Bible Strands
Psalms 127:1
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 Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Attributed to Solomon, part of the Songs of Ascents sung on the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The speaker addresses the congregation or reader, framing human effort against divine sovereignty.
The words — שָׁוְא (shav') appears twice, meaning "vanity" or "emptiness," sharing its root with שַׁבָּת (Shabbat, rest). The verb בָּנָה (banah, "to build") is also the noun בּוֹנָי (bonay, "builders"), a deliberate wordplay binding the action to its agents.
The thread — Proverbs 16:9 and 21:30 place human planning and counsel under God's determination. 1 Corinthians 3:7 applies the same logic to the church: neither planter nor waterer is anything apart from God who gives growth.
Why it lands — It does not forbid labor; the builders still build and the watchmen still stand guard. It asks the reader to locate the source of success outside themselves, so that effort is not mistaken for guarantee.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
- 1 Corinthians 3:7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
- Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
- 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
- Psalms 33:16 No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength.
- Psalms 121:3 He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
- Psalms 124:1 A song of ascents. Of David. If the LORD had not been on our side—let Israel now declare—
- 1 Chronicles 28:10 Consider now that the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it.”
- Isaiah 62:6 On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves,
- 1 Chronicles 28:20 David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.