Psalm 126:6

Translations

Modern

He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.

Traditional

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Literal

Going forth, he who goes and weeps, bearing the basket of seed, coming in, he comes with a shout, bearing his sheaves.

Latin

Euntes ibant et flebant, mittentes semina sua. Venientes autem venient cum exsultatione, portantes manipulos suos.

Original

Hebrew

English

He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.

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

Isaiah 9:2–3
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.
Galatians 6:7–8
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.
Psalm 30:5
For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Isaiah 61:3
…to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
Job 11:13–17
As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him,
Jeremiah 50:4–5
“In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, the children of Israel and the children of Judah will come together, weeping as they come, and will seek the LORD their God.
Revelation 7:15–17
For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.
Luke 15:18–24
I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
Acts 16:29–34
Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.

Glossary

Agriculture 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: Compared to Sowers Christian Minister: Promises To, Joys of Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Crying Joy: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Reaping: A Time of Great Rejoicing Reaping: Figurative Seed: Sowing of Often Attended with Danger Sowing and Reaping The Harvest: A Time of Great Joy Weeping: While Doing Good

Psalm 126:6

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?