Psalms 122:8
For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
Original Language Analysis
לְ֭מַעַן
H4616
לְ֭מַעַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
אַחַ֣י
For my brethren
H251
אַחַ֣י
For my brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
2 of 7
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
אֲדַבְּרָה
sakes I will now say
H1696
אֲדַבְּרָה
sakes I will now say
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 7
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
נָּ֖א
H4994
נָּ֖א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
5 of 7
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
Cross References
Psalms 16:3But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.Psalms 119:63I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.Psalms 42:4When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.1 Samuel 25:6And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.
Historical Context
Israel's covenant identity was fundamentally corporate. The nation rose or fell together; individuals couldn't flourish while the community suffered. This perspective contrasts with modern Western individualism. The psalm reflects a mentality where personal and corporate welfare are inseparably linked.
Questions for Reflection
- How does praying 'for my brethren's sake' differ from praying only for personal needs?
- What does it mean that our welfare is bound to the welfare of God's people?
- How does modern individualism hinder corporate thinking about blessing and prayer?
- In what practical ways can we pray for peace among our spiritual family?
- Why does love for brothers manifest particularly in prayer for their shalom?
Analysis & Commentary
Personal motivation for prayer is revealed: 'For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.' The psalmist prays not from self-interest but for the sake of 'brethren and companions' - fellow believers and covenant community members. The phrase 'for...sakes' indicates vicarious concern; the psalmist's welfare is bound to the community's welfare. This reflects proper covenantal thinking - we are members of one another, and individual blessing is incomplete apart from corporate flourishing. The commitment 'I will now say' expresses resolution and immediate action; intercession cannot be delayed. The repeated petition 'Peace be within thee' emphasizes persistence in prayer. Love for God's people manifests in consistent prayer for their shalom.