Psalms 137:5

Authorized King James Version

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If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.

Original Language Analysis

אִֽם H518
אִֽם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 1 of 5
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ח If I forget H7911
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ח If I forget
Strong's: H7911
Word #: 2 of 5
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
יְֽרוּשָׁלִָ֗ם thee O Jerusalem H3389
יְֽרוּשָׁלִָ֗ם thee O Jerusalem
Strong's: H3389
Word #: 3 of 5
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ח If I forget H7911
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ח If I forget
Strong's: H7911
Word #: 4 of 5
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
יְמִינִֽי׃ let my right hand H3225
יְמִינִֽי׃ let my right hand
Strong's: H3225
Word #: 5 of 5
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

Analysis & Commentary

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning (אִם־אֶשְׁכָּחֵךְ יְרוּשָׁלִָם תִּשְׁכַּח יְמִינִי)—A self-maledictory oath. Shakach (forget) appears twice: if the psalmist forgets Jerusalem, may his right hand forget its skill. Yemin (right hand) represents strength, ability, craftsmanship—for a musician or scribe, professional capacity. Her cunning translates one Hebrew word implying skill/craft.

This vow prioritizes covenant memory over personal success. Better to lose functional ability than lose Jerusalem-centered identity. Jesus commands similar allegiance: if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off (Matthew 5:30). Kingdom priorities demand radical subordination of everything else.

Historical Context

The oath's form follows ancient Near Eastern treaty language—invoking self-curse if covenant terms are broken. The psalmist treats Jerusalem-remembrance as covenant obligation. Second-generation exiles risked assimilation; this oath resists forgetting through liturgical repetition.

Questions for Reflection