King James Version
Psalms 137:5 in the King James Version says “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 137 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.”
Psalms 137:5 · KJV
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
How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land? strange: Heb. land of a stranger?
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. my chief: Heb. the head of my joy
Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof. Rase it: Heb. Make bare
KJV Study — Public Domain
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
“If I forget”
H7911to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
“If I forget”
H7911to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
“let my right hand”
H3225the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
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.
Psalms 137:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Psalms 137:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge