Psalms 133:1

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 133:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
Psalms 133:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 133

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is], etc.] Aben Ezra thinks the word thing should be supplied; the thing is what follows; for brethren to dwell together in unity: which the Targum interprets of Zion and Jerusalem, as two brethren; Aben Ezra of the priests; Kimchi of the King Messiah and the priest; and Jarchi, and Kimchi’s father, of the Israelites; which is best of all, especially of those who are Israelites indeed; for this is not to be understood of all mankind, who are in some sense brethren, being all of one blood, and among whom peace is to be cultivated; nor merely of those of the same nation, under one and the same government, who should endeavour to live peaceably and quietly;…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A Psalm of praise, in which God's relations to His Church, His power in the natural world, and in delivering His people, are contrasted with the vanity of idols and idol-worship. (Psa. 135:1-21) In the general call for praise, the priests, that stand in the house of the Lord, are specially mentioned.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Behold - As if he looked upon such a gathering, and saw there the expressions of mutual love. This may have been uttered in the actual contemplation of such an assemblage; or it may have been a picture of the imagination. How good - How good in itself; how proper; how suited to promote happiness, and to diffuse good influences abroad. And how pleasant - The word used here means lovely, charming, attractive; that which fills the mind with delight, spoken of one beloved, Song of Solomon 7:6; of a friend, 2 Samuel 1:26; of a place, Genesis 49:15; of words, Proverbs 15:26; of beauty or glory, as of Yahweh, Psalms 27:4. It is descriptive of the pleasure which we derive from a picture, from a…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“Ps 133 In this wisdom psalm (see Ps 1), peaceful and harmonious relationships manifest the presence of God. 133:1-2 The psalmist tells of the joy of consecrated relationships. 133:1 Brothers are related by blood, by profession, or by commitment.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“how good: Psa 122:6-8; Gen 13:8, Gen 45:24; Sa2 2:26, Sa2 2:27; Isa 11:6, Isa 11:9, Isa 11:13; Jer 32:39; Joh 13:35, Joh 17:21; Co1 1:10; Eph 4:3-6; Phi 2:2-5; Heb 13:1; Pe1 3:8; Jo1 3:14-19 together: Heb. even together Psalms 133:2”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“In this Psalm, says Hengstenberg, "David brings to the consciousness of the church the glory of the fellowship of the saints, that had so long been wanting, the restoration of which had begun with the setting up of the Ark in Zion." The Psalm, in fact, does not speak of the termination of the dispersion, but of the uniting of the people of all parts of the land for the purpose of divine worship in the one place of the sanctuary; and, as in the case of Psa 122:1-9, its counterpart, occasions can be found in the history of David adapted to the לדוד of the inscription. But the language witnesses against David; for the construction of שׁ with the participle, as שׁיּרד, qui descendit (cf. Psa…”
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Sources and verification