Keraia
Psalm 123

Psalm 123:2

I Lift Up My Eyes to You · Psalm 123:1–4
Read Psalm 123

Translations

Modern
As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on the LORD our God until He shows us mercy.
Traditional
Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
Literal
Behold, as the eyes of servants are to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maidservant are to the hand of her mistress, so are our eyes to YHWH our God, until He shows us mercy.
Latin
Ecce sicut oculi servorum in manibus dominorum suorum; sicut oculi ancillæ in manibus dominæ suæ: ita oculi nostri ad Dominum Deum nostrum, donec misereatur nostri.

Original

Hebrew
English
As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on the LORD our God until He shows us mercy.

Notes

Psalms 123:1–4

This lament about the psalmist's humble position shows strong trust in the Lord (Psalm 123:1–2). The psalmist prays for God's favor on the community because evil surrounds them (Psalm 123:3–4). The poet looks beyond Jerusalem (Psalm 122) to God's throne in heaven.

Psalms 120:1–134:3

These short and memorable songs were sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the national festivals held three times each year (Deuteronomy 16:16). The title of these psalms includes a Hebrew word that can mean “steps” or “stairs.” Some scholars understand it to mean “going up to Jerusalem.” These psalms, often called the Songs of Ascents, lead the listener on a journey to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel through history.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Degrees, Song of Hallel Mercy Music Psalms, Book of Song of Ascents Song of Ascents, Song of Degrees

Topics

Desire: Spiritual Servant: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servants: Duties of, to Masters: To Attend to Their Call The Hands: Servants Directed by Movements of Waiting for Mercy Waiting Upon God: For: Mercy Waiting Upon God: Illustrated Waiting: Illustrated