Psalms 123:1

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Psalms 123:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.

King James Version KJV

Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.

American Standard Version ASV

Unto thee do I lift up mine eyes, O thou that sittest in the heavens.

Bible in Basic English BBE

To you my eyes are lifted up, even to you whose seat is in the heavens.

Free Bible Version FBV

I look up to you, the one who rules from heaven.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

A song of degrees. I lift vp mine eyes to thee, that dwellest in the heauens.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

A Song of the Ascents. Unto Thee I have lifted up mine eyes, O dweller in the heavens.

World English Bible WEB

I lift up my eyes to you, you who sit in the heavens.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

A Song of degrees. To thee I raise my eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

If it had not been that the Lord was with us, let Israel now say:

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh, I look up toward you, up to heaven, from where you rule.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 123:1

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 123:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB שִׁ֗יר הַֽ/מַּ֫עֲל֥וֹת אֵ֭לֶי/ךָ נָשָׂ֣אתִי אֶת עֵינַ֑/י הַ֝/יֹּשְׁבִ֗י בַּ/שָּׁמָֽיִם

שִׁ֗יר shîyr H7892 song N-cs

הַֽ/מַּ֫עֲל֥וֹת maʻălâh H4609 thought Art | N-fp

אֵ֭לֶי/ךָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

נָשָׂ֣אתִי nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal-Perf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עֵינַ֑/י ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff

הַ֝/יֹּשְׁבִ֗י yâshab H3427 to dwell Art | V-Qal

בַּ/שָּׁמָֽיִם shâmayim H8064 heaven Prep | N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 123:1

שִׁ֗יר shîyr H7892 "song" N-cs

This word refers to a song or singing, and it is used in the Bible to describe musical expressions of praise and worship, like the songs of David in the book of Psalms. It can also be used to describe a specific song or ode.

Definition: 1) song 1a) lyric song 1b) religious song 1c) song of Levitical choirs Also means: shi.rah (שִׁירָה "song" H7892B)

Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: musical(-ick), [idiom] sing(-er, -ing), song. See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 76:1; Psalms 18:1.

הַֽ/מַּ֫עֲל֥וֹת maʻălâh H4609 "thought" Art | N-fp

Represents a step or journey upward, like the steps of a stair or a song of ascent, as in Psalm 120-134, which are songs the Israelites sang while traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. It symbolizes spiritual ascent.

Definition: what comes up, thoughts

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story. See also: Exodus 20:26; Psalms 126:1; Psalms 120:1.

אֵ֭לֶי/ךָ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

נָשָׂ֣אתִי nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

עֵינַ֑/י ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

הַ֝/יֹּשְׁבִ֗י yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Art | V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

בַּ/שָּׁמָֽיִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Prep | N-mp

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

Study Notes — Psalms 123:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 123:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 123:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 123:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 123:1
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 123:1
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 123:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 123:1
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 123:1
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 123:1
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 123:1
Sermons on Psalms 123:1

Context — I Lift Up My Eyes to You

1I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.

2As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on the LORD our God until He shows us mercy. 3Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 121:1	I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
2	Psalms 141:8	But my eyes are fixed on You, O GOD the Lord. In You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless.
3	Psalms 25:15	My eyes are always on the LORD, for He will free my feet from the mesh.
4	Psalms 2:4	The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them.
5	Luke 18:13	But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’
6	Matthew 6:9	So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
7	Psalms 11:4	The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.
8	Psalms 120:1	In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me.
9	Psalms 132:1	O LORD, remember on behalf of David all the hardships he endured,
10	Isaiah 57:15	For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.

Psalms 123:1 Summary

This verse means that when we're feeling overwhelmed or struggling, we can look up to God in heaven for help and comfort. It's like looking to a loving parent or guardian who cares about us and wants to help us. Just like we might look to someone we trust on earth for guidance and support, we can look to God in heaven, who is all-powerful and all-loving, as seen in Psalms 121:1-2 and Jeremiah 29:11. By lifting up our eyes to God, we can find peace and strength in His presence, and trust in His goodness and love for us, as promised in Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to lift up my eyes to God?

Lifting up our eyes to God means to look to Him for help, guidance, and comfort, just as the Psalmist does in Psalms 123:1, trusting in His sovereignty and love, as seen in Psalms 121:1-2.

Who is the One enthroned in heaven?

The One enthroned in heaven is God, the Creator and Ruler of the universe, who sits on His throne in heaven, as described in Isaiah 66:1 and Psalms 103:19, and is worthy of our worship and praise.

Why is it important to look to God in heaven?

Looking to God in heaven reminds us of His power, wisdom, and love, and helps us to trust in His goodness and provision, even in difficult circumstances, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and Matthew 6:25-34.

How can I apply this verse to my daily life?

You can apply Psalms 123:1 to your daily life by making it a habit to look to God in prayer and worship, seeking His guidance and strength, and trusting in His presence and care, as taught in Philippians 4:6-7 and Hebrews 4:16.

Reflection Questions

What are some challenges I am facing today that I can lift up my eyes to God about?
How does remembering that God is enthroned in heaven change my perspective on my problems and worries?
In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty and love, like the Psalmist does in this verse?
What are some things I can thank God for today, and how can I express my gratitude to Him?
How can I use this verse as a prayer, asking God to help me look to Him in all circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 123:1

Unto thee lift I up mine eyes,.... Not only the eyes of his body, this being a prayer gesture; see Matthew 14:19; but the eyes of his mind and understanding, opened by the Spirit of God; particularly

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 123:1

Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 123:1

Psalms 123 THE This Psalm contains a description of the great agony and distress of God’ s people, and of their carriage under it. The godly profess their patient trusting and confidence in God, ,2; and withal earnestly pray to be delivered from the contempt of the proud, ,4. Unto thee only, because all other persons either cannot or will not help me.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 123:1

Psalms 123:1 « A Song of degrees. » Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.Ver. 1. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes] Praying by them rather than by words, mine afflictions having swollen my heart too big for my mouth.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 123:1

(1) O thou that dwellest.—O thou throned one.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 123:1

PSALM CXXIII The prayer and faith of the godly, 1, 2. They desire to be delivered from contempt, 3, 4. NOTES ON PSALM CXXIII This Psalm is probably a complaint of the captives in Babylon relative to the contempt and cruel usage they received. The author is uncertain. Verse 1. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes] We have no hope but in thee; our eyes look upward; we have expectation from thy mercy alone.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 123:1

1, 2. The eye of hope upturned to Jehovah.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 123:1

Unto thee - To God. Lift I up mine eyes - In supplication and prayer. Nature prompts us to look up when we address God, as if he dwelt above us.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 123:1

1. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes—See note on Psalms 121:1. “Jehovah our God,” (Psalms 123:2,) is the only helper of Israel, and from him alone is relief expected.

Sermons on Psalms 123:1

	Sermon	Description
	Q+a Toronto Blessing by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker, Benny, emphasizes the importance of being slow to speak negatively about any child of God. He encourages speaking out against extremism without mention
	On Eagles' Wings Pt 56 by Don Courville	In this sermon, the speaker begins by quoting Psalm 147, emphasizing the importance of praising and worshiping God. The speaker then expresses a burden for revival, both in the lan
	Exposition on Psalm 124 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, emphasizing the unity of believers in Christ as one body with Christ as the Head, even in the face of trials and persecutions. He reflects on
	Letter 58 by James Bourne	James Bourne preaches about facing difficulties and trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God. He encourages the listener to humbly come before God
	Psalm 123 by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches on the importance of seeking God's mercy in times of contempt and derision, emphasizing the Psalmist's example of looking to God in distress and waiting patientl
	Rest for Your Souls by Eli Brayley	Eli Brayley preaches on the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making, emphasizing the need to stand still, look to the ancient paths, ask for the good way, and walk
	The Secret of Spiritual Strength by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and counsel in times of crisis. He highlights the story of King David, who sought God's direction b