Psalm 126:5

Translations

Modern

Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.

Traditional

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Literal

Those sowing in tears will reap with a shout of joy.

Latin

Qui seminant in lacrimis, in exsultatione metent.

Original

Hebrew

English

Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.

Notes

Psalms 126:4–6

The prophets had spoken of the restoration as a time when the wilderness would change into the garden of Eden (Isaiah 51:3; Ezekiel 47). However, the reality was far from paradise. Here, the restoration community prays for complete redemption (see Haggai 2:19).
like streams in the Negev: Seasonal rains filled the dry riverbeds (wadis), making the land green again. The prayer seeks a similar change in Israel’s fortunes, fulfilling the imagery of the "Second Exodus" in Isaiah (see "The Promise of a Second Exodus" Theme Note).
carrying sheaves of grain: This harvest represents God's complete restoration.

Psalms 126:1–6

This psalm celebrates Israel's return from exile (Psalm 126:1–3). The psalmist then prays that God will fully restore the people (Psalm 126:4–6).

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Making Sense of the Exile

Related verses

Galatians 6:9
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Isaiah 35:10
So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.
John 16:20–22
Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
Joel 2:23
Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for He has given you the autumn rains for your vindication. He sends you showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Jeremiah 31:9–13
They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.”
Isaiah 12:1–3
In that day you will say: “O LORD, I will praise You. Although You were angry with me, Your anger has turned away, and You have comforted me.
Psalm 137:1
By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.
Joel 2:17
Let the priests who minister before the LORD weep between the portico and the altar, saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not make Your heritage a reproach, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
2 Corinthians 7:8–11
Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Although I did regret it—for I see that my letter caused you sorrow, but only for a short time—

Glossary

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

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities of Saints: End in Joy and Blessedness Afflictions of Saints, End in Joy and Blessedness Christian Minister: Promises To, Joys of Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Crying Joy: Afflictions of Saints Succeeded By Joy: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Reaping What you Sow Reaping: A Time of Great Rejoicing Seed: Sowing of Often Attended with Danger Sower: Figurative Sowing and Reaping Weeping: While Doing Good

Psalm 126:5

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