Psalms 127:1

Authorized King James Version

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Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Original Language Analysis

אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 1 of 17
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יְהוָ֥ה Except the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה Except the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בוֹנָ֣יו build H1129
בוֹנָ֣יו build
Strong's: H1129
Word #: 4 of 17
to build (literally and figuratively)
בַ֗יִת the house H1004
בַ֗יִת the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 5 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
שָׁ֤וְא׀ but in vain H7723
שָׁ֤וְא׀ but in vain
Strong's: H7723
Word #: 6 of 17
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
עָמְל֣וּ they labour H5998
עָמְל֣וּ they labour
Strong's: H5998
Word #: 7 of 17
to toil, i.e., work severely and with irksomeness
בוֹנָ֣יו build H1129
בוֹנָ֣יו build
Strong's: H1129
Word #: 8 of 17
to build (literally and figuratively)
בּ֑וֹ H0
בּ֑וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 9 of 17
אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 10 of 17
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יְהוָ֥ה Except the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה Except the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 11 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 12 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שׁוֹמֵֽר׃ keep H8104
שׁוֹמֵֽר׃ keep
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 13 of 17
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
עִ֝֗יר the city H5892
עִ֝֗יר the city
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 14 of 17
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
שָׁ֤וְא׀ but in vain H7723
שָׁ֤וְא׀ but in vain
Strong's: H7723
Word #: 15 of 17
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
שָׁקַ֬ד waketh H8245
שָׁקַ֬ד waketh
Strong's: H8245
Word #: 16 of 17
to be alert, i.e., sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill)
שׁוֹמֵֽר׃ keep H8104
שׁוֹמֵֽר׃ keep
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 17 of 17
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

Analysis & Commentary

Solomon's wisdom psalm establishes divine sovereignty over human endeavors through parallel declarations: God must build the house, God must keep the city, or human labor is 'vain' (shav—empty, worthless). This isn't a call to passivity but recognition that apart from God's blessing, even diligent work proves futile (John 15:5). The verse applies to literal construction, family building (verses 3-5), and all human enterprises. It echoes the foundational truth that 'in him we live, and move, and have our being' (Acts 17:28) and anticipates Christ's teaching about abiding in the vine for fruitfulness.

Historical Context

This 'Song of Ascents' (sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for feasts) attributed to Solomon likely reflects on the temple construction. Solomon learned through experience that wisdom, wealth, and labor apart from God lead to emptiness (Ecclesiastes 2:11). The verse became proverbial in Israel's wisdom tradition.

Questions for Reflection

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