Psalms 24:9
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Original Language Analysis
וּ֭שְׂאוּ
Lift up
H5375
וּ֭שְׂאוּ
Lift up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 9
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
רָֽאשֵׁיכֶ֗ם
your heads
H7218
רָֽאשֵׁיכֶ֗ם
your heads
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
3 of 9
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וּ֭שְׂאוּ
Lift up
H5375
וּ֭שְׂאוּ
Lift up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
4 of 9
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
פִּתְחֵ֣י
doors
H6607
פִּתְחֵ֣י
doors
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
5 of 9
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
עוֹלָ֑ם
ye everlasting
H5769
עוֹלָ֑ם
ye everlasting
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
Historical Context
Repetition in Hebrew poetry emphasizes importance and certainty. The escalation from 'gates' to 'everlasting doors' intensifies the imagery, pointing beyond earthly Jerusalem to the heavenly city where God dwells eternally.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ opening 'everlasting doors' for you shape your assurance of salvation?
- What does the certainty of the King's entrance teach about God's purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command repeats with emphasis: 'Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors.' The addition of 'everlasting doors' may refer to heaven's gates, which must open for the victorious King. Reformed theology sees eschatological significance: Christ's ascension opened heaven for His people (Heb. 9:24), and His second coming will manifest His glory universally. The repetition emphasizes certainty—the King will enter, all opposition will yield.