King James Version

What Does Psalms 137:3 Mean?

Psalms 137:3 in the King James Version says “For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song ; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 137 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song ; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. a song: Heb. the words of a song wasted: Heb. laid us on heaps”

Psalms 137:3 · KJV

Context

1

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

2

We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.

3

For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song ; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. a song: Heb. the words of a song wasted: Heb. laid us on heaps

4

How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land? strange: Heb. land of a stranger?

5

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.

Read Psalms 137 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song (כִּי שָׁם שְׁאֵלוּנוּ שׁוֹבֵינוּ דִּבְרֵי־שִׁיר)—The captors demand entertainment from captives. Shovenu (those who took us captive) becomes shoalunu (asked/required of us)—forced performance. And they that wasted us required of us mirth (וְתוֹלָלֵינוּ שִׂמְחָה)—tolalenu (those who devastated us) demand simchah (joy/gladness), adding cruelty to conquest.

Sing us one of the songs of Zion (שִׁירוּ לָנוּ מִשִּׁיר צִיּוֹן)—Sacred music reduced to exotic novelty. This echoes modern secularization: biblical imagery co-opted for entertainment while rejecting biblical authority. The request itself blasphemes by divorcing form from substance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian propaganda strategy included cultural displays of conquered peoples to demonstrate imperial power. Requiring worship songs from those whose temple they destroyed added psychological humiliation to physical captivity—forced performance of faith as entertainment for destroyers.

Reflection Questions

  1. When has the world demanded you perform 'Christian joy' while mocking Christian truth?
  2. How do you resist co-option of sacred things into secular entertainment?
  3. What songs of faith can only be sung in freedom—and which testify even in captivity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כִּ֤י1 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁ֨ם2 of 12
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

שְֽׁאֵל֪וּנוּ3 of 12

“required”

H7592

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

שׁוֹבֵ֡ינוּ4 of 12

“For there they that carried us away captive”

H7617

to transport into captivity

דִּבְרֵי5 of 12

“of us a song”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

מִשִּׁ֥יר6 of 12

“us one of the songs”

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

וְתוֹלָלֵ֣ינוּ7 of 12

“and they that wasted”

H8437

causing to howl, i.e., an oppressor

שִׂמְחָ֑ה8 of 12

“us required of us mirth”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

שִׁ֥ירוּ9 of 12

“saying Sing”

H7891

to sing

לָ֝֗נוּ10 of 12
H0
מִשִּׁ֥יר11 of 12

“us one of the songs”

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

צִיּֽוֹן׃12 of 12

“of Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

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 137:3 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 137:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 21:6Lamentations 2:15-16Micah 3:12Psalms 9:14Psalms 80:6Psalms 79:1

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Psalms 137 →

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