Psalms 126:2

Authorized King James Version

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Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

Original Language Analysis

אָ֤ז H227
אָ֤ז
Strong's: H227
Word #: 1 of 14
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
יִמָּלֵ֪א filled H4390
יִמָּלֵ֪א filled
Strong's: H4390
Word #: 2 of 14
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
שְׂח֡וֹק with laughter H7814
שְׂח֡וֹק with laughter
Strong's: H7814
Word #: 3 of 14
laughter (in merriment or defiance)
פִּינוּ֮ Then was our mouth H6310
פִּינוּ֮ Then was our mouth
Strong's: H6310
Word #: 4 of 14
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
וּלְשׁוֹנֵ֪נוּ and our tongue H3956
וּלְשׁוֹנֵ֪נוּ and our tongue
Strong's: H3956
Word #: 5 of 14
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
רִ֫נָּ֥ה with singing H7440
רִ֫נָּ֥ה with singing
Strong's: H7440
Word #: 6 of 14
properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)
אָ֭ז H227
אָ֭ז
Strong's: H227
Word #: 7 of 14
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
יֹאמְר֣וּ then said H559
יֹאמְר֣וּ then said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 8 of 14
to say (used with great latitude)
בַגּוֹיִ֑ם they among the heathen H1471
בַגּוֹיִ֑ם they among the heathen
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 9 of 14
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
הִגְדִּ֥יל great things H1431
הִגְדִּ֥יל great things
Strong's: H1431
Word #: 10 of 14
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
יְ֝הוָ֗ה The LORD H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 11 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת hath done H6213
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת hath done
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 12 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עִם H5973
עִם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 13 of 14
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֵֽלֶּה׃ H428
אֵֽלֶּה׃
Strong's: H428
Word #: 14 of 14
these or those

Analysis & Commentary

The response to restoration is described: 'Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.' The temporal 'then' connects directly to restoration (v. 1). The physical descriptions 'mouth filled with laughter' and 'tongue with singing' emphasize overflow of joy that must express itself audibly. Laughter and singing are spontaneous responses to overwhelming happiness. The verse then notes witness impact: 'among the heathen' (nations), observers acknowledged 'the LORD hath done great things.' Even pagans recognized divine intervention. The phrase 'great things' (Hebrew 'hagdil la'asot') means to act magnificently or do wonders. Restoration wasn't subtle; it was undeniably miraculous, providing witness to surrounding nations. God's acts toward His people testify to His character, potentially drawing others to Him.

Historical Context

Israel's return from exile astonished surrounding nations. Babylon's fall to Persia and Cyrus's unprecedented decree allowing displaced peoples to return testified to divine providence. The rebuilding of Jerusalem and temple, despite opposition (Ezra, Nehemiah), demonstrated supernatural enabling. These acts provided powerful witness to God's faithfulness and power.

Questions for Reflection