King James Version

What Does Psalms 126:2 Mean?

Psalms 126:2 in the King James Version says “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath do...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 126 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. hath: Heb. hath magnified to do with them”

Psalms 126:2 · KJV

Context

1

A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. turned: Heb. returned the returning

2

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. hath: Heb. hath magnified to do with them

3

The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

4

Turn again our captivity , O LORD, as the streams in the south.

Read Psalms 126 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The response to restoration is described: 'Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.' The temporal 'then' connects directly to restoration (v. 1). The physical descriptions 'mouth filled with laughter' and 'tongue with singing' emphasize overflow of joy that must express itself audibly. Laughter and singing are spontaneous responses to overwhelming happiness. The verse then notes witness impact: 'among the heathen' (nations), observers acknowledged 'the LORD hath done great things.' Even pagans recognized divine intervention. The phrase 'great things' (Hebrew 'hagdil la'asot') means to act magnificently or do wonders. Restoration wasn't subtle; it was undeniably miraculous, providing witness to surrounding nations. God's acts toward His people testify to His character, potentially drawing others to Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's return from exile astonished surrounding nations. Babylon's fall to Persia and Cyrus's unprecedented decree allowing displaced peoples to return testified to divine providence. The rebuilding of Jerusalem and temple, despite opposition (Ezra, Nehemiah), demonstrated supernatural enabling. These acts provided powerful witness to God's faithfulness and power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do 'laughter' and 'singing' differ from more restrained expressions of joy? Why are both mentioned?
  2. What does it mean for mouth to be 'filled' with these responses - what does this suggest about the intensity of joy?
  3. How does God's work toward His people serve as witness to unbelievers?
  4. What 'great things' has God done in your life that have been visible to non-believers?
  5. How should awareness that others observe God's work in our lives shape our testimony?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אָ֤ז1 of 14
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יִמָּלֵ֪א2 of 14

“filled”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

שְׂח֡וֹק3 of 14

“with laughter”

H7814

laughter (in merriment or defiance)

פִּינוּ֮4 of 14

“Then was our mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וּלְשׁוֹנֵ֪נוּ5 of 14

“and our tongue”

H3956

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,

רִ֫נָּ֥ה6 of 14

“with singing”

H7440

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)

אָ֭ז7 of 14
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יֹאמְר֣וּ8 of 14

“then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בַגּוֹיִ֑ם9 of 14

“they among the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

הִגְדִּ֥יל10 of 14

“great things”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

יְ֝הוָ֗ה11 of 14

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת12 of 14

“hath done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עִם13 of 14
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֵֽלֶּה׃14 of 14
H428

these or those

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 126:2 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 126:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 8:21Zechariah 8:22-23Isaiah 35:10Psalms 71:19Psalms 106:47-48Jeremiah 33:11

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