Psalms 122:4 Meaning and Explanation
“Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →All the tribes of Israel journey to Jerusalem to worship and give thanks to God.
The Context of Psalms 122:4
The tribes of Israel united in pilgrimage to Jerusalem for corporate worship and thanksgiving.
What Does Psalms 122:4 Mean?
The tribes of Israel make pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship at the place called 'the testimony of Israel'—the temple where God's covenant is witnessed. This collective ascent to worship represents the unity of God's people coming together across regional boundaries. The phrase 'go up' reflects both the geographical elevation and the spiritual orientation of worship toward God.
The purpose of the pilgrimage is explicit: to give thanks to the LORD's name. Thanksgiving acknowledges God's goodness and sovereignty. The gathering of all tribes emphasizes corporate worship and national religious identity, where people from across the land recognize their shared God and shared covenant.
Psalms 122:4 in the Original Language
'alah (עָלָה), 'go up' — to ascend, used both literally for the physical journey and spiritually for approaching God in worship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 122:4
What does Psalms 122:4 mean?
All the tribes of Israel journey to Jerusalem to worship and give thanks to God.
What is the context of Psalms 122:4?
The tribes of Israel united in pilgrimage to Jerusalem for corporate worship and thanksgiving.