Psalms 126:6

Authorized King James Version

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He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Original Language Analysis

הָ֘ל֤וֹךְ forth H1980
הָ֘ל֤וֹךְ forth
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 1 of 11
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
יֵלֵ֨ךְ׀ He that goeth H3212
יֵלֵ֨ךְ׀ He that goeth
Strong's: H3212
Word #: 2 of 11
to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
וּבָכֹה֮ and weepeth H1058
וּבָכֹה֮ and weepeth
Strong's: H1058
Word #: 3 of 11
to weep; generally to bemoan
נֹ֝שֵׂ֗א bearing H5375
נֹ֝שֵׂ֗א bearing
Strong's: H5375
Word #: 4 of 11
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
מֶֽשֶׁךְ precious H4901
מֶֽשֶׁךְ precious
Strong's: H4901
Word #: 5 of 11
a sowing; also a possession
הַ֫זָּ֥רַע seed H2233
הַ֫זָּ֥רַע seed
Strong's: H2233
Word #: 6 of 11
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
יָבֹ֥א come H935
יָבֹ֥א come
Strong's: H935
Word #: 7 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
יָבֹ֥א come H935
יָבֹ֥א come
Strong's: H935
Word #: 8 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בְרִנָּ֑ה again with rejoicing H7440
בְרִנָּ֑ה again with rejoicing
Strong's: H7440
Word #: 9 of 11
properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)
נֹ֝שֵׂ֗א bearing H5375
נֹ֝שֵׂ֗א bearing
Strong's: H5375
Word #: 10 of 11
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֲלֻמֹּתָֽיו׃ his sheaves H485
אֲלֻמֹּתָֽיו׃ his sheaves
Strong's: H485
Word #: 11 of 11
something bound; a sheaf

Analysis & Commentary

The sowing-reaping principle is expanded with parallel imagery: 'He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.' The verse personalizes the principle ('he that goeth') while maintaining universal application. 'Goeth forth' emphasizes intentional action - going out to sow despite circumstances. 'Weepeth' intensifies the tears imagery (v. 5), suggesting profound sorrow accompanying the work. 'Bearing precious seed' highlights sacrifice - seed grain was valuable, and sowing required faith that multiplication would follow. The promise 'shall doubtless come again' provides certainty of return. 'Doubtless' (Hebrew 'bo yabo' - infinitive absolute) expresses emphatic certainty - coming will definitely happen. The result 'with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves' pictures the joyful farmer carrying abundant harvest - joy replaces weeping, abundance replaces scarcity, sheaves (harvested grain) validate the faith that sowed precious seed. This ending assures that God rewards faithful labor despite present tears.

Historical Context

Agricultural imagery would resonate powerfully with ancient agrarian society where survival depended on successful harvests. The cycle of planting and harvest required faith - giving up precious seed in hope of future multiplication. This provided perfect metaphor for spiritual realities where present sacrifice produces future blessing. The principle assured post-exilic community that rebuilding efforts, though tearful, would yield joyful results.

Questions for Reflection