Bible Strands
Psalms 128:5
May the LORD bless you from Zion, that you may see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses a man who fears the Lord, extending a concluding benediction for his household and longevity. The utterance follows the description of the fearer's blessed domestic life and precedes the promise of generational continuity.
The words — The phrase יְבָרֶכְ/ךָ֥ (ye.va.rekh./Kha) literally renders "may he bless you," paired with מִ/צִּ֫יּ֥וֹן (mi./Tzi.Yon) meaning "from Zion." These terms anchor the blessing in the divine presence located at the temple mount.
The thread — This blessing from Zion echoes Psalms 20:2 and 134:3, where divine help and blessing are similarly dispatched from the sanctuary. The motif of seeing Jerusalem's prosperity also parallels the peace declaration upon Israel in the immediate context of Psalms 128:6.
Why it lands — The verse demands a focus on sustained, earthly observation of God's provision rather than abstract spiritualization. It requires the reader to value long, watchful days of tangible blessing as a direct result of fearing the Lord.
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
The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
Cross-references
- Psalms 20:2 May He send you help from the sanctuary and sustain you from Zion.
- Psalms 134:3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.
- Psalms 118:26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.
- Psalms 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper.
- Isaiah 33:20 Look upon Zion, the city of our appointed feasts. Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful pasture, a tent that does not wander; its tent pegs will not be pulled up, nor will any of its cords be broken.
- Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.
- Isaiah 2:3 And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
- Psalms 135:21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion—He who dwells in Jerusalem. Hallelujah!