What does Psalm 97:11 mean?
ESV: Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.
NIV: Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.
NASB: Light is sown like seed for the righteous, And gladness for the upright in heart.
CSB: Light dawns for the righteous, gladness for the upright in heart.
NLT: Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right.
KJV: Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
NKJV: Light is sown for the righteous, And gladness for the upright in heart.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 97:10–12 summons the Lord's people to be holy. Hating evil is the same as loving goodness, which only comes from God (Proverbs 8:13). Prior verses spoke of judgment coming for those who rejected the Lord God. In contrast, those who belong to Him will be rescued.
Chapter Summary:
The psalmist writes as if seeing God's completed judgment and rule over the earth (Revelation 20:4). This is described in dramatic terms; God's holiness and wrath are expressed by darkness, lightning, and fire. Yet the world also experiences His goodness and perfect justice. Those who believed in false gods are ashamed, but God's people celebrate. Those who hate evil and love God's goodness (Proverbs 8:13) should express gratitude to the Lord.
Chapter Context:
Psalms 24, 27, 93, and 95—99 are "enthronement" psalms. These express joy at God ruling over the entire world. Many look forward to when this rule is direct and personal (Revelation 20:4). This psalm speaks from an end-times perspective when the Lord has returned to bring judgment and justice. It does so more than the others in this group.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
