King James Version
Psalms 128
6 verses with commentary
Blessed Is Everyone Who Fears the Lord
A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalm begins with blessing pronounced on the God-fearing: 'Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.' The word 'blessed' (Hebrew 'ashrei') denotes happiness, contentment, and flourishing - true well-being. The universal 'every one' makes this promise available to all who meet the condition. 'Feareth the LORD' describes reverential awe, not terror - appropriate respe...
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**5. voice ... groaning--**effect put for cause, my agony emaciates me.
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
The nature of blessing is specified: 'For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.' The word 'for' explains the blessing announced in verse 1. The phrase 'eat the labour of thine hands' promises that honest work will produce fruit one can enjoy. This blessing includes both productive labor and ability to enjoy its results - neither is guarantee...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **For thou.**—The Hebrew by the position of the particle is more emphatic:
“For it is the labour of thine hands thou shalt eat.”
(See Note, Psalm 116:10.) This picture of a successful and peaceful husbandry, which itself throws a whole flood of light on the condition of Palestine and of the people, now not nomadic but agricultural, is rendered still more emphatic by references to the numerous ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-7. The figures express extreme loneliness.
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
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KJV Study Commentary
Domestic blessing is described: 'Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house; thy children like olive plants round about thy table.' The imagery draws from agriculture - vine and olive plants were crucial to Israelite economy and symbolized abundance. Comparing wife to 'fruitful vine' emphasizes fertility, productivity, and life-giving qualities. Vines require care but produce...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **By the sides**—No doubt the *inner part *of the house is meant (see Psalm 48:2)—the *gynecœum *or woman’s quarter—or perhaps the sides of the inner court or quadrangle. This is no more out of keeping with the figure of the *vine *than the table is with that of olive plants. Though the Hebrews had not yet developed the fatal habit of secluding their women, as later Orientals have done, still ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-7. The figures express extreme loneliness.
Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
The blessing is confirmed with certainty: 'Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.' The word 'behold' calls attention to what has been described - commanding notice and reflection. The phrase 'that thus' points back to verses 2-3, summarizing the blessings enumerated. The affirmation 'shall the man be blessed' restates the opening (v. 1) with emphasis - this is certain, n...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Behold, that.**—Better, *Look! for thus, *&c. The poet calls attention to the charming picture he has drawn of domestic bliss and then points his moral.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. sworn against me--**or literally, "by me," wishing others as miserable as I am (Nu 5:21).
The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
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KJV Study Commentary
The blessing extends beyond personal to communal: 'The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.' The phrase 'out of Zion' connects personal blessing to God's presence in the temple/Jerusalem. Zion represents where God dwells among His people; blessing flows from God's presence and covenant relationship. Personal flourishing (vv. 2-3) is ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Shall . . .** **shalt.**—Here and in the next verse the optative is plainly required: “May Jehovah,” “mayst thou see,” &c. The patriotic sentiment could not wait long for expression in such a psalm. No people ever perceived more strongly than the Jews the connection between the welfare of the state and that of the family.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. ashes--**a figure of grief, my bread; weeping or tears, my drink (Psa 80:5).
Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalm concludes with multi-generational blessing: 'Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.' The word 'yea' adds emphasis, building on verse 5. The phrase 'see thy children's children' promises longevity and generational continuity - living long enough to know grandchildren was considered great blessing (Genesis 50:23; Job 42:16; Proverbs 17:6). This extends the fami...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Children’s children.**—Dr. Perowne illustrates from Virgil: “adspicies **. . .** natos natorum et qui nascentur ab illis.” (Comp. Zechariah 8:4-5.)
**And peace . . .**—The conjunction spoils the passage. The psalm concludes with the prayer, “Peace upon Israel.” (Comp. Psalm 125:5.)
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. lifted ... cast me down--**or, "cast me away" as stubble by a whirlwind (Is 64:6).