Old Testament
Psalms 97:12
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse encourages those who are righteous, or in right standing with God, to rejoice and celebrate their relationship with the Lord.
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Verse Analysis
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. Explore related righteousness.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Psalms
Psalm 1: Two Paths
This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.
Unlock the full Psalms summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Psalms — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 150 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Psalms summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.