Psalms 127:1

Authorized King James Version

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.

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection