Psalms 133:2

Authorized King James Version

It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כַּשֶּׁ֤מֶן
H8081
ointment
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#2
הַטּ֨וֹב׀
H2896
It is like the precious
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#3
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
הָרֹ֗אשׁ
H7218
upon the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#5
שֶׁ֝יֹּרֵ֗ד
H3381
that ran down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#6
עַֽל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
זְקַֽן
H2206
beard
the beard (as indicating age)
#8
זְקַֽן
H2206
beard
the beard (as indicating age)
#9
אַהֲרֹ֑ן
H175
even Aaron's
aharon, the brother of moses
#10
שֶׁ֝יֹּרֵ֗ד
H3381
that ran down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#11
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
פִּ֥י
H6310
to the skirts
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#13
מִדּוֹתָֽיו׃
H4060
of his garments
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 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