Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
English Standard Version (ESV)
While the verse calls the righteous to rejoice and shout for joy, it also highlights that this exultation is specifically "in the LORD." This isn't just general happiness, but a deep, abiding gladness rooted in their relationship with God, especially after experiencing His forgiveness and guidance.
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm recounts a deeply personal journey from sin and its crushing weight to the overwhelming joy of forgiveness. After confessing his wrongdoing and receiving God's pardon, the psalmist passionately calls out to all the righteous and upright in heart to share in his newfound gladness and exultation in the Lord.
The verse calls for gladness and shouting. But what is the source of this unrestrained joy? It's not about happiness in general, but a very specific kind of delight.
The psalm culminates in a powerful call to rejoice, but notice where the joy is to be found: 'in the LORD.' This isn't a fleeting emotion based on good fortune or the absence of problems. It's a deep-seated gladness that flows from our relationship with God, who has forgiven sins and offers steadfast mercy.
Even when life is tough, or when we're facing challenges, this joy in the Lord remains accessible. It's a spiritual buoyancy that comes from knowing we are His, and His promises are sure. It’s about celebrating God's character and His faithful actions, rather than our current circumstances.
The psalm calls both the 'righteous' and the 'upright in heart' to rejoice. What’s the difference, and why are these the ones invited to such exuberant praise?
The terms 'righteous' and 'upright in heart' describe those who have been forgiven and have turned to God. They aren't perfect people who have never sinned. Instead, they are those who have experienced God's mercy and, in response, have a sincere desire to live in accordance with His will.
'Righteous' points to a standing before God, made right through faith and forgiveness. 'Upright in heart' describes the inner disposition – a sincerity, an integrity, a lack of guile. It’s this inner reality, this surrendered will, that allows for genuine rejoicing in God. It's the opposite of the stubborn, unyielding heart that resists God’s leading.
Understand the original words
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samach · Hebrew Verb
To be glad or take joy in a state of happiness; often implies an outward expression of a heart that is rightly aligned with God's goodness. It is a command for the believer based on their relationship with the Lord.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal name of the covenant-keeping God of Israel, YHWH. It signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His faithfulness in relationship to His people.
gil · Hebrew Verb
To spin around with intense emotion, to exult, or to show extreme happiness. It is a frequent response in the Psalms to God’s salvation and character.
tsaddiq · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Those who are in a right standing before God; those who live in accordance with His law and are declared just by His grace. It refers to a person's moral and spiritual integrity as accepted by God.
ranan · Hebrew Verb
To cry out, usually with a loud voice, often as a sign of triumph, praise, or worship. It is an active, vocal expression of inner spiritual delight.
yashar · Hebrew Adjective
Those who walk in integrity, honesty, and moral straightforwardness. It describes a heart that is not devious, but transparent and sincere in its pursuit of God.
This passage echoes the call to rejoice in the Lord, emphasizing that joy in God is a constant state, not dependent on circumstances.
Nehemiah 8:10This verse directly connects the joy of the Lord with strength, highlighting that gladness in God empowers and sustains His people.
Psalm 5:11This psalm speaks of those who love God's name rejoicing and being shielded, aligning with the idea of righteous people finding gladness and security in the Lord.
Romans 15:10This passage calls for Gentiles to rejoice with God's people, illustrating how the joy found in the Lord is meant to be shared among believers.
Isaiah 61:10This prophecy describes the speaker being clothed with garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness, leading to great rejoicing, which parallels the righteous exulting in God's deliverance.
calvinPsalms 32:8-11: "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."
- I will instruct thee, and teach thee in the way that thou mayest walk: I will counsel thee with mine eye. [666] 9. Be not like the horse or mule, which have no understanding: thou shalt bind his jaw with bit and bridle, lest they kick against [or become obstreperous against or obstinately disobey] thee. [667] 10. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but the man who hopeth in…
cambridgePsalms 32:11: "Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."
11 . Cp. Psalm 5:11 ; Psalm 33:1 ; Nehemiah 8:10 ; Php 3:1 ; Php 4:4 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:16 . All kindred spirits must share the joy of a pardoned soul, and rejoice in the contemplation of God’s gracious dealings with His people.
While the verse calls the righteous to rejoice and shout for joy, it also highlights that this exultation is specifically "in the LORD." This isn't just general happiness, but a deep, abiding gladness rooted in their relationship with God, especially after experiencing His forgiveness and guidance.
This psalm recounts a deeply personal journey from sin and its crushing weight to the overwhelming joy of forgiveness. After confessing his wrongdoing and receiving God's pardon, the psalmist passionately calls out to all the righteous and upright in heart to share in his newfound gladness and exultation in the Lord.
This psalm recounts a deeply personal journey from sin and its crushing weight to the overwhelming joy of forgiveness. After confessing his wrongdoing and receiving God's pardon, the psalmist passionately calls out to all the righteous and upright in heart to share in his newfound gladness and exultation in the Lord.
"Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" — While the verse calls the righteous to rejoice and shout for joy, it also highlights that this exultation is specifically "in the LORD." This isn't just general happiness, but a deep, abiding gladnes…
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Last reviewed October 2026