Psalms 129:7

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 129:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Wherewith the reaper filleth not his hand, Nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Wherewith the reaper filleth not his hand, Nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.
Psalms 129:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 129

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7Wherewith the reaper filleth not his hand, Nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand, etc.] Such grass never rises high enough to be mowed, nor is of that account to have such pains taken with it; nor the quantity so large as to fill a mower’s hand, and carry it away in his arms; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom; when corn is mowed or reaped, the binders come and gather it up in their arms, and bind it in sheaves, and then bring it into the barn; but nothing of this kind is done with grass on the housetops. This represents the insignificancy and worthlessness of wicked men; who, when the harvest comes, the end of the world, will not be gathered in by the reapers, the angels, into Christ’s garner into heaven as the wheat, the…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand - It cannot be gathered and laid up for the use of cattle, as grass can that grows in the field. It is valueless for any such purpose; or, is utterly worthless. The phrase “filleth not his hand” seems to be derived from the idea of reaping, where the reaper with one hand takes hold of the grain which he reaps, and cuts it off with the sickle in the other. Nor he that bindeth sheaves - The man who gathers in the harvest. This was commonly performed by a different person from the reaper. His bosom - This word would commonly refer to the bosom of the garment, in which tilings were carried; or that part above the girdle. It may be used here, however, in a…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he that bindeth: Psa 126:6; Isa 17:10, Isa 17:11; Hos 8:7; Gal 6:8 Psalms 129:8”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification