Bible Strands
Psalms 133:2
It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David, author of this song of ascents, addresses the Israelite assembly regarding the condition of brothers dwelling together in unity. The verse functions as the first half of a simile illustrating that communal state.
The words — The text highlights shemen (oil) and tov (good/fine) as the substance, paired with yored (running down) and zaqan (beard) to describe the downward flow. The phrase zeqan-Aaron explicitly names Aaron’s beard and the collar of his garments as the destination of the flow.
The thread — The imagery of oil descending on a priestly head and beard directly parallels the consecration rites recorded in Leviticus 8:12 and Exodus 29:7. Exodus 30:25 is excluded from this thread because it only details the preparation of the oil, not its application to a person.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to recognize that communal harmony is not merely a social ideal but a consecrated reality mirroring priestly ordination. It directs attention to the structural connection between unified relationships and the divine blessing that follows.
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
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
Cross-references
- Leviticus 8:12 He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.
- Exodus 30:25 Prepare from these a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil.
- Exodus 29:7 Then take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.
- Proverbs 27:9 Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.
- Exodus 39:24 They made pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely spun linen on the lower hem of the robe.
- Song of Solomon 1:3 The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you.
- John 12:3 Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
- Psalms 141:5 Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.
- Exodus 28:33 Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn all the way around the lower hem, with gold bells between them,