Psalm 97 12

Psalm 97:12 kjv

Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Psalm 97:12 nkjv

Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.

Psalm 97:12 niv

Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.

Psalm 97:12 esv

Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!

Psalm 97:12 nlt

May all who are godly rejoice in the LORD
and praise his holy name!

Psalm 97 verses

Psalm 97 12 Meaning

Psalm 97:12 commands the righteous to rejoice in the Lord and to give thanks when recalling or commemorating His holiness. This verse serves as a culmination of the psalm's theme, which declares God's universal sovereignty, His triumph over idols, and His justice. The call to rejoice indicates deep spiritual delight found solely in God Himself, independent of circumstances. The parallel command to give thanks connects this gratitude specifically to the remembrance of God’s absolute purity, moral perfection, and inherent sacredness.

Psalm 97 12 Context

Psalm 97 belongs to a series of psalms (Psalms 93, 95-99) often identified as "enthronement psalms," celebrating Yahweh's reign as King over all the earth. The chapter opens with declarations of God's majestic coming, shrouded in clouds and darkness, with fire consuming His adversaries and mountains melting before Him (vv. 1-5). It vividly portrays His absolute power, universal judgment, and exaltation above all false gods (vv. 6-9). Amidst this grand depiction of God's cosmic rule and destruction of evil, the psalm pivots to an exhortation for those who love the Lord and hate evil (vv. 10-11). They are assured of His preservation and deliverance. Verse 12 then emerges as a fitting response from those who acknowledge God's awesome power and pure character: rejoice and give thanks. Historically, such psalms may have served to affirm God's sovereign kingship in a world of pagan deities, reminding the people of Israel of the unique and glorious nature of their God, especially relevant during or after periods of national trial or exile. The destruction of idols in previous verses forms a direct polemic against contemporary polytheism, underscoring that the worship of the one, holy God is the only true response.

Psalm 97 12 Word analysis

• Rejoice (Hebrew: Gîlu - גִ֣ילוּ): An imperative, plural form of the verb gil (גיל), meaning "to exult," "to shout for joy," or "to be glad." It conveys a vibrant, often public, expression of joy and exuberant delight, far beyond mere internal contentment.
• in the Lord (Hebrew: baYHWH - בַּֽיהוָה): "In Yahweh." This phrase specifies the object and source of rejoicing. The joy is not simply a state of being, but its grounding and focus are exclusively in God Himself (Yahweh, the covenant name of God), emphasizing His person and nature as the ultimate source of spiritual elation.
• ye righteous (Hebrew: Tsaddîqîm - צַ֭דִּיקִים): The plural form of tsaddîq (צַדִּיק), meaning "righteous ones" or "just ones." This refers to those who are in right standing with God, who align their lives with His moral and ethical standards, and whose character reflects His ways. This designates the intended recipients of the command and characterizes those able to genuinely rejoice in the Lord.
• and give thanks (Hebrew: W'hôdû - וְהוֹד֣וּ): An imperative, plural form of the verb yādâ (יָדָה), meaning "to praise," "to confess," or "to give thanks." It often implies an outward, declarative act of acknowledging and acclaiming someone or something, indicating public praise and gratitude.
• at the remembrance of (Hebrew: l'zekher - לְזֵכֶר): Literally, "to the remembrance of," or "for a memorial of." The root zakar (זכר) means "to remember," "to call to mind," or "to commemorate." It indicates that the thanksgiving is triggered by an act of recollection, meditation, or celebrating the memory of something. It is not an abstract concept but a concrete quality to be recalled.
• his holiness (Hebrew: qodshô - קָדְשֽׁוֹ): From qodesh (קֹדֶשׁ), meaning "holiness," "sacredness," or "separateness," combined with the pronominal suffix "-ô" (his). This refers to God's inherent, unblemished purity, moral perfection, and His essential nature as distinct and set apart from all creation and from sin. It signifies the sum of His perfect attributes that inspire awe and gratitude. Often in similar contexts, "His holy name" is used (Psa 30:4, 105:3), underscoring that His holiness is manifested and revealed through His name—His very being and reputation.

Words-group analysis:

• "Rejoice in the Lord": This phrase establishes God Himself, Yahweh, as the sole object and source of true joy for His people. It distinguishes spiritual joy from mere worldly happiness or circumstantial satisfaction, emphasizing a profound delight found in His person, character, and sovereignty.
• "ye righteous": This appellation identifies the audience, underscoring that only those in right standing with God are capable of truly fulfilling these commands. It implies a moral condition and a relational posture necessary for such God-centered exultation and gratitude.
• "give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness": This clarifies the precise grounds for thanksgiving. It's not generic gratitude, but a specific thankfulness arising from an intentional contemplation of God's holiness—His pure, transcendent, and perfectly righteous nature. This phrase invites active reflection and reverence for who God is, His attributes, and His unchanging character.

Psalm 97 12 Bonus section

• The placement of Psalm 97:12 at the end of a psalm celebrating God's triumph over idols and His global kingship signifies that true worship and thanks are the proper, even necessary, response to the revelation of God's glorious nature. It underscores the profound difference between the God of Israel and the false gods.
• The concept of "remembrance" (zekher) in biblical thought is often active and experiential, leading to renewed understanding and commitment, rather than mere nostalgic recall. When we "remember" God's holiness, it should shape our conduct and worldview, inviting us to reflect His purity (1 Pet 1:15-16).
• For the New Testament believer, God's holiness is supremely manifested in Jesus Christ (Acts 3:14), through whom we are made righteous (1 Cor 1:30) and able to approach a holy God. Therefore, Christian rejoicing and thanksgiving at the remembrance of God's holiness is deeply intertwined with the Person and work of Christ.

Psalm 97 12 Commentary

Psalm 97:12 functions as an inspired summons, calling God’s people to an appropriate and heartfelt response to His universal reign, depicted in the preceding verses. The command to "rejoice in the Lord" elevates joy beyond mere human emotion; it transforms it into a spiritual posture, finding its secure foundation in Yahweh's unchanging character and absolute sovereignty. This delight is deep and pervasive, sourced not in one's circumstances but in the Person of God. Parallel to this rejoicing is the directive to "give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness." This anchors gratitude in the very essence of God's being—His qodesh (holiness). God’s holiness signifies His unique set-apartness, moral perfection, and utter purity, standing in stark contrast to the corrupt and lifeless idols described earlier in the psalm. The phrase "remembrance of" indicates that this gratitude is not passive but arises from an intentional, active recalling and contemplation of God’s holy character and His just deeds throughout history. It is a polemic against the forgetfulness and idolatry of the world, fostering a sustained and reverent appreciation for the true God. The verse ultimately encapsulates the dual spiritual disciplines of joyous worship and profound gratitude, both springing from a deep knowledge and contemplation of who God truly is.