Psalms 84:10

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 84:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Psalms 84:10 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 84

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand, etc.] “One day”; so the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions; and so the Targum, Jarchi, and Kimchi, interpret it; one day in the house of God, in the world to come, so Arama: though rather reference is had to the seventh day sabbath, then in being; and which with the psalmist was a delight, holy and honourable; and though now abolished, as to the time of it, with the rest of the ceremonial law, there is yet a day of public worship, called the Lord’s day, and the day of the Son of man; and one of these days spent in the courts of the Lord, in an attendance on the word and ordinances, in worshipping in the fear of God,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand - Better - happier - more profitable - more to be desired - than a thousand days spent elsewhere. That is, I should find more happiness - more true joy - in one day spent in the house of God, in his worship, in the exercises of true religion - more that will be satisfactory to the soul, and that will be dwelt on with pleasure in the memory when life is coming to a close - than I could in a thousand days spent in any other manner. This was much for a man like David - or a man who had been encompassed with all the splendor of royalty - to say; it is much for any man to say. And yet it could be said with truth by him; it can be said with equal…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Than dwell - In the greatest glory and plenty. Psalms 84:11”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“84:10 The psalmist viewed being in God’s presence as much better than being anywhere else.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“For: Psa 84:1, Psa 84:2, Psa 27:4, Psa 43:3, Psa 43:4, Psa 63:2; Luk 2:46; Rom 8:5, Rom 8:6; Phi 3:20 I had: etc. Heb. I would choose rather to sit at the threshold, Jam 2:3 to dwell: Psa 17:14, Psa 17:15, Psa 26:8-10, Psa 141:4, Psa 141:5 Psalms 84:11”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification