Psalms 133:1
What does Psalms 133:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 133:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 133:1 means
Psalm 133:1 celebrates the profound blessing of unity among God's people. The psalmist highlights the "good" and "pleasant" nature of this communal harmony, using imagery that evokes beauty and satisfaction. The phrase "brothers to live together in unity" emphasizes a close, family-like bond, suggesting a shared faith and purpose. This unity is not merely the absence of conflict but an active, joyful togetherness that brings spiritual and social benefits. It speaks to a state of peace and mutual support that is deeply pleasing to God and beneficial for those who experience it, reflecting a God-ordained ideal for His community.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
KJV
King James Version · 1611Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949See how good and how pleasing it is for brothers to be living together in harmony!
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A Song of the Ascents, by David. Lo, how good and how pleasant The dwelling of brethren--even together!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A gradual canticle. Behold now bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord: Who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Context
Psalm 133 is a short "Song of Ascents," likely sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. This opening verse immediately sets the theme for the entire psalm, which is devoted to extolling the virtues of unity. The psalmist, traditionally attributed to David, addresses the community directly, urging them to observe and appreciate this harmonious state. The subsequent verses develop this idea further by employing vivid similes of anointing oil and dew, connecting unity to blessings and life, flowing from the head down to the whole body and land. Thus, verse 1 introduces the central concept that the rest of the chapter then illustrates and reinforces with which it concludes, forming a cohesive message about the beauty and fruitfulness of communal accord.
v.1This passage
v.2It is like the precious oil upon the head, That ran down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard; That came down upon the skirt of his garments;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 13:8
And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we are brethren.
- 1 Corinthians 1:10
Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
- Jeremiah 32:39
and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:
- Hebrews 13:1
Let love of the brethren continue.
- 2 Samuel 2:26
Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?
- 1 Peter 3:8
Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded:
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