Psalms 129:8
Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
וְלֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָעֹבְרִ֗ים
Neither do they which go by
H5674
הָעֹבְרִ֗ים
Neither do they which go by
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
3 of 10
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בֵּרַ֥כְנוּ
be upon you we bless
H1288
בֵּרַ֥כְנוּ
be upon you we bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
7 of 10
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
אֶ֝תְכֶ֗ם
H853
אֶ֝תְכֶ֗ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The blessing exchange during harvest (Ruth 2:4) was normal social practice expressing community solidarity and invoking divine favor. The absence of such blessing signified disapproval, judgment, or recognition of cursing rather than blessing. The scene pictures complete social and divine rejection of those who oppose Zion.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the significance of withholding blessing from those who oppose God's people?
- How does social isolation (no blessing from passersby) accompany divine judgment?
- What is the relationship between fruitfulness and blessing - why are they connected?
- How does this ending complete the contrast between those who fear the LORD (Psalm 128) and hate Zion (Psalm 129)?
- In what ways should Christians discern when to pronounce blessing and when to withhold it?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm concludes with absence of blessing: 'Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.' This verse describes a blessing customarily pronounced during harvest - passersby would greet reapers with benediction (Ruth 2:4). The phrase 'neither do they which go by say' means no blessing is spoken because there's no harvest to bless. Those who hate Zion receive no blessing from observers, no communal recognition of success. The typical greetings 'blessing of the LORD be upon you' and 'we bless you in the name of the LORD' are absent. This pictures social isolation and divine disapproval - God's people don't pronounce blessing on those who oppose God. The contrast is implicit: those who fear the LORD receive blessing (Psalm 128), while Zion's haters receive none. The psalm ends with enemies fruitless, unblessed, and unsuccessful.