Psalm 84 7

Psalm 84:7 kjv

They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.

Psalm 84:7 nkjv

They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion.

Psalm 84:7 niv

They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

Psalm 84:7 esv

They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.

Psalm 84:7 nlt

They will continue to grow stronger,
and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.

Psalm 84 verses

Psalm 84 7 Meaning

Psalm 84:7 speaks of God's worshipers journeying towards His holy dwelling place, describing their continuous growth and invigorated resolve. It portrays them moving with increasing spiritual and physical strength, overcoming hardships, and ultimately fulfilling their purpose of presenting themselves personally before God in Zion, His sacred city and the center of His presence among His people.

Psalm 84 7 Context

Psalm 84 is a Psalm of the Sons of Korah, expressing an intense longing for God's dwelling place. It is widely considered a "Psalm of Ascents" (though not formally titled so in all versions, like Psalms 120-134), reflecting the spirit of pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Historically, ancient Israelite pilgrims would journey from their homes to Jerusalem for the three annual mandated feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (Deut 16:16). These journeys were often long, arduous, and potentially dangerous. The psalm extols the blessedness of those who make such a journey, or those whose strength and desire are set upon God and His presence. Verse 7 specifically describes the triumphant and invigorated progress of these pilgrims, highlighting the divine enablement throughout their travel, culminating in their worship before God in Zion.

Psalm 84 7 Word analysis

• They go: Implies a continuous and determined progression, signifying an ongoing spiritual and physical journey. This refers to the blessed pilgrims who have set their hearts on the pilgrimage, sustained by divine purpose.
• from strength: Hebrew: meḥayil (מֵחַיִל). The word ḥayil (חַיִל) is multifaceted, denoting strength, might, valor, host (of an army), or even wealth/prosperity. In this context, it primarily conveys vigor and increasing capability. It indicates a progression where current strength serves as a foundation for further enhancement.
• to strength: Hebrew: ’el-ḥayil (אֶל־חָיִל). The repetition of ḥayil emphasizes a dynamic and ever-increasing quality. It signifies not merely maintaining strength but advancing, improving, or adding to it continuously. It's a journey of increasing spiritual and perhaps physical endurance, not one of weariness or depletion.
• Every one of them: Hebrew: kul·lām (כֻּלָּם). This highlights the individual aspect of the pilgrimage and the personal encounter. While part of a collective, each person receives personal attention and stands individually before God. It underscores the inclusivity of the blessing for all who embark on this journey with devotion.
• appears: Hebrew: yēra’eh (יֵרָאֶה). This is the Niphal stem (often reflexive or passive) of the verb ra’ah (רָאָה), "to see." Here, it best conveys "to be seen" or "to present oneself." In the legal context of the Feasts, it signifies the pilgrim's mandated act of presenting themselves before God at the Temple (e.g., Deut 16:16). It implies not just a physical presence but a purposeful, worshipful act of submission and encounter.
• before God: Hebrew: el-Elohim (אֶל־אֱלֹהִים). This phrase clearly states the ultimate purpose and object of the journey: a personal encounter and communion with the living God, not merely a physical destination or ritual. It points to the divine encounter at the heart of the pilgrimage.
• in Zion: Hebrew: bəṣiyyôn (בְּצִיּוֹן). Mount Zion refers to the highest hill in Jerusalem, where the Temple stood. It represents God's chosen dwelling place, the spiritual and governmental heart of Israel, and the ultimate earthly destination for the pilgrims. It symbolizes the tangible place where God's presence was manifest and accessible to His people.

Psalm 84 7 Words-group analysis

• They go from strength to strength: This is a powerful image of uninterrupted, progressive spiritual growth and fortitude. It contradicts the natural expectation that a long journey would lead to exhaustion; instead, these pilgrims find renewed and increasing vigor with each step. This spiritual dynamic is born from their trust in God (as implied in v. 5). It suggests that as one draws closer to God, spiritual energy and capacity do not wane but accumulate and intensify. This phrase serves as a profound metaphor for the Christian life: a journey where God equips and strengthens believers increasingly, overcoming obstacles not by human might but by divine sustenance.
• Every one of them appears before God in Zion: This clause emphasizes the personal and corporate fulfillment of the pilgrimage's ultimate goal. While the journey is collective, the act of "appearing before God" signifies a profound, personal audience with the Almighty. It encapsulates the deeply spiritual yearning for God's presence, the culmination of their arduous yet blessed journey. This act, mandated by the Old Covenant, foreshadows the New Covenant reality where believers, through Christ, have direct access to God's presence and will ultimately stand before Him in the heavenly Zion. The phrasing highlights God's receptiveness to each individual's worship and devotion.

Psalm 84 7 Bonus section

The Hebrew idiom meḥayil el-ḥayil is unique to this verse in the Bible. It evokes a powerful sense of progression, sometimes interpreted as from "glory to glory" or from "company to company" (referring to the bands of pilgrims growing as they near Zion). The passive voice of yēra’eh ("appears" or "is seen") in "appears before God" subtly highlights God's role in this encounter; He is not merely present but actively making Himself accessible or even desiring to see those who come before Him. This shifts the focus from a purely human action to a divinely initiated and sustained relationship. This Psalm implicitly presents a contrast with false worship, by emphasizing the authentic longing and true seeking of the living God, culminating in His very real presence, which was the opposite of contemporary pagan practices where deities were often distant or unresponsive.

Psalm 84 7 Commentary

Psalm 84:7 encapsulates the transformative journey of faith, describing the faithful who press onward with increasing vigor rather than diminishing strength. The phrase "from strength to strength" powerfully portrays a spiritual momentum, indicating that true seekers of God do not become weary on their path; instead, they are continually renewed and empowered by their reliance on Him. This concept transcends physical pilgrimage, serving as a profound metaphor for the Christian life: a journey marked by continuous growth, progressive revelation, and an ever-deepening reliance on divine grace, transforming difficulties (like the "Valley of Baca" in the preceding verse) into sources of refreshment. The ultimate aspiration of this journey is expressed in "Every one of them appears before God in Zion." This signifies the fulfillment of their heart's longing – to come into the manifest presence of God. While historically referring to physical worship at the Jerusalem Temple, it prophetically points to the believer's personal encounter with God in the heavenly Zion, anticipating the day when all His faithful will see Him face-to-face, experiencing the full joy and blessing of His presence. This verse, therefore, affirms that persistent devotion to God yields increasing spiritual capacity and culminates in ultimate communion with Him.