The “Name” language points to Yahweh’s recognized identity and reputation among his people. Calling it “holy” highlights reverence and set-apartness; the thanks envisioned is not generic positivity but acknowledgment aimed at God as God (inference from “holy Name,” grounded in the wording).

Where interpretation differs

The main questions cluster around what “righteous people” and “holy Name” emphasize.

Some read “righteous people” mainly as those with upright conduct (moral character in view). Others read it mainly as a community identity: those loyal to Yahweh and aligned with his rule (covenant loyalty in view). The verse itself does not spell out which aspect is primary; it simply identifies the addressees.

Likewise, “holy Name” is sometimes taken as shorthand for God’s reputation and revealed identity, and sometimes as pointing more strongly to God’s presence as honored in worship. Both readings keep the focus on who Yahweh is, not merely what he gives.

Why the disagreement exists

The Hebrew terms can carry more than one emphasis in different contexts: “righteous” can describe both ethical living and faithful alignment, and “Name” can mean both public reputation and the way God makes himself known. Psalm 97’s broader setting (Yahweh’s kingship, exposure of false loyalties, joy for those aligned with him) supports either emphasis without forcing only one.

What this passage clearly contributes

As a concluding line, Psalm 97:12 compresses the psalm’s message into a communal response: those identified as righteous are summoned to joy centered on Yahweh and to voiced gratitude directed to his holy identity (explicit textual claims). It portrays joy and thanks as paired, fitting responses to Yahweh’s reign and character, functioning as the psalm’s final summary note.

thanks (wə·hō·w·ḏū)