Old Testament
Psalms 97:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Compare translations
Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
What Psalms 97:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse encourages those who are righteous, or in right standing with God, to rejoice and celebrate their relationship with the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of remembering God's holiness, which refers to His purity, separateness from sin, and moral perfection. By recalling His holiness, believers are reminded of His greatness and the blessings that come from living a life aligned with His will. The call to rejoice is not just about feeling happy; it is a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing God and His character. This joy should lead to gratitude, as recognizing God's holiness inspires thankfulness for His grace and mercy. The verse serves as a reminder that worship and gratitude are essential aspects of a faithful life, encouraging believers to express their joy and thankfulness in their daily lives, especially in community with others who share their faith.
How to apply Psalms 97:12 to your life
To apply this verse, take time each day to reflect on God's holiness and express your gratitude through prayer or worship. Join with others in your faith community to celebrate and rejoice in the goodness of God, sharing testimonies of His faithfulness and grace.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 97:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 97:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 97:12 mean?
Psalms 97:12 encourages the righteous to rejoice in the Lord and to express gratitude for His holiness. It highlights the importance of celebrating one's relationship with God and recognizing His moral perfection.
What is the meaning of holiness in Psalms 97:12?
In Psalms 97:12, holiness refers to God's purity and moral perfection. Remembering His holiness inspires gratitude and a deeper appreciation for His character and the blessings He provides.
How can I apply Psalms 97:12 in my life?
To apply Psalms 97:12, take time each day to reflect on God's holiness and express your gratitude through prayer or worship. Engage with your faith community to celebrate God's goodness together.
Why should we rejoice in the Lord according to Psalms 97:12?
We should rejoice in the Lord as a response to His righteousness and holiness. This joy is a reflection of our relationship with Him and the blessings that come from living in alignment with His will.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.