Keraia
Psalm 84

Psalm 84:10

Better Is One Day in Your Courts · Psalm 84:1–12
Read Psalm 84

Translations

Modern
For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
Traditional
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Literal
For better a day in Your courts than a thousand; I would choose to stand at the entrance in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.
Latin
Quia melior est dies una in atriis tuis super millia; elegi abjectus esse in domo Dei mei magis quam habitare in tabernaculis peccatorum.

Original

Hebrew
English
For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Notes

Psalms 84:10

The psalmist viewed being in God’s presence as much better than being anywhere else.

Psalms 84:1–12

The psalmist deeply longs for God's presence. He feels weak with longing as he thinks about the temple and the pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem (Psalm 84:1–7). He prays for himself and the community (Psalm 84:8–9).

The end of the psalm (Psalm 84:10–12) shows that the temple represents God. The psalmist truly desires God's presence. He understands that God's goodness is better than life and that only God can grant his people favor and honor (Psalm 84:10–11).

Parallels

John 1:14–18

Glossary

Baca, Valley of Gittith Korahite, Korathite Music Numbers, Book of Psalms, Book of Zion

Topics

Church Ushers Church: Called Courts Church: House of God Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Company: Evil Doorkeeper Doorkeepers Gatekeepers Going to Church Greeting Others Select Readings: The Joy of the Righteous Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Ushering Ushers Why Go to Church Worship: Loved by his People Worship: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To