King James Version

What Does Psalms 122:6 Mean?

Psalms 122:6 in the King James Version says “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 122 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”

Psalms 122:6 · KJV

PrayerPeaceLove

Context

4

Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.

5

For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. are: Heb. do sit

6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

7

Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.

8

For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
An exhortation to prayer follows: 'Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.' The command 'pray for' makes intercession for Jerusalem a duty of all God's people. The Hebrew 'shalom Yerushalayim' creates wordplay - 'peace of Jerusalem' echoes the city's name meaning 'foundation of peace.' True peace requires divine intervention, thus prayer is essential. The promise 'they shall prosper that love thee' connects personal flourishing to devotion to Jerusalem. Since Jerusalem represents God's presence among His people, loving Jerusalem means loving God's dwelling place and purposes. Those who prioritize God's kingdom and rejoice in His presence will experience blessing. This principle extends beyond geography - those who love God's people and purposes prosper spiritually, even if they suffer temporally.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout Israel's history, Jerusalem faced constant threats - military, political, and spiritual. Prayer for Jerusalem's peace acknowledged dependence on divine protection and blessing. In exile, faithfulness was measured partly by continued longing and prayer for Jerusalem's restoration (Psalm 137:5-6). For Christians, Jerusalem's significance transfers to the church and the heavenly city.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'pray for the peace of Jerusalem' in both Old and New Covenant contexts?
  2. How does loving Jerusalem demonstrate love for God and His purposes?
  3. Why is prosperity promised to those who love Jerusalem?
  4. In what ways should Christians pray for God's people and purposes today?
  5. How does concern for God's corporate people guard against unhealthy individualism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
שַׁ֭אֲלוּ1 of 5

“Pray”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

שְׁל֣וֹם2 of 5

“for the peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם3 of 5

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

יִ֝שְׁלָ֗יוּ4 of 5

“they shall prosper”

H7951

to be tranquil, i.e., secure or successful

אֹהֲבָֽיִךְ׃5 of 5

“that love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 122:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 122:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 51:18Genesis 12:3Jeremiah 29:7Psalms 137:6-7Numbers 24:9Jeremiah 51:50

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Psalms 122 →

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