Psalm 84:5
ESV
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
NIV
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
NASB
Blessed is the person whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the roads to Zion!
CSB
Happy are the people whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
NLT
What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
KJV
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
NKJV
Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
What does Psalm 84:5 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 84, verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 84:5–7 discuss the pilgrims who obediently come to the temple in Jerusalem, referred to here as Zion. This was required three times a year for all males who could make the journey (Deuteronomy 16:16). Knowing they are traveling to worship the Lord, these pilgrims find joy even when their travels are hard. Rather than being worn out and tired, their intense love for God makes them feel stronger the closer they are to the temple.
For those who love God, the temple is a place of intense joy and security. The psalmist would rather be there than anywhere else—even if it means being in the humblest postures. Pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem are encouraged to know that their destination is the temple. This makes even the long journey easy, and its hardships seem pleasant. The song appeals to God for His protection over those who honor and praise Him.
