Psalms 127:2

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שָׁ֤וְא

H7723

It is vain

evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object

לָכֶ֨ם

מַשְׁכִּ֪ימֵֽי

H7925

early

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

ק֡וּם

H6965

for you to rise up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

מְאַֽחֲרֵי

H309

late

to loiter (i.e., be behind); by implication to procrastinate

שֶׁ֗בֶת

H3427

to sit up

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אֹ֭כְלֵי

H398

to eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לֶ֣חֶם

H3899

the bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

הָעֲצָבִ֑ים

H6089

of sorrows

an earthen vessel; usually (painful) toil; also a pang (whether of body or mind)

#10

כֵּ֤ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#11

יִתֵּ֖ן

H5414

for so he giveth

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#12

לִֽידִיד֣וֹ

H3039

his beloved

loved

#13

שֵׁנָֽא׃

H8142

sleep

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to Psalms. The concept of love reflects the development of divine love within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?
How might the original audience's understanding of love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of divine love, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology proper and the doctrine of God?