Psalm 137:5

Translations

Modern

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand cease to function.

Traditional

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.

Literal

If I should forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget.

Latin

Si oblitus fuero tui, Jerusalem, oblivioni detur dextera mea.

Original

Hebrew

English

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand cease to function.

Notes

Psalms 137:5–6

The psalmist pledges his loyalty to Jerusalem, the city at the center of God’s reign and the location of fellowship with him.

Psalms 137:1–9

In response to the pain of exile (Psalm 137:1–4), the psalmist decides to remember Jerusalem, even though the memories cause him pain (137:4–6). He also speaks a strong prayer asking God to bring justice on his enemies (Psalm 137:7–9).

Theme notes and profiles

Prayers for Vengeance Psalms of Suffering

Related verses

Jeremiah 51:50
You who have escaped the sword, depart and do not linger! Remember the LORD from far away, and let Jerusalem come to mind.”
Daniel 6:10–11
Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Psalm 84:10
For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
Zechariah 11:17
Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!”
Isaiah 62:1
For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep still, until her righteousness shines like a bright light, her salvation like a blazing torch.
Psalm 122:5–9
For there the thrones of judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David.
Nehemiah 2:2–3
…so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear
Nehemiah 1:2–4
Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah. So I questioned them about the remnant of the Jews who had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
Isaiah 62:6–7
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves,
Psalm 84:1–2
For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of Hosts!
Psalm 102:13–14
You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show her favor—the appointed time has come.

Parallels

Ezekiel 1:1–3

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Curse, Cursed Imprecatory Psalms Joy Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Babylon: Grief of the Jews In Church: Love For Church: Loved by Believers Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Country: Love of Forgetting God: The People of God Jerusalem: Beloved Jerusalem: The Jews: Loved Music: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Patriotism: General Scriptures Concerning The Jews: Saints Remember

Psalm 137:5

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Parallels?