Keraia
Psalm 127

Psalm 127:1

Children Are a Heritage from the LORD · Psalm 127:1–5
Read Psalm 127

Translations

Modern
A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.
Traditional
A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Literal
A Song of the Ascents. Of Solomon. If YHWH does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor on it; if YHWH does not guard the city, in vain the one guarding keeps watch.
Latin
Canticum graduum Salomonis. Nisi Dominus ædificaverit domum, in vanum laboraverunt qui ædificant eam. Nisi Dominus custodierit civitatem, frustra vigilat qui custodit eam.

Original

Hebrew
English
A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.

Notes

Psalms 127:1–2

  • Unless: These conditional statements emphasize that the Lord is the one who protects the city (compare Psalm 124:1–2).

  • Human effort achieves nothing unless the Lord blesses it (see Psalm 44:3).

  • you rise early and stay up late: This phrase describes people who work constantly and live with pressure and competition.

  • Those whom God loves can rest and sleep in peace (Psalm 3:5; 4:8).

Psalms 127:1–5

Blessings and protection come from God. Without his presence, success is not possible (Psalm 127:1–2). This is especially true for children, who are gifts from God (Psalm 127:3–5).

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.

People

Solomon: Son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom

Glossary

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

Topics

Blessing: Temporal, from God Cities: Protected at Night by Watchmen God: Preserver God: Providence of God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The Home Housewarming New Home Prosperity: from God Protection of God Is: Indispensable Psalms: Didactic Rebuilding Starting a Business The Providence of God: Man's Efforts are Vain Without Toil Watchmen were Stationed in the Streets of Cities Watchmen: Vigilance of, Vain Without God's Protection Why we Need God Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation