Psalms 132:20 Meaning & Explanation (with Related Verses)

“Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.”

– King James Version (KJV)


“Blessed is the man whom You choose and bring near, so that he may dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple.”

– Amplified (AMP)


“You chose your servant David. You gave him a place to live and a job to do in your house. We’ll be full, yes, full of your goodness, your house, your holy temple.”

– The Message Bible (MSG)


Psalms 132:20 Meaning

Psalm 132:20 speaks about the blessings one receives by being chosen and brought near to God. This powerful verse teaches us about the privilege of dwelling in God’s presence and experiencing the richness of His goodness. Being called to approach God signifies a deep relationship filled with love and purpose. Just think for a moment how wonderful it is to be invited into God’s courts, to be a part of His family and to share in His goodness. The depth of this invitation brings responsibility, as we learn to live in harmony with God’s ways.

We may also notice the intimate language used here regarding the relationship between God and man. To approach implies trust, a desire to be close, and to grow in understanding of God’s heart. It is comforting to know that we are chosen, and that we can continually reach out to God, finding solace in His presence, which is key in our spiritual journey. This relationship is not just about rules or rituals but about a powerful connection. When we dwell in His presence, we are filled with joy and peace.

Popular Words of Wisdom From Psalms 132:20


“You are blessed when you find yourself drawn into the presence of God. There is nothing more fulfilling than being seated at His table, feasting on the goodness that He offers.”

– Charles Stanley


“When we recognize that we are chosen to dwell in the presence of the Lord, we realize just how sweet and abundant life can be. Let His goodness flow over you each day.”

– Joyce Meyer


“Being near to God goes beyond mere proximity. It’s about engaging His goodness daily, ensuring our hearts are aligned with His desires.”

– Rick Warren


Psalms 132:20 Context Explained

This verse comes from a song of ascents and reflects on the heart of David in his quest to build a temple for God. The context involves the longing and desire of King David to find a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant. It shows a relational aspect of God’s interaction with His people, where the focus is on the chosen ones who are granted access to come close to Him. Throughout history, God has chosen individuals and nations to reveal His presence on earth.

Understanding this context deepens our appreciation of this verse as we recognize God’s faithfulness through generations. David’s desire to honor God by building a temple reflects our own need to create a sacred space in our lives for seeking and meeting with Him. Just like David, we also find ourselves longing for that connection as we face our daily challenges. It reminds us that God desires relationships with His children and invites us into a deeper connection through prayer, worship, and reflection.

Our focus should be not just on seeking blessings but also on embodying the qualities that honor that relationship, such as faithfulness and obedience. We recognize that it is God’s choice to bring us near, and we should respond with gratitude and a willingness to dwell in His goodness.

Psalms 132:20 Key Parts Explained

At the heart of this verse is the concept of being chosen by God. Each word holds immense significance, starting with ‘blessed.’ The blessing signifies not just a fortunate circumstance but a sense of deep joy and fulfillment that comes with knowing we are in alignment with God’s purpose. When we recognize that we are chosen, it offers hope and a sense of identity that is often missing in today’s world.

The next key part is being called to approach God. This is an invitation, suggesting that God longs for us to come closer. It is a call to action for each of us to take a step toward Him. To approach Him means we are actively seeking Him, setting aside the distractions of our lives. This active pursuit results in a relationship that is far more meaningful than mere attendance at religious services.

Finally, dwelling in His courts speaks to the permanence of our relationship. We are not just visitors in God’s presence; we are invited to stay, to make His goodness a part of our lives. Isn’t it a joy to think that God welcomes us into His home, where we can be rejuvenated and experience satisfaction in all aspects of life? When we embrace this truth, we open ourselves to genuine experiences of His love and goodness.

Lessons to Learn From Psalms 132:20

Embrace the Blessing of Being Chosen

Each one of us carries the message of being chosen. Accepting this truth encourages us to step forward in faith, embracing our identity as beloved children of God. This should inspire us to live lives that reflect joy, gratitude, and a willingness to share that love with others.

Seek a Personal Relationship with God

We can take inspiration from this verse to create habits in our daily lives that draw us near to God. This may include spending time in prayer, worship, or reading scripture. By nurturing our relationship with Him, we open ourselves to His goodness and allow it to seep into every area of our lives.

Celebrate the Goodness of God

In living according to this verse, we are reminded to celebrate and share the goodness that comes from God. Each experience of His grace, love, and kindness teaches us to be grateful and to share that light with those around us. Our lives can become a testament to His goodness, showing the world what it means to dwell in the presence of God.

Psalms 132:20 Related Verses

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”– Jeremiah 29:11

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”– James 4:8

“But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.”– Psalm 73:28

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”– Matthew 7:7

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”– Jeremiah 29:13

Final Thoughts

Psalms 132:20 invites us into a profound understanding of our relationship with God. As we reflect on what it means to be chosen, we are filled with gratitude and joy. We recognize that approaching God is not merely a religious act but an expression of love and trust. The beauty of this verse lies in the invitation to dwell in His goodness, which transforms our hearts and lives.

As we consider these truths, let us challenge ourselves to draw near to God every day. Remember to embark on this journey of faith with open hearts, allowing His goodness to nourish our souls. If you want to explore related verses, don’t hesitate to check out Bible Verses About Being Present or understand more about Bible Verses for New Christians. Each of these resources can provide insights into nurturing our closeness with God.