Psalms 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Original Language Analysis
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
טּ֭וֹב
Behold how good
H2896
טּ֭וֹב
Behold how good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
3 of 9
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
וּמַה
H4100
וּמַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
נָּעִ֑ים
and how pleasant
H5273
נָּעִ֑ים
and how pleasant
Strong's:
H5273
Word #:
5 of 9
delightful (objective or subjective, literal or figurative)
שֶׁ֖בֶת
to dwell
H3427
שֶׁ֖בֶת
to dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
אַחִ֣ים
it is for brethren
H251
אַחִ֣ים
it is for brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
7 of 9
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:10Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.1 Peter 3:8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:John 13:35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.Hebrews 13:1Let brotherly love continue.John 17:21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.Jeremiah 32:39And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:Genesis 13:8And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.Genesis 45:24So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.Isaiah 11:6The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.Isaiah 11:13The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.
Historical Context
As a 'Song of Ascents,' this psalm celebrated pilgrimages when Israelites from all tribes gathered in Jerusalem, setting aside regional tensions to worship together. David, who united Israel's tribes, understood unity's fragility and value. The psalm reflects covenant theology where God's people are defined by corporate identity, not just individual faith.
Questions for Reflection
- What conflicts or divisions in your church or family are you allowing to persist rather than pursuing unity?
- How does this verse challenge individualistic Christianity that prioritizes personal faith over communal harmony?
Analysis & Commentary
This brief wisdom psalm extols covenant community through the exclamation 'Behold!' (hinneh—look, pay attention). The dual adjectives 'good and pleasant' (tov and na'im) encompass both moral rightness and experiential enjoyment. 'Brethren dwelling together in unity' refers to harmonious relationships among God's people, particularly relevant in David's context of tribal tensions. The subsequent verses compare unity to precious anointing oil and life-giving dew, suggesting it's a divine blessing, not merely human achievement. Christ prayed for this unity (John 17:21), and Paul commands it (Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 2:2).