Psalms 126:2

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָ֤ז

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יִמָּלֵ֪א

H4390

filled

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

שְׂח֡וֹק

H7814

with laughter

laughter (in merriment or defiance)

פִּינוּ֮

H6310

Then was our mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וּלְשׁוֹנֵ֪נוּ

H3956

and our tongue

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

H7440

with singing

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)

אָ֭ז

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יֹאמְר֣וּ

H559

then said

to say (used with great latitude)

בַגּוֹיִ֑ם

H1471

they among the heathen

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#10

הִגְדִּ֥יל

H1431

great things

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

#11

יְ֝הוָ֗ה

H3068

The LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת

H6213

hath done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#13

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#14

אֵֽלֶּה׃

H428

these or those

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 126 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?