King James Version

What Does Psalms 127:1 Mean?

Psalms 127:1 in the King James Version says “A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep ... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 127 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. for: or, of Solomon that: Heb. that are builders of it in it

Psalms 127:1 · KJV


Context

1

A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. for: or, of Solomon that: Heb. that are builders of it in it

2

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

3

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Solomon's wisdom psalm establishes divine sovereignty over human endeavors through parallel declarations: God must build the house, God must keep the city, or human labor is 'vain' (shav—empty, worthless). This isn't a call to passivity but recognition that apart from God's blessing, even diligent work proves futile (John 15:5). The verse applies to literal construction, family building (verses 3-5), and all human enterprises. It echoes the foundational truth that 'in him we live, and move, and have our being' (Acts 17:28) and anticipates Christ's teaching about abiding in the vine for fruitfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This 'Song of Ascents' (sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for feasts) attributed to Solomon likely reflects on the temple construction. Solomon learned through experience that wisdom, wealth, and labor apart from God lead to emptiness (Ecclesiastes 2:11). The verse became proverbial in Israel's wisdom tradition.

Reflection Questions

  1. What projects or relationships are you laboring in that need to be surrendered to God as the true builder?
  2. How do you balance diligent work with trust in God's sovereign enablement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אִם1 of 17
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יְהוָ֥ה2 of 17

Except the LORD

H3068

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

לֹא3 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

בוֹנָ֣יו4 of 17

build

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בַ֗יִת5 of 17

the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

שָׁ֤וְא׀6 of 17

but in vain

H7723

evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object

עָמְל֣וּ7 of 17

they labour

H5998

to toil, i.e., work severely and with irksomeness

בוֹנָ֣יו8 of 17

build

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בּ֑וֹ9 of 17
H0
אִם10 of 17
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יְהוָ֥ה11 of 17

Except the LORD

H3068

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

לֹֽא12 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שׁוֹמֵֽר׃13 of 17

keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

עִ֝֗יר14 of 17

the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

שָׁ֤וְא׀15 of 17

but in vain

H7723

evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object

שָׁקַ֬ד16 of 17

waketh

H8245

to be alert, i.e., sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill)

שׁוֹמֵֽר׃17 of 17

keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc


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 127:1 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 127:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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