Psalms 127:1

What does Psalms 127:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 127:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If the Lord is not helping the builders, then the building of a house is to no purpose: if the Lord does not keep the town, the watchman keeps his watch for nothing.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

A gradual canticle. Blessed are all they that fear the Lord: that walk in his ways.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Unless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it; unless Jehovah keep the city, the keeper watcheth in vain:

Context

v.1This passage

v.2It is vain for you to rise up early, To take rest late, To eat the bread of toil; Forso he giveth unto his beloved sleep.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 56:10

    His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber.

  • Psalms 122:1

    I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go unto the house of Jehovah.

  • Proverbs 16:9

    A man’s heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps.

  • Proverbs 21:30

    There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah.

  • Jeremiah 51:31

    One post shall run to meet another, and one messenger to meet another, to show the king of Babylon that his city is taken on every quarter:

  • Psalms 121:3

    He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber.

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