Psalms 120:5
Psalms 120:5 in Multiple Translations
Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar!
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech, That I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Sorrow is mine because I am strange in Meshech, and living in the tents of Kedar.
I'm sorry for myself, because I live as a foreigner in Meshech, or among the tent-dwellers of Kedar.
Woe is to me that I remaine in Meschech, and dwell in the tentes of Kedar.
Woe to me, for I have inhabited Mesech, I have dwelt with tents of Kedar.
Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
The Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is thy protection upon thy right hand.
It is terrible for me, living among cruel/savage [DOU] people like those who live in Meshech region and Kedar region.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 120:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 120:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֽוֹיָה
לִ֭/י
כִּי
גַ֣רְתִּי
מֶ֑שֶׁךְ
שָׁ֝כַ֗נְתִּי
עִֽם
אָהֳלֵ֥י
קֵדָֽר
אֽוֹיָה
ʼôwyâh
H190
woe!
Part
לִ֭/י
Prep | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
גַ֣רְתִּי
gûwr
H1481
to sojourn
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
מֶ֑שֶׁךְ
Meshek
H4902
Meshech
N-proper
שָׁ֝כַ֗נְתִּי
shâkan
H7931
to dwell
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
עִֽם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
אָהֳלֵ֥י
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-mp
קֵדָֽר
Qêdâr
H6938
Kedar
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 120:5
אֽוֹיָה
ʼôwyâh
H190
"woe!"
Part
A cry of lament, as in Isaiah 6:5 where the prophet cries 'woe' at his own sinfulness.
Definition: woe!
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: woe. See also: Psalms 120:5.
לִ֭/י
""
Prep | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
גַ֣רְתִּי
gûwr
H1481
"to sojourn"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.
Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.
מֶ֑שֶׁךְ
Meshek
H4902
"Meshech"
N-proper
Meshech was a son of Japheth and the ancestor of a people group, first mentioned in Genesis 10:23. They lived in the north of Israel and are often referenced in the Bible. Meshech means drawing out.
Definition: A man of the Syrians living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.23; son of: Aram (H0758); brother of: Uz (H5780), Hul (H2343) and Gether (H1666); also called Meshech at 1Ch.1.17; Another name of mash (מַשׁ "Mash" H4851) § Mesech or Meshech = "drawing out" 1) son of Japheth, grandson of Noah, and progenitor of peoples to the north of Israel 1a) descendants of Mesech often mentioned in connection with Tubal, Magog, and other northern nations including the Moschi, a people on the borders of Colchis and Armenia
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Mesech, Meshech. See also: Genesis 10:2; Ezekiel 27:13; Psalms 120:5.
שָׁ֝כַ֗נְתִּי
shâkan
H7931
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
עִֽם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
אָהֳלֵ֥י
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
קֵדָֽר
Qêdâr
H6938
"Kedar"
N-proper
Kedar was a son of Ishmael and the name also refers to his descendants, who were Bedouin people. The name Kedar means dark, and his story is found in Genesis 25:13.
Definition: A man of the Arabs living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.13; son of: Ishmael (H3458); brother of: Nebaioth (H5032), Adbeel (H0110), Mibsam (H4017), Mishma (H4927), Dumah (H1746), Massa (H4854), Hadad (H2301), Tema (H8485), Jetur (H3195), Naphish (H5305), Kedemah (H6929) and Mahalath (H4258) § Kedar = "dark" 1) a son of Ishmael n pr people 2) the descendants of Kedar
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Kedar. See also: Genesis 25:13; Isaiah 21:17; Psalms 120:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 120:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 120:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 120:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 120:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 120:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 120:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 120:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 120:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 120:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 120:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 120:5
- Sermons on Psalms 120:5
Context — In My Distress I Cried to the LORD
3What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue?
4Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!
5Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar!
6Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace. 7I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 10:2 | The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. |
| 2 | Genesis 25:13 | These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, |
| 3 | Ezekiel 27:13 | Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants. They exchanged slaves and bronze utensils for your merchandise. |
| 4 | Song of Solomon 1:5 | I am dark, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 39:1 | “As for you, O son of man, prophesy against Gog and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 38:2–3 | “Son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. |
| 7 | Isaiah 60:6–7 | Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 9:2–3 | If only I had a traveler’s lodge in the wilderness, I would abandon my people and depart from them, for they are all adulterers, a crowd of faithless people. “They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. |
| 9 | 2 Peter 2:7–8 | and if He rescued Lot, a righteous man distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— |
| 10 | Revelation 2:13 | I know where you live, where the throne of Satan sits. Yet you have held fast to My name and have not denied your faith in Me, even in the day when My faithful witness Antipas was killed among you, where Satan dwells. |
Psalms 120:5 Summary
This verse is saying that the person writing it is very sad because they have to live among people who do not love or follow God, like the people of Meshech and Kedar. It's like being in a place where you feel like you don't fit in, and it's hard to stay strong in your faith when everyone around you is against you, as seen in Psalms 1:1. The psalmist is expressing his feelings of sadness and frustration, but he is also trusting in God to help him through this difficult time, just like it says in Psalms 37:3-4, to trust in God and do good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Meshech and Kedar in Psalms 120:5?
Meshech and Kedar were nations known for their hostility towards God's people, as seen in Ezekiel 27:13 and Ezekiel 38:3, which makes the speaker's dwelling among them a source of sorrow and woe.
Why does the psalmist lament dwelling in Meshech and among the tents of Kedar?
The psalmist laments because these nations were not followers of God, and being surrounded by them made it difficult for him to stay faithful, as mentioned in Psalms 1:1, where walking in the counsel of the wicked is warned against.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Psalms 120?
This verse is part of a larger lament by the psalmist about being surrounded by enemies and deceitful people, as seen in Psalms 120:3-4, and his desire for peace, as expressed in Psalms 120:6-7.
What is the emotional tone of Psalms 120:5?
The emotional tone is one of sadness and distress, as the psalmist feels trapped and sorrowful about his circumstances, similar to the feelings expressed in Psalms 42:5, where the psalmist is downcast and disturbed.
Reflection Questions
- How do you feel when you are surrounded by people who do not share your values or faith, and what can you learn from the psalmist's experience?
- In what ways can you identify with the psalmist's longing for a more peaceful and supportive environment, and how can you find comfort in God's presence?
- What are some ways you can stay faithful to God when you are in a situation where you feel like an outsider or are surrounded by unbelievers, and what scriptures can you turn to for encouragement?
- How can you use the psalmist's lament as a model for expressing your own feelings and concerns to God, and what can you learn from his example of honesty and trust?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 120:5
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech,.... Meshech was a son of Japheth, Genesis 10:2; whose posterity are thought by some to be the Muscovites (z) and Scythians, a barbarous sort of people: Mesech is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 120:5
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar! Woe is me that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar! "Mesech" - i:e., the Moschi, in the regions of Iberia, Armenia, and Colchis.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 120:5
Mesech and Kedar are two sorts of people, oft mentioned in Scripture, and reckoned amongst the heathen and barbarous nations. But their nurses are not here to be understood properly, (for we do not read that either David or the Israelites in the Babylonish captivity dwelt in their lands,) but only metaphorically, as the ungodly Israelites are called Sodom and Gomorrah, , and Amorites and Hittithes, ,45, and as in common speech among us, men of an evil character are called Turks or Jews. And so he explains himself in the next verse by this description of them, him or them that hated peace, although David sought peace with them, . And so he speaks either, 1. Of the Philistines, among whom he sojourned for a time. But he did not seek peace with them, but sought their ruin, as the event showed; nor did they wage war against him, whilst he lived peaceably among them. Or rather, 2. The courtiers and soldiers of Saul, and the generality of the Israelites, who, to curry favour with Saul, sought David’ s ruin, and that many times by treachery and pretences of friendship; of which he oft complains in this book; whom as he elsewhere calls heathen, as 59:5, it is not strange if he compares them here to the savage Arabians. And amongst such persons David was oft forced to sojourn in Saul’ s time, and with them he sought peace by all ways possible; but they hated peace, and the more he pursued peace, the more eagerly did they prosecute the war, as it here follows.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 120:5
Psalms 120:5 Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, [that] I dwell in the tents of Kedar!Ver. 5. Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech] That is, in Muscovio, say some; in Hetruria, say others; in Cappadocia rather, Magog’ s country, Ezekiel 38:2-3; anywhere out of the bosom of the true Church; or (as some sense it) in the Church, but among Israelites worse than any Ishmaelites or Pagans. That I dwell in the tents of Kedar!] With Kedarens or Saracens, as they were afterwards called. Among these David was in danger ne cum lupis ululando tandem et ipse ex ove lupus evaderet. Guilt or grief a good man is sure to get by being in bad company, which maketh him cry, "Oh that I had the wings of a dove," &c.; or if that "Oh" will not set him at liberty, then he taketh up this, "Woe is me," to express his misery. Pia vero est illa tristitia, et si dici potest beata miseria, vitis alienis tribulari, non implicari; dolere contrahi, amore non attrahi, saith Austin. It is hard and happy not to comply with ill company.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 120:5
(5) Mesech.—This name is generally identified with Moschi, mentioned by Herodotus (iii. 94), a tribe on the borders of Colchis and Armenia. It appears again in the prophet Ezekiel 27:13; Ezekiel 38:3; Ezekiel 39:1. The only reason for suspecting the accuracy of this identification is the remoteness from Kedar, who were a nomad tribe of Arabia. (See Genesis 25:13; Son 1:5.) But in the absence of any other indication of the motive for the mention of these tribes here, this very remoteness affords a sufficiently plausible one; or they may be types of savage life, selected the one from the north, and the other from the south, as poetry dictated. It is quite possible that the circumstances amid which the poet wrote made it necessary for him to veil in this way his allusion to powerful tribes, from whose violence the nation was suffering. At all events, the two concluding verses leave no doubt that some troubled state of affairs, in which the choice of courses was not easy, and affecting the whole nation. not an individual, is here presented.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 120:5
Verse 5. That I sojourn in Mesech] The Chaldee has it, "Wo is me that I am a stranger with the Asiatics, (אוסאי useey,) and that I dwell in the tents of the Arabs." Calmet, who understands the Psalm as speaking of the state of the captives in Babylon and its provinces, says, "Meshec was apparently the father of the Mosquians, who dwelt in the mountains that separate Iberia from Armenia, and both from Colchis. These provinces were subjugated by Nebuchadnezzar; and it is evident from 2Kg 17:23-24; 2Kg 18:11; 2Kg 19:12-13, that many of the Jews were held in captivity in those countries. As to Kedar, it extended into Arabia Petraea, and towards the Euphrates; and is the country afterwards known as the country of the Saracens."
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 120:5
5–7. The Psalmist laments that he is compelled to live among neighbours who are as hostile as rude barbarians.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 120:5
Woe is me - My lot is a sad and pitiable one, that I am compelled to live in this manner, and to be exposed thus to malignant reproaches. It is like living in Mesech or in Kedar.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 120:5
5. Mesech… Kedar—The Septuagint and Vulgate, following the radical sense of the word, render “Mesech” by prolonged: “Woe is me that my sojourning is prolonged.” But the word is to be taken as a
Sermons on Psalms 120:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Psalm 120 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on Psalm 120, highlighting the distress caused by slander and the soul's refuge in prayer. He emphasizes that tribulation is inevitable for believers, but prayer |
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2 Peter 2:8 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the plight of the righteous man, Lot, who lived among the wicked in Sodom, illustrating the sorrow and grief that can accompany such a situation. He highlights |
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They Were Not Carried to Heaven on Beds of Ease! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of living a godly life amidst an ungodly world, urging Christians not to lament their circumstances but to glorify God through their struggle |
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Death Is a Change of Company by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for a believer, death signifies a transition to a better existence, where they leave behind the company of the wicked and enter into the presence of a |
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Middle-Eastern Alliance by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson delves into the prophecy of Ezekiel 38, identifying nations forming a military alliance under Gog's leadership. The sermon explores the debated identities of nation |
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The Beginnings of the Nations by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord preaches about the genealogies of the nations from the descendants of Noah's sons - Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The sermon explores the beginnings of creation, the cre |
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On the Lord's Announcement of Gentile Judgments. by William Kelly | William Kelly delves into the prophecies regarding the Second Coming and Kingdom of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, referencing Luke 21:25-27, Matthew 24:37-41, and Matthew 25:31 |