimage. Furthermore, this verse highlights the vital importance of the heart’s intention. To have "highways to Zion" in the heart means that one’s deepest affections, motivations, and life goals are aligned with drawing near to God. It speaks of an intentional, deeply ingrained spiritual path within the soul itself, leading consistently towards His presence. This internal devotion is the true pilgrimage, making any physical journey merely a reflection of the inner longing. It implies a preparedness, a fixed resolve, and a spiritual map already embedded within the individual, leading them inexorably to the sacred presence of God. This profound alignment of inner desire and divine dependence transforms life's journey into a blessed and purposeful ascent.

• Practical Examples:
  • A student facing academic stress finding inner calm and focus not in their own abilities but through prayer and trusting God's wisdom.
  • An individual enduring a difficult trial, who, despite external hardships, maintains hope and purpose by continually turning their thoughts and desires towards Christ.
  • Believers gathering for worship, with their hearts already prepared and longing for God's presence before stepping into the church building.