Psalms Chapter 127

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns 5 Verses

What is Psalms 127 about?

One hundred fifty inspired poems and hymns — Israel's prayer book, spanning lament and praise, confession and trust. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain.
2It is vain for you to rise up early, To take rest late, To eat the bread of toil; [For] so he giveth unto his beloved sleep.
3Lo, children are a heritage of Jehovah; [And] the fruit of the womb is [his] reward.
4As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth.
5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: They shall not be put to shame, When they speak with their enemies in the gate. Psalm 128 A Song of Ascents.

What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it, etc.] Whether it be understood literally of an artificial house, as Solomon’s own house; or the house of the Lord, or any other: let a man be ever so bent upon building one, or have ever so much skill in drawing the plan of it, or be ever so well provided to go through the expense of it, or have ever so many hands employed in it, yet, if the Lord does not give success, it will all be in vain; the building will fall down, or be consumed by fire before it is finished; or by one providence or another he will be obliged to desist from it, as in the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“The people of God, often delivered from enemies, are confident of His favor, by their overthrow in the future. (Psa 129:1-8) may Israel now say--or, "oh! let Israel say" (Psa 124:1). Israel's youth was the sojourn in Egypt (Jer 2:2; Hos 2:15).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“Except the Lord build the house - Or rather, “a house.” The word “house” may refer either to an ordinary dwelling; to the temple, as a place of worship; or to a family, with reference to its success and prosperity, as the word house is often used now. The statement is universal, and is designed to indicate a universal dependence on God in human undertakings, though it is not improbable that there may have been an allusion, when the psalm was composed, to some building which was contemplated or commenced. If the psalm was a composition of David or Solomon, the allusion way have been to the temple about to be…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 1
“Build - Assist and bless those that build it. Psalms 127:2”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“Ps 127 Blessing and protection come from God. Without his presence, there is no success (127:1-2). This is particularly true for children, who are God’s gift (127:3-5). 127:1-2 Unless: These conditional sentences emphasize the positive idea that the Lord will protect the city (cp. 124:1-2). • Human effort is futile unless the Lord blesses it (see 44:3). • from early morning until late at night: This depicts an aggressive and competitive lifestyle. • God’s loved ones enjoy a quiet night’s sleep (3:5; 4:8).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“for Solomon: or, of Solomon, Psa 72:1 \*title The Lord: Psa 33:16-18; Pro 16:9, Pro 21:30, Pro 21:31; Ecc 9:11; Co1 3:7 build: Ch1 22:10, Ch1 22:11, Ch1 28:10, Ch1 28:20, Ch1 29:19; Co1 3:9-15 they labour: Co1 15:14; Gal 4:11 that build it: Heb. that are builders of it in it except: Psa 121:3-5; Isa 27:3; Zac 2:4, Zac 2:5 the watchman: Sol 3:3, Sol 5:7; Isa 21:5-12, Isa 56:10, Isa 62:6; Jer 51:12, Jer 51:31; Eze 33:2-9 Psalms 127:2”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · on verse 1
“The poet proves that everything depends upon the blessing of God from examples taken from the God-ordained life of the family and of the state. The rearing of the house which affords us protection, and the stability of the city in which we securely and peaceably dwell, the acquisition of possessions that maintain and adorn life, the begetting and rearing of sons that may contribute substantial support to the father as he grows old - all these are things which depend upon the blessing of God without natural preliminary conditions being able to guarantee them, well-devised arrangements to ensure them, unwearied…”
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