Psalms 126:4
Psalms 126:4 in Multiple Translations
Restore our captives, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.
Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
Turn again our captivity, O Jehovah, As the streams in the South.
Let our fate be changed, O Lord, like the streams in the South.
Please return and help us again, Lord. Renew us like streams of water that renew the Negev desert.
O Lord, bring againe our captiuitie, as the riuers in the South.
Turn again, O Jehovah, [to] our captivity, As streams in the south.
Restore our fortunes again, LORD, like the streams in the Negev.
Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
As arrows in the hand of the mighty, so the children of them that have been shaken.
Yahweh, when it rains, water flows in the streams again after they were dry [SIM]. Similarly, enable our nation to become great again like it was before.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 126:4
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 126:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שׁוּבָ֣/ה
יְ֭הוָה
אֶת
שבות/נו
שְׁבִיתֵ֑/נוּ
כַּ/אֲפִיקִ֥ים
בַּ/נֶּֽגֶב
שׁוּבָ֣/ה
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שבות/נו
shᵉbûwth
H7622
captivity
N-fs | Suff
שְׁבִיתֵ֑/נוּ
shᵉbûwth
H7622
captivity
N-fs | Suff
כַּ/אֲפִיקִ֥ים
ʼâphîyq
H650
channel
Prep | N-mp
בַּ/נֶּֽגֶב
negeb
H5045
Negeb
Prep | N-ms
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 126:4
שׁוּבָ֣/ה
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
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.
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.
שבות/נו
shᵉbûwth
H7622
"captivity"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to captivity or being held prisoner. It appears in 2 Kings 25:11 and Jeremiah 52:15, describing the Babylonian exile. The KJV translates it as 'captive' or 'captivity'.
Definition: 1) captivity, captives 2) defeat, reversed fortunes
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: captive(-ity). See also: Deuteronomy 30:3; Jeremiah 33:26; Psalms 14:7.
שְׁבִיתֵ֑/נוּ
shᵉbûwth
H7622
"captivity"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to captivity or being held prisoner. It appears in 2 Kings 25:11 and Jeremiah 52:15, describing the Babylonian exile. The KJV translates it as 'captive' or 'captivity'.
Definition: 1) captivity, captives 2) defeat, reversed fortunes
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: captive(-ity). See also: Deuteronomy 30:3; Jeremiah 33:26; Psalms 14:7.
כַּ/אֲפִיקִ֥ים
ʼâphîyq
H650
"channel"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a channel or stream, and can also mean a strong or mighty thing. It appears in various forms, such as a brook or river, and is used to describe a powerful object or hero. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural features like streams and valleys.
Definition: 1) channel 2) ravine 3) of hollow bones (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: brook, channel, mighty, river, [phrase] scale, stream, strong piece. See also: 2 Samuel 22:16; Isaiah 8:7; Psalms 18:16.
בַּ/נֶּֽגֶב
negeb
H5045
"Negeb"
Prep | N-ms
The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.
Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country
Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 126:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 126:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 126:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 126:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 126:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 126:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 126:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 126:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 126:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 126:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 126:4
- Sermons on Psalms 126:4
Context — Zion’s Captives Restored
2Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
3The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
4Restore our captives, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.
5Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. 6He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 85:4 | Restore us, O God of our salvation, and put away Your displeasure toward us. |
| 2 | Psalms 126:1 | When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers. |
| 3 | Isaiah 41:18 | I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs. |
| 4 | Isaiah 43:19 | Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. |
| 5 | Hosea 1:11 | Then the people of Judah and of Israel will be gathered together, and they will appoint for themselves one leader, and will go up out of the land. For great will be the day of Jezreel. |
| 6 | Isaiah 35:6 | Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. |
| 7 | Joshua 3:16 | the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. |
Psalms 126:4 Summary
[This verse is a prayer asking God to set free those who are held captive, and to bring restoration and abundance to His people, much like a stream in the desert. It's a reminder that God is our hope and our rescuer, and that He can bring life and joy to even the driest and most barren places, as seen in Isaiah 43:19. By trusting in God's power and love, we can have confidence that He will restore and redeem us, and that we will reap a harvest of joy and blessing, as promised in Psalms 126:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'restore our captives' in Psalms 126:4?
To restore our captives means to set free those who are held captive, whether physically, spiritually, or emotionally, as seen in Isaiah 61:1, where Jesus came to set the captives free.
What is the significance of the Negev in this verse?
The Negev is a desert region in Israel, and the comparison to streams in the Negev suggests a miraculous and abundant restoration, much like the promise of living water in John 4:14 and the river in Ezekiel 47:1-12.
How does this verse relate to the surrounding context?
This verse is a prayer that follows the declaration of God's great works in Psalms 126:2-3, and it looks forward to the time of rejoicing and harvest in Psalms 126:5-6, where those who sow in tears will reap with joy, as promised in Psalms 30:5.
What is the tone of this verse, is it one of despair or hope?
The tone of this verse is one of hope and trust, as it is a prayer to God to restore His people, indicating that the psalmist is confident in God's power and love, as expressed in Psalms 23:4 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What areas of my life feel like a desert, and how can I trust God to bring restoration and abundance?
- What are some ways I can pray for and support those who are held captive, whether physically or spiritually?
- How can I balance the tension between sowing in tears and reaping with joy, and what does this mean for my daily life?
- What are some promises of God that I can hold onto when I feel like I am in a season of captivity or dryness?
- How can I cultivate a heart of trust and hope, like the psalmist, even in difficult circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 126:4
Turn again our captivity, O Lord,.... This prayer for the return of the captivity shows that it was not as yet: though some think that this is a petition of those that were returned from captivity,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 126:4
Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. The prayer is offered in this verse. The hope based on it is expressed in Psalms 126:5-6.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 126:4
Turn again our captivity; as thou hast brought us home, bring home also the rest of our brethren, who, are dispersed and yet remain captives in Babylon, or in any other parts oft he world. As the streams in the south; as thou art eased sometimes to send floods of water into dry and barren grounds, such as the southern parts of Canaan and the parts adjacent were; which is an act of thy great power and goodness; and no less will this reduction of thy people be, and no less shall we rejoice in it, and bless God for it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 126:4
Psalms 126:4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.Ver. 4. Turn again our captivity, O Lord] Perfect what thou hast so happily begun for us. As the streams in the south] i.e. Miraculously, say some, as if thou shouldest cause rivers to run in dry and desert places; or comfortably, as if thou shouldest refresh such hot parts with plenty of water. Or, suddenly. The south is a dry country, where are few springs, but oft land floods, caused by the showers of heaven. The Jews at this day pray for a speedy rebuilding of their temple. They cry all together, Templum tuum brevi, valde cito, valde cito, in diebus nostris citissime nunc aedifica, Templum tuum brevi, that is, Build thy temple quickly, very quickly, in our days, &c. Should not we be as earnest for the mystical temple (Buxt. de Synag. Jud. cap. 13).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 126:4
(4) Captivity.—Here there is a change. The joy of the great Return was too great not to last on through many vicissitudes. But the poet now thinks of the many exiles still dispersed among the nations, and prays for another manifestation of Divine favour and power. The streams in the south.—Rather, the channels in the south. The allusion is to the sudden filling of the dry torrent-beds of the southern district of Palestine in the rainy season. So the poet prays that torrents of the returned may pour into the desolate and deserted country. (Comp. Isaiah 49:18 for the same feeling, but under a different figure.) The LXX. have “in the south wind,” evidently thinking of the melting of a frozen stream, instead of the filling of a dry river-bed.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 126:4
Verse 4. Turn again our captivity] This is either a recital of the prayer they had used before their deliverance; or it is a prayer for those who still remained in the provinces beyond the Euphrates. The Jewish captives did not all return at once; they came back at different times, and under different leaders, Ezra, Nehemiah, Zerubbabel, c. As the streams in the south.] Probably the Nile is meant. It is now pretty well known that the Nile has its origin in the kingdom of Damot and runs from south to north through different countries, till, passing through Egypt, it empties itself into the Mediterranean Sea. It is possible, however, that they might have had in view some rapid rivers that either rose in the south, or had a southern direction; and they desired that their return might be as rapid and as abundant as the waters of those rivers. But we know that the Nile proceeds from the south, divides itself into several streams as it passes through Egypt, and falls by seven mouths into the Mediterranean.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 126:4
4–6. Prayer for fuller blessing, and the expression of confident faith that efforts however feeble must bear fruit. These verses evidently imply a background of disappointed hopes and anxious struggles.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 126:4
Turn again our captivity, O Lord - literally, “Turn our captivity.” The word “again” is inserted by the translators, and conveys an idea which is not necessarily in the original.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 126:4
4. Turn again our captivity—The work of returning to their native land from all the parts whither they had been scattered was not accomplished at once. It had now begun gloriously, but was not completed.
Sermons on Psalms 126:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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In Defense of Evan Roberts and the Welsh Revival by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his intention to share a story and reveal hidden truths. He emphasizes the importance of passing down the knowledge of God's glorio |
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The Hope of Revival by Vernon Higham | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning to God and obeying His voice. He talks about the power of the Bible and how it can transform lives. The preacher a |
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Revive Us Again by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of being in touch with God and hearing His voice. He shares a personal experience of witnessing a powerful revival on an isla |
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Revival Lectures Series - Short by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision and burden for the lost souls in the world. He highlights the alarming fact that there are more lost people |
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Principles That Govern Spiritual Awakenings - Part 1 by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a visitation from God on a small island in Burma. Despite initially feeling compelled to leave a convention and go to th |
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Revival - Part 3 by J.I. Packer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Zechariah chapter four and verse one, which describes a vision of a solid gold lampstand with seven lights and two olive trees. The speaker e |
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Revival by David Legge | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for revival and the eradication of unbelief. He laments the lack of holiness in society and the negative perception of those who st |