Psalms 124:2
Psalms 124:2 in Multiple Translations
if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us,
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
If it had not been Jehovah who was on our side, When men rose up against us;
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men came up against us;
If the Lord hadn't been for us, what would have happened when people came and attacked us?
If the Lord had not bene on our side, when men rose vp against vs,
Save [for] Jehovah — who hath been for us, In the rising up of man against us,
if it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us,
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
In Jerusalem. Mountains are round about it: so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth now and for ever.
When our enemies attacked us, if Yahweh had not been fighting for us,
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 124:2
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 124:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לוּלֵ֣י
יְ֭הוָה
שֶׁ/הָ֣יָה
לָ֑/נוּ
בְּ/ק֖וּם
עָלֵ֣י/נוּ
אָדָֽם
לוּלֵ֣י
lûwlêʼ
H3884
unless
Conj
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
שֶׁ/הָ֣יָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לָ֑/נוּ
Prep | Suff
בְּ/ק֖וּם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עָלֵ֣י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 124:2
לוּלֵ֣י
lûwlêʼ
H3884
"unless"
Conj
Unless or if not, this word is used to show an exception or a condition. It is often translated as except or unless in English Bibles.
Definition: unless, if not, except
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: except, had not, if (...not), unless, were it not that. See also: Genesis 31:42; Psalms 27:13; Psalms 94:17.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
שֶׁ/הָ֣יָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ֑/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
בְּ/ק֖וּם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
עָלֵ֣י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 124:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 124:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 124:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 124:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 124:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 124:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 124:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 124:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 124:2
- Sermons on Psalms 124:2
Context — Our Help Is in the Name of the LORD
1If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel now declare—
2if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us,
3when their anger flared against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, 4then the floods would have engulfed us, then the torrent would have overwhelmed us,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 22:12–13 | Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul. |
| 2 | Psalms 22:16 | For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. |
| 3 | Psalms 3:1 | O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! |
| 4 | Psalms 37:32 | Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, |
| 5 | Psalms 21:1–2 | O LORD, the king rejoices in Your strength. How greatly he exults in Your salvation! You have granted his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah |
| 6 | Numbers 16:2–3 | a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly. They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” |
Psalms 124:2 Summary
This verse means that if God had not been with us and protecting us, we would have been overcome by our enemies. But because He is on our side, we can trust in His power and protection, just like it says in Psalms 27:1 and Isaiah 41:10. The Lord is our shield and our defender, and we can rely on Him to keep us safe. By trusting in the Lord, we can have confidence and peace, even in the midst of trouble or attack, as promised in Philippians 4:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Lord to be 'on our side'?
This phrase means that God is actively working in our lives, protecting and guiding us, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Exodus 14:13-14, where God delivers His people from harm.
Who are the 'men' that attacked us in this verse?
The 'men' in this verse likely refer to enemies of God's people, such as those mentioned in Psalms 2:1-3, who oppose God and His followers, but the exact identity is not specified.
How can we know if the Lord is on our side in times of trouble?
We can know that the Lord is on our side when we trust in Him and follow His commands, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, and when we see His deliverance and protection in our lives, as promised in Psalms 91:14-16.
What is the significance of the Lord being on our side 'when men attacked us'?
The significance is that God's presence and protection are what save us from harm, as seen in this verse and in Deuteronomy 31:6, where God promises to be with us and never leave us.
Reflection Questions
- How have I experienced the Lord being on my side in times of trouble or attack?
- What are some ways that I can trust in the Lord's presence and protection in my life right now?
- How can I declare, like Israel, that the Lord has been on my side in the past, and how can I share that with others?
- What are some 'attacks' that I am facing currently, and how can I trust in the Lord's protection and deliverance?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust and reliance on the Lord, so that I can confidently say that He is on my side?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 124:2
If [it had not been] the Lord who was on our side,.... This he repeats both for the confirmation of it, and to excite the attention of the Israelites to it; as well as to observe that it was not once
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 124:2
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: If (it had not been) the Lord who was on our side. The repetition (cf. Psalms 124:1) marks that the Lord's interposition had been more than once.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 124:2
Psalms 124:2 If [it had not been] the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:Ver. 2. When men rose] Monsters rather; but such as think themselves the only men alive, and us the only slaves and zanies.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 124:2
(2) If it had not been.—For this motto of the covenant, see Psalms 94:17. Men.—Better, man. In this use of the general term, we must, as Reuss points out, see an indication of the time of composition of the psalm. One who could so speak of the whole world as separated into two parts (Jews and heathen), discloses a sense of isolation and exclusiveness which brings us far down from the time of the prophets. They, indeed, spoke of it as the ideal of the future. This psalmist regards it as an accomplished fact.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 124:2
2. men] Rather man; as contrasted with God Who was our help. Cp. Psalms 66:12; Psalms 56:11; Psalms 118:6. rose up] Conspiring to fight against us, Nehemiah 4:8. Cp. Psalms 3:1; Psalms 54:3.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 124:2
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side - Repeating the idea, since the mind was full of it, and carrying the thought forward.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 124:2
2. When men rose up against—The idea is that of a sudden rising, an open and hostile uprising.
Sermons on Psalms 124:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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Not Above Temptation by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that no one is above temptation, regardless of their spiritual state. He warns that loving Jesus makes believers targets for Satan, who seeks to instill |
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Behold the Lamb by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the testimony of Jesus and his experience on the cross. Jesus expresses his feelings of abandonment by God and questions why he has been for |
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The Suffering of Christ by John Musser | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being born again and having a genuine experience of salvation. He quotes from the Bible, stating that without holiness and |
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The Spirit Commited to God by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the profound significance of committing our spirits to God, drawing parallels between Christ's final words on the cross and the believer's journey |
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Israel on the Road to Calvary by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the coming together of the remnant of Israel and the remnant of the church in the last days. He highlights the stages set for Israel's collaps |
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Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou |