Bible Strands
Psalms 118:20
This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist identifies a specific entrance during a thanksgiving sequence, positioning the declaration between a plea to enter through the gates of righteousness (Psalms 118:19) and a vow of thanks for answered prayer (Psalms 118:21).
The words — The Hebrew זֶה (zeh) and הַשַּׁעַר (ha.sha'ar) literally render "this [is] the gate," while צַדִּיקִים יָבֹאוּ (tza.di.kim ya.vo'u) states "the righteous shall enter."
The thread — The gate motif recurs in Isaiah 26:2 as an entry for a faithful nation, Psalms 24:7 as doors raised for the King of Glory, and Revelation 21:24 as the passage for nations walking by its light.
Why it lands — The text plainly establishes that entry into the LORD's presence is restricted to those designated as righteous, requiring the reader to acknowledge a defined boundary for access before considering any theological implications.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter.
Cross-references
- Revelation 21:24 By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory.
- Isaiah 26:2 Open the gates so a righteous nation may enter—one that remains faithful.
- Psalms 24:7 Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter!
- Psalms 24:3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place?
- Psalms 24:9 Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter!
- Isaiah 35:8 And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.
- Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by its gates.