New International Version A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. New Living Translation Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. English Standard Version Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Berean Standard Bible A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. Berean Literal Bible A Song of the Ascents. Of Solomon. If YHWH does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor on it; if YHWH does not guard the city, in vain the one guarding keeps watch. King James Bible 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. New King James Version A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. New American Standard Bible A Song of Ascents, of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds a house, They who build it labor in vain; Unless the LORD guards a city, The watchman stays awake in vain. NASB 1995 A Song of Ascents, of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. NASB 1977 Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. Legacy Standard Bible A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless Yahweh builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless Yahweh watches the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. Amplified Bible A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. Berean Annotated Bible A song of ascents. Of Solomon (peace). Unless the LORD {YHWH} builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. Christian Standard Bible A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the LORD watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain. Holman Christian Standard Bible A Solomonic song of ascents. Unless the LORD builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the LORD watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain. American Standard Version A Song of Ascents; of Solomon. Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain. Contemporary English Version Without the help of the LORD it is useless to build a home or to guard a city. English Revised Version A Song of Ascents; of 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation [A song by Solomon for going up to worship.] If the LORD does not build the house, it is useless for the builders to work on it. If the LORD does not protect a city, it is useless for the guard to stay alert. Good News Translation If the LORD does not build the house, the work of the builders is useless; if the LORD does not protect the city, it does no good for the sentries to stand guard. International Standard Version Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor uselessly. Unless the LORD guards the city, its security forces keep watch uselessly. NET Bible A song of ascents, by Solomon. If the LORD does not build a house, then those who build it work in vain. If the LORD does not guard a city, then the watchman stands guard in vain. New Heart English Bible [A Song of Ascents. By Solomon.] Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain. Webster's Bible Translation A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD shall build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD shall keep the city, the watchman waketh in vain. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleA song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. World English Bible A Song of Ascents. By Solomon. Unless Yahweh builds the house, they who build it labor in vain. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA SONG OF THE ASCENTS. BY SOLOMON. If YHWH does not build the house, "" Its builders have labored at it in vain, "" If YHWH does not watch a city, "" A watchman has awoken in vain. Berean Literal Bible A Song of the Ascents. Of Solomon. If YHWH does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor on it; if YHWH does not guard the city, in vain the one guarding keeps watch. Young's Literal Translation A Song of the Ascents, by Solomon. If Jehovah doth not build the house, In vain have its builders laboured at it, If Jehovah doth not watch a city, In vain hath a watchman waked. Smith's Literal Translation Song of ascensions to Solomon. If Jehovah shall not build the house, they building it, in it labored in vain. If Jehovah shall not watch the city, he watching, watched in vain. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleUnless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD build the house, they labor in vain who build. Unless the LORD guard the city, in vain does the guard keep watch. New Revised Standard Version Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleEXCEPT the LORD build the house, they labor in vain who build it; except the LORD keep the city, the watchmen stay awake in vain. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated If LORD JEHOVAH does not build the house, its builders labor uselessly, and if LORD JEHOVAH does not keep the city, its keepers wake up uselessly. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A Song of Ascents; of 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation A Song of Degrees. Except the Lord build the house, they that build labour in vain: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman watches in vain. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Children are a Heritage From the LORD1A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. 2In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved.… Cross References A song of ascents. Psalm 120:1 A song of ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me. Psalm 121:1 A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? Psalm 122:1 A song of ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” Of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:29-34 And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. / Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. / He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. … Proverbs 1:1 These are the proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel, Songs 1:1 This is Solomon’s Song of Songs. Unless the LORD builds the house, 2 Samuel 7:11-13 and have done since the day I appointed judges over My people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD declares to you that He Himself will establish a house for you. / And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 1 Chronicles 17:10-12 and have done since the day I appointed judges over My people Israel. And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I declare to you that the LORD will build a house for you. / And when your days are fulfilled and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for Me, and I will establish his throne forever. Hebrews 3:4 And every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. its builders labor in vain; Isaiah 49:4 But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.” Haggai 1:6 You have planted much but harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes but never get warm. You earn wages to put into a bag pierced through.” Ecclesiastes 2:11 Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun. unless the LORD protects the city, Zechariah 2:5 For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it.’” Psalm 46:4-7 There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. / God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns. / Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice. … Psalm 121:4-8 Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. / The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand. / The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. … its watchmen stand guard in vain. Isaiah 56:10-11 Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. / Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain: Treasury of Scripture Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain. A Song. Psalm 120:1 A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me. Psalm 121:1 A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. Psalm 122:1 A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. for Solomon. Psalm 72:1 A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son. The Lord Psalm 33:16-18 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength… Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Proverbs 21:30,31 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD… build 1 Chronicles 22:10,11 He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever… 1 Chronicles 28:10,20 Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it… 1 Chronicles 29:19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision. they labour 1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Galatians 4:11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. that build it. Psalm 121:3-5 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber… Isaiah 27:3 I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. Jump to Previous Ascents Awake Build Builders Building Builds City Degrees Except Guard Guards Helping House Keeper Keeps Labor Purpose Solomon Solomon&Gt Song Stand Stays Unless Vain Waketh Watch Watches Watcheth Watchman WatchmenJump to Next Ascents Awake Build Builders Building Builds City Degrees Except Guard Guards Helping House Keeper Keeps Labor Purpose Solomon Solomon&Gt Song Stand Stays Unless Vain Waketh Watch Watches Watcheth Watchman WatchmenPsalm 127 1. The virtue of God's blessing3. Good children are his gift A song of ascents. Psalm 127 belongs to Psalms 120–134, sung by Israelites traveling up to Jerusalem for the appointed feasts. Jerusalem’s elevated location made the journey an ascent, while the pilgrimage centered on worship before the LORD. Psa 120:1 A song of ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD,… Of Solomon. Solomon wrote from the experience of a king who built the temple, organized a prosperous kingdom, and possessed exceptional wisdom. Yet his accomplishments could not succeed apart from God’s favor. 1Ki 4:29-34 And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight… Unless the LORD builds the house, Whether referring to a dwelling, a household, or a lasting family line, what is established without God lacks enduring security. Solomon’s own building projects, including the temple, depended on the LORD’s provision and purpose. 2Sa 7:11-13 and have done since the day I appointed judges… its builders labor in vain; Skill, planning, and hard work have their proper place, but they cannot produce lasting results when God is excluded from the work. Isa 49:4 I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength… unless the LORD protects the city, Ancient cities relied on walls, gates, soldiers, and guards, but these defenses could not guarantee safety. Israel’s history showed that the LORD alone determined whether a city stood or fell. Zec 2:5 For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD,… its watchmen stand guard in vain. Watchmen could remain alert through the night, yet vigilance could not preserve a city if God withdrew His protection. Human responsibility remains necessary, but security ultimately rests with the LORD. Isa 56:10-11 Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious;… Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and active involvement in the lives of His people. 2. Builders Represents those who undertake projects or endeavors, symbolizing human effort and initiative. 3. House Can be understood as a literal dwelling, a family, or any endeavor or project undertaken by individuals or communities. 4. City Represents a community or society, highlighting the need for divine protection and oversight. 5. Guards Symbolizes those who provide protection and security, emphasizing human responsibility in safeguarding what is valuable. Teaching Points Dependence on GodHuman efforts are ultimately futile without God's blessing and involvement. We must seek His guidance and rely on His strength in all our endeavors. Divine Protection While human responsibility is important, true security and protection come from the LORD. We should trust in His sovereignty over our lives and communities. Partnership with God Our work and efforts should be in partnership with God, aligning our goals with His purposes and seeking His wisdom in decision-making. Foundation of Faith Building our lives on the foundation of God's word ensures stability and success, both spiritually and practically. Prayerful Planning Before undertaking any project or responsibility, we should commit our plans to the LORD, seeking His will and blessing. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 127:1?2. How does Psalm 127:1 emphasize the necessity of God's involvement in our efforts? 3. What does "unless the LORD builds the house" teach about human endeavors? 4. How can we ensure our work aligns with God's will, per Psalm 127:1? 5. What other scriptures highlight the futility of labor without God's blessing? 6. How can Psalm 127:1 guide our approach to family and community projects? 7. How does Psalm 127:1 emphasize the futility of human efforts without divine intervention? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 127:1? 9. How does Psalm 127:1 relate to the concept of divine providence? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 127? (1) House.--A house, any house, not the Temple. The thought is a general one. Even in the common labours of men, it is the Divine blessing which contributes the success. An Gottes Segen ist alles gelegen. Waketh.--Perhaps better, watcheth. The house that has been built with such toil, the city which has been planned with such skill, may suddenly fall before the midnight attack of the robber or the enemy, in spite of the strictest police, unless God's vigilant providence preserve it. Verse 1. - Except the Lord build the house; rather, a house; i.e. any house whatsoever. They labor in vain that build it. They will effect nothing - no house will be built. Except the Lord keep the city; rather, a city. The watchman waketh but in vain. Human watching is of no use unless accompanied by Divine watching. Psalm 127:1 teaches that human effort—whether building homes, nurturing families, guarding communities, or pursuing any goal—succeeds only when anchored in the LORD’s presence and power. Our calling is active dependence: work diligently, watch responsibly, and trust completely, knowing that without Him our labor is vanity, but with Him our work becomes enduring and eternally meaningful.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew A Songשִׁ֥יר (šîr) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7892: A song, singing of Ascents. הַֽמַּֽעֲל֗וֹת (ham·ma·‘ă·lō·wṯ) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 4609: Elevation, the act, the condition, a climactic progression Of Solomon. לִשְׁלֹ֫מֹ֥ה (liš·lō·mōh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne Unless אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not the LORD יְהוָ֤ה ׀ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel builds יִבְנֶ֬ה (yiḇ·neh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1129: To build the house, בַ֗יִת (ḇa·yiṯ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house its builders בוֹנָ֣יו (ḇō·w·nāw) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1129: To build labor עָמְל֣וּ (‘ā·mə·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5998: To toil, work severely and with irksomeness in בּ֑וֹ (bōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew vain; שָׁ֤וְא ׀ (šāw) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7723: Evil, idolatry, uselessness unless אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not the LORD יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel protects יִשְׁמָר־ (yiš·mār-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to the city, עִ֝֗יר (‘îr) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement its watchmen שׁוֹמֵֽר׃ (šō·w·mêr) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to stand guard שָׁקַ֬ד (šā·qaḏ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8245: To be alert, sleepless, to be on the lookout in vain. שָׁ֤וְא ׀ (šāw) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7723: Evil, idolatry, uselessness Additonal Resources Psalm 127:1 Blue Letter BiblePsalm 127:1 Bible Gateway Psalm 127:1 Bible.com Psalm 127:1 NIV |
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