King James Version

What Does Psalms 126:6 Mean?

Psalms 126:6 in the King James Version says “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 126 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. precious: or, seed basket”

Psalms 126:6 · KJV

Context

4

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

5

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. joy: or, singing

6

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. precious: or, seed basket

Read Psalms 126 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sowing-reaping principle is expanded with parallel imagery: 'He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.' The verse personalizes the principle ('he that goeth') while maintaining universal application. 'Goeth forth' emphasizes intentional action - going out to sow despite circumstances. 'Weepeth' intensifies the tears imagery (v. 5), suggesting profound sorrow accompanying the work. 'Bearing precious seed' highlights sacrifice - seed grain was valuable, and sowing required faith that multiplication would follow. The promise 'shall doubtless come again' provides certainty of return. 'Doubtless' (Hebrew 'bo yabo' - infinitive absolute) expresses emphatic certainty - coming will definitely happen. The result 'with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves' pictures the joyful farmer carrying abundant harvest - joy replaces weeping, abundance replaces scarcity, sheaves (harvested grain) validate the faith that sowed precious seed. This ending assures that God rewards faithful labor despite present tears.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Agricultural imagery would resonate powerfully with ancient agrarian society where survival depended on successful harvests. The cycle of planting and harvest required faith - giving up precious seed in hope of future multiplication. This provided perfect metaphor for spiritual realities where present sacrifice produces future blessing. The principle assured post-exilic community that rebuilding efforts, though tearful, would yield joyful results.

Reflection Questions

  1. What makes seed 'precious,' and why is this detail significant to the metaphor?
  2. How does the certainty ('doubtless') of return and rejoicing encourage those currently weeping?
  3. What spiritual activities constitute 'bearing precious seed' that we expect to produce harvest?
  4. How does this verse apply to Christian suffering and labor that seems unproductive?
  5. In what ways does faith bridge the gap between present weeping and future rejoicing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
הָ֘ל֤וֹךְ1 of 11

“forth”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

יֵלֵ֨ךְ׀2 of 11

“He that goeth”

H3212

to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)

וּבָכֹה֮3 of 11

“and weepeth”

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

נֹ֝שֵׂ֗א4 of 11

“bearing”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מֶֽשֶׁךְ5 of 11

“precious”

H4901

a sowing; also a possession

הַ֫זָּ֥רַע6 of 11

“seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

יָבֹ֥א7 of 11

“come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יָבֹ֥א8 of 11

“come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְרִנָּ֑ה9 of 11

“again with rejoicing”

H7440

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

נֹ֝שֵׂ֗א10 of 11

“bearing”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֲלֻמֹּתָֽיו׃11 of 11

“his sheaves”

H485

something bound; a sheaf

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 126:6 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 126:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 6:7-8Isaiah 9:2-3Psalms 30:5Isaiah 61:3Job 11:13-17Revelation 7:15-17

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 126 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 126 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes