Keraia
Psalm 131

Psalm 131:2

I Have Stilled My Soul · Psalm 131:1–3
Read Psalm 131

Translations

Modern
Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Traditional
Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.
Literal
If not, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child with his mother; my soul is like a weaned child within me.
Latin
Si non humiliter sentiebam, sed exaltavi animam meam: sicut ablactatus est super matre sua, ita retributio in anima mea.

Original

Hebrew
English
Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

Notes

Psalms 131:2

  • The psalmist has calmed and quieted himself. He has given up his ambitions and pride (Galatians 2:20).

  • like a weaned child: The psalmist compares himself to a contented child who rests quietly with its mother.

Psalms 131:1–3

Out of his contentment in the Lord, the psalmist invites Israel to seek their rest in God (Psalm 131:3).

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

David Wisdom Psalms

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

Topics

Ambition: Saints Avoid Be Still Children: Weaning of Humility: Exemplified Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Simplicity: David