Psalms 122:4

Authorized King James Version

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Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.

Original Language Analysis

שֶׁשָּׁ֨ם Whither H8033
שֶׁשָּׁ֨ם Whither
Strong's: H8033
Word #: 1 of 10
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
עָל֪וּ go up H5927
עָל֪וּ go up
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 2 of 10
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
שִׁבְטֵי the tribes H7626
שִׁבְטֵי the tribes
Strong's: H7626
Word #: 3 of 10
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
שִׁבְטֵי the tribes H7626
שִׁבְטֵי the tribes
Strong's: H7626
Word #: 4 of 10
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
יָ֭הּ of the LORD H3050
יָ֭הּ of the LORD
Strong's: H3050
Word #: 5 of 10
jah, the sacred name
עֵד֣וּת unto the testimony H5715
עֵד֣וּת unto the testimony
Strong's: H5715
Word #: 6 of 10
testimony
לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל of Israel H3478
לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 7 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לְ֝הֹד֗וֹת to give thanks H3034
לְ֝הֹד֗וֹת to give thanks
Strong's: H3034
Word #: 8 of 10
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
לְשֵׁ֣ם unto the name H8034
לְשֵׁ֣ם unto the name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 9 of 10
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָֽה׃ of the LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 10 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis & Commentary

The purpose of Jerusalem's gathering is stated: 'Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.' The phrase 'tribes go up' refers to the three annual pilgrimage feasts (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles) when all Israel assembled in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16). These tribes are designated 'tribes of the LORD' - their identity derives from covenant relationship with YHWH. The phrase 'testimony of Israel' likely refers to the law/covenant that defines Israel's relationship with God. The ultimate purpose is 'to give thanks unto the name of the LORD' - worship centered on gratitude for God's character and deeds. This verse establishes that gathering is not optional or individual preference but covenant obligation ('testimony'), and that thanksgiving is worship's essence. Corporate gratitude binds the community together in recognition of shared grace.

Historical Context

The law required all Israelite males to appear before the LORD three times annually (Exodus 23:14-17). These pilgrimages created national unity, reinforced covenant identity, and provided opportunity for communal worship. The festivals recounted God's redemptive acts (exodus, law-giving, wilderness provision), making thanksgiving the natural response.

Questions for Reflection