Psalms Chapter 127

Authorized King James Version

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Chapter Overview

Psalms 127 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, grace, truth. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.

The chapter can be divided into several sections:

  1. Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context

This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.

Unless the Lord Builds the House

1 Except the LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty. build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. References Lord: Psalms 124:1, 1 Chronicles 28:10, 28:20, Proverbs 16:9, Isaiah 62:6, Jeremiah 51:12. Parallel theme: Psalms 121:1, 123:1, 1 Corinthians 3:7, 15:14 +5

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Parallel theme: Psalms 3:5, 4:8, Job 11:18, Ecclesiastes 1:14, 4:8, 5:12, 6:7, Jeremiah 31:26, Ezekiel 34:25 +4

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. References Lord: 1 Samuel 1:27, 1 Chronicles 28:5, Isaiah 8:18. Parallel theme: Genesis 1:28, 24:60, 33:5, 48:4, Deuteronomy 28:4 +3

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Parallel theme: Psalms 120:4, Proverbs 17:6, 31:28, Jeremiah 50:9

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. Parallel theme: Job 5:4, Proverbs 27:11