King James Version

What Does Psalms 137:6 Mean?

Psalms 137:6 in the King James Version says “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. m... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 137 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 137:6 · KJV


Context

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.

6

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

7

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

8

O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. destroyed: Heb. wasted rewardeth: Heb. recompenseth unto thee thy deed which thou didst to us


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth (תִּדְבַּק־לְשׁוֹנִי לְחִכִּי אִם־לֹא אֶזְכְּרֵכִי)—Davaq (cling/cleave/stick) describes the tongue adhering to the palate, making speech impossible. The musician who won't sing Zion's songs improperly may he lose the capacity to sing at all. If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy (אִם־לֹא אַעֲלֶה אֶת־יְרוּשָׁלִַם עַל רֹאשׁ שִׂמְחָתִי)—alah (exalt/lift up) Jerusalem above rosh simchati (head/summit of my joy).

The progression intensifies: first the right hand (v. 5), now the tongue—instruments of worship and witness silenced if covenant memory dims. This models the priority hierarchy believers must maintain: Christ and His kingdom above all earthly joys (Philippians 3:7-8).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Liturgical memory sustained Jewish identity through diaspora. Daily prayers toward Jerusalem, Passover's 'Next year in Jerusalem,' and Torah study kept covenant consciousness alive across generations. This verse became a watchword for refusing assimilation into pagan cultures.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would it cost you if God silenced your voice for preferring lesser joys over His kingdom?
  2. How do you measure whether Christ remains your 'chief joy' amid life's legitimate pleasures?
  3. What liturgical practices keep covenant memory alive when circumstances pressure you to forget?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
תִּדְבַּ֥ק1 of 14

cleave

H1692

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

לְשׁוֹנִ֨י׀2 of 14

thee let my 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,

לְחִכִּי֮3 of 14

to the roof of my mouth

H2441

properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing)

אִם4 of 14
H518

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

לֹ֪א5 of 14
H3808

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

אֶ֫זְכְּרֵ֥כִי6 of 14

If I do not remember

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אִם7 of 14
H518

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

לֹ֣א8 of 14
H3808

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

אַ֭עֲלֶה9 of 14

if I prefer

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶת10 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֑ם11 of 14

not Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

עַ֝֗ל12 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹ֣אשׁ13 of 14

above my chief

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

שִׂמְחָתִֽי׃14 of 14

joy

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)


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 137:6 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 137:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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