Psalms 132:12

Psalms 132:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If your sons keep My covenant and the testimony I will teach them, then their sons will also sit on your throne forever and ever.”

King James Version KJV

If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.

American Standard Version ASV

If thy children will keep my covenant And my testimony that I shall teach them, Their children also shall sit upon thy throne for evermore.

Bible in Basic English BBE

If your children keep my word, and the teachings which I will give them, their children will be rulers of your kingdom for ever.

Free Bible Version FBV

If your sons keep to my agreement and my laws that I will teach them, then their sons will always occupy your throne.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

If thy sonnes keepe my couenant, and my testimonies, that I shall teach them, their sonnes also shall sit vpon thy throne for euer.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

If thy sons keep My covenant, And My testimonies that I teach them, Their sons also for ever and ever, Do sit on the throne for thee.

World English Bible WEB

If your children will keep my covenant, my testimony that I will teach them, their children also will sit on your throne forever more.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them; their children also shall sit upon thy throne for ever.

Translation for Translators T4T

If they keep my agreement with them and obey all the commands that I will give them, the line of kings descended from you will never end.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 132:12

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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 132:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אִֽם יִשְׁמְר֬וּ בָנֶ֨י/ךָ בְּרִיתִ/י֮ וְ/עֵדֹתִ֥/י ז֗וֹ אֲלַ֫מְּדֵ֥/ם גַּם בְּנֵי/הֶ֥ם עֲדֵי עַ֑ד יֵ֝שְׁב֗וּ לְ/כִסֵּא לָֽ/ךְ

אִֽם ʼim H518 if Conj

יִשְׁמְר֬וּ shâmar H8104 to keep V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

בָנֶ֨י/ךָ bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff

בְּרִיתִ/י֮ bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant N-fs | Suff

וְ/עֵדֹתִ֥/י ʻêdâh H5713 witness Conj | N-fp | Suff

ז֗וֹ zôh H2090 this Pron

אֲלַ֫מְּדֵ֥/ם lâmad H3925 to learn V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

בְּנֵי/הֶ֥ם bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff

עֲדֵי ʻad H5703 perpetuity Prep

עַ֑ד ʻad H5703 perpetuity N-ms

יֵ֝שְׁב֗וּ yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

לְ/כִסֵּא kiççêʼ H3678 throne Prep | N-ms

לָֽ/ךְ Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 132:12

אִֽם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

יִשְׁמְר֬וּ shâmar H8104 "to keep" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.

Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from

Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.

בָנֶ֨י/ךָ bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

בְּרִיתִ/י֮ bᵉrîyth H1285 "covenant" N-fs | Suff

A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.

Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation

Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.

וְ/עֵדֹתִ֥/י ʻêdâh H5713 "witness" Conj | N-fp | Suff

This word refers to a divine testimony or witness, always in the plural form, and is used to describe God's laws. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, emphasizing God's instructions. The word is about God's guidance.

Definition: testimony, witness

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: testimony, witness. Compare H5712 (עֵדָה). See also: Genesis 21:30; Psalms 119:24; Psalms 25:10.

ז֗וֹ zôh H2090 "this" Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, used to point out something specific. It is often translated as it, this, or that in the Bible.

Definition: this

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: as well as another, it, this, that, thus and thus. See also: Judges 18:4; Ecclesiastes 2:24; Psalms 132:12.

אֲלַ֫מְּדֵ֥/ם lâmad H3925 "to learn" V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff

To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.

Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

בְּנֵי/הֶ֥ם bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff

Definition: : child/son

עֲדֵי ʻad H5703 "perpetuity" Prep

This Hebrew word means forever or eternity, describing something that has no end, like God's existence. It's used in the Bible to talk about things that last forever. In Genesis, it describes God's eternal nature.

Definition: 1) perpetuity, for ever, continuing future 1a) ancient (of past time) 1b) for ever (of future time) 1b1) of continuous existence 1c) for ever (of God's existence)

Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: eternity, ever(-lasting, -more), old, perpetually, [phrase] world without end. See also: Exodus 15:18; Psalms 111:3; Psalms 9:6.

עַ֑ד ʻad H5703 "perpetuity" N-ms

Definition: 1) perpetuity, for ever, continuing future 1a) ancient (of past time) 1b) for ever (of future time) 1b1) of continuous existence 1c) for ever (of God's existence)

Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: eternity, ever(-lasting, -more), old, perpetually, [phrase] world without end. See also: Exodus 15:18; Psalms 111:3; Psalms 9:6.

יֵ֝שְׁב֗וּ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

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.

לְ/כִסֵּא kiççêʼ H3678 "throne" Prep | N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.

Definition: 1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool 1a) seat (of honour), throne 1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: seat, stool, throne. See also: Genesis 41:40; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Psalms 9:5.

לָֽ/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Psalms 132:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 132:12 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 132:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 132:12
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 132:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 132:12
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 132:12
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 132:12
Sermons on Psalms 132:12

Context — The LORD Has Chosen Zion

10For the sake of Your servant David, do not reject Your anointed one. 11The LORD swore an oath to David, a promise He will not revoke: “One of your descendants I will place on your throne.

12If your sons keep My covenant and the testimony I will teach them, then their sons will also sit on your throne forever and ever.”

13For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His home: 14“This is My resting place forever and ever; here I will dwell, for I have desired this home.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Luke 1:32–33	He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”
2	Acts 2:30	But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne.
3	Isaiah 59:21	“As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit will not depart from you, and My words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children and grandchildren, from now on and forevermore,” says the LORD.
4	Psalms 89:30–35	If his sons forsake My law and do not walk in My judgments, if they violate My statutes and fail to keep My commandments, I will attend to their transgression with the rod, and to their iniquity with stripes. But I will not withdraw My loving devotion from him, nor ever betray My faithfulness. I will not violate My covenant or alter the utterance of My lips. Once and for all I have sworn by My holiness— I will not lie to David—
5	Psalms 102:28	The children of Your servants will dwell securely, and their descendants will be established before You.”
6	Psalms 115:14	May the LORD give you increase, both you and your children.
7	Isaiah 9:7	Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

Psalms 132:12 Summary

This verse is a promise from God to David that if his sons obey God's commands and teachings, their sons will also be kings and sit on the throne forever. This means that God wants us to follow His rules and laws, and if we do, He will bless us and our families. Just like David's sons, we can trust in God's promise to take care of us and establish a lasting legacy, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises to prosper us and give us a future and a hope. By following God's teachings, we can live in a way that honors Him and reflects His kingdom, as taught in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the covenant being referred to in Psalms 132:12?

The covenant in Psalms 132:12 is likely the covenant God made with David, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, where God promises to establish David's throne forever, and also the covenant God made with the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 19:5, where God sets forth His laws and commandments for them to follow.

What does it mean for the sons to 'keep My covenant and the testimony I will teach them'?

This means that the sons of David must obey God's laws and commands, as taught in Scripture, such as in Deuteronomy 6:6-9, where parents are instructed to teach God's commands to their children, and also in Proverbs 22:6, which emphasizes the importance of training children in the ways of the Lord.

What is the promise being made to David's sons in this verse?

The promise is that if they keep God's covenant and obey His teachings, their own sons will also sit on the throne, establishing a lasting dynasty, as also promised in Psalms 89:35-37, where God swears to establish David's throne forever.

How does this verse relate to the larger story of God's plan for humanity?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's plan to establish a kingdom through the descendants of David, ultimately leading to the coming of Jesus Christ, as seen in Luke 1:32-33, where the angel Gabriel announces that Jesus will sit on the throne of David and reign over the house of Jacob forever.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can apply the principle of keeping God's covenant in my own life, just as David's sons were instructed to do?
How can I ensure that I am passing on the teachings of God to the next generation, whether it be my own children or others in my life?
What does it mean for me to 'sit on the throne' in a spiritual sense, and how can I live in a way that reflects God's kingdom and reign in my life?
In what ways can I trust in God's promise to establish a lasting legacy, just as He did for David, and how can I live with confidence in His faithfulness?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 132:12

If thy children will keep my covenant, and my testimony that I shall teach them,.... The former part of the promise and oath is absolute, respecting the Messiah; but this is conditional, and relates

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 132:12

If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 132:12

Psalms 132:12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.Ver. 12. If thy children will keep my covenant] Although God’ s covenant is free, yet it is delivered under certain conditions on our part to be observed; which are as an oar in a boat, or stern in a ship, turning it this way or that, &c. For evermore] For a long season; and Christ, for all eternity.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 132:12

Verse 12. If thy children will keep my covenant] This was conditional with respect to the posterity of David. They have been driven from the throne, because they did not keep the Lord's covenant, but the true David is on the throne, and his posterity forms the genuine Israelites.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 132:12

12. If thy sons will keep] The condition of the literal fulfilment of the promise is implied in 2 Samuel 7:14, and explicitly stated in 1 Kings 8:25. In Psalms 89:30 ff. the thought is developed, that man’s faithlessness cannot finally defeat God’s purpose. my testimony] Or, as P.B.V., my testimonies. See p. 704. their children &c.] Their sons also for ever shall sit upon thy throne, lit. upon a throne for thee, as thy representatives.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 132:12

If thy children will keep my covenant ... - This was the condition implied in the promise - that they were to keep the law of God, and to serve and obey him. If they did not, they could not, of course, plead the promise.

Sermons on Psalms 132:12

	Sermon	Description
	Jesus Above All by R.G. Lee	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of attending a gathering where they listened to a recording of a singer who had been dead for 30 years. He mentions that duri
	How to Have a Personal Revival - Part 1 by Andrew Strom	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of four foundational elements for experiencing revival in one's life. These elements are deep repentance, the fear of the Lord
	(John) Honouring Your Parents by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of "perform" and its significance in the story of Jesus. He starts by referencing the story of the angel appearing to Mary and e
	The Coming King by Chuck Smith	This sermon delves into Revelation 19, highlighting the worship in heaven, the anticipation of the marriage of the Lamb, and the ultimate reign of Jesus Christ as King of kings and
	002 - the Genealogy of Jesus by David Servant	This sermon delves into the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing the importance of understanding the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, and the relevance of the life of Jesus
	Highlights From Isaiah 9:-01 From Darkness to Light by James K. Boswell	In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene where a family attends a church service and the father carries his young son on his shoulder. The preacher emphasizes the symbolism o
	He Shall Be Great by Walter Wilson	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about dogs trying to catch a rat to illustrate the desire to escape from a difficult situation. The main message is that no one can make