Keraia
Psalm 129

Psalm 129:6

The Cords of the Wicked · Psalm 129:1–8
Read Psalm 129

Translations

Modern
May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow,
Traditional
Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
Literal
May they be like grass on the rooftops that has withered before it can grow,
Latin
Fiant sicut fœnum tectorum, quod priusquam evellatur exaruit:

Original

Hebrew
English
May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow,

Notes

Psalms 129:6–8

Grass on a rooftop had shallow roots and would scorch easily. A crop was ignored by the harvester when the yield was low. The enemies who had sown hurt among God’s people would gain little.

Psalms 129:1–8

The psalmist briefly reviews Israel’s history of trouble (Psalm 129:1–2) and redemption (129:3–4). He ends with curses against the enemies and blessings on the godly (Psalm 129:5–6).

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

Praise Psalms Zion

Glossary

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

Topics

Grass: Often Grew on the Tops of Houses Grass: On Roofs of Houses Houses: The Flat Roofs of Often Covered with Week Grass