Psalms 137:6

Authorized King James Version

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If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

Original Language Analysis

תִּדְבַּ֥ק cleave H1692
תִּדְבַּ֥ק cleave
Strong's: H1692
Word #: 1 of 14
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
לְשׁוֹנִ֨י׀ thee let my tongue H3956
לְשׁוֹנִ֨י׀ thee let my tongue
Strong's: H3956
Word #: 2 of 14
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
לְחִכִּי֮ to the roof of my mouth H2441
לְחִכִּי֮ to the roof of my mouth
Strong's: H2441
Word #: 3 of 14
properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing)
אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 4 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֪א H3808
לֹ֪א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶ֫זְכְּרֵ֥כִי If I do not remember H2142
אֶ֫זְכְּרֵ֥כִי If I do not remember
Strong's: H2142
Word #: 6 of 14
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 7 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אַ֭עֲלֶה if I prefer H5927
אַ֭עֲלֶה if I prefer
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 9 of 14
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 10 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֑ם not Jerusalem H3389
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֑ם not Jerusalem
Strong's: H3389
Word #: 11 of 14
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
עַ֝֗ל H5921
עַ֝֗ל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 12 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹ֣אשׁ above my chief H7218
רֹ֣אשׁ above my chief
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 13 of 14
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
שִׂמְחָתִֽי׃ joy H8057
שִׂמְחָתִֽי׃ joy
Strong's: H8057
Word #: 14 of 14
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

Analysis & Commentary

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth (תִּדְבַּק־לְשׁוֹנִי לְחִכִּי אִם־לֹא אֶזְכְּרֵכִי)—Davaq (cling/cleave/stick) describes the tongue adhering to the palate, making speech impossible. The musician who won't sing Zion's songs improperly may he lose the capacity to sing at all. If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy (אִם־לֹא אַעֲלֶה אֶת־יְרוּשָׁלִַם עַל רֹאשׁ שִׂמְחָתִי)—alah (exalt/lift up) Jerusalem above rosh simchati (head/summit of my joy).

The progression intensifies: first the right hand (v. 5), now the tongue—instruments of worship and witness silenced if covenant memory dims. This models the priority hierarchy believers must maintain: Christ and His kingdom above all earthly joys (Philippians 3:7-8).

Historical Context

Liturgical memory sustained Jewish identity through diaspora. Daily prayers toward Jerusalem, Passover's 'Next year in Jerusalem,' and Torah study kept covenant consciousness alive across generations. This verse became a watchword for refusing assimilation into pagan cultures.

Questions for Reflection