Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 133:1
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.
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.
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
This Hebrew word describes something that sounds pleasant or sweet, like music. It is used in Psalm 100:5 to describe the pleasantness of God's works. The word also appears in other passages, such as 2 Samuel 23:1.
Definition: 1) pleasant, delightful, sweet, lovely, agreeable 1a) delightful 1b) lovely, beautiful (physical)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: pleasant(-ure), sweet. See also: 2 Samuel 1:23; Psalms 133:1; Psalms 16:6.
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.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
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.
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
Context — How Pleasant to Live in Harmony!
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
1 Corinthians 1:10 |
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. |
| 2 |
1 Peter 3:8 |
Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. |
| 3 |
John 13:35 |
By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” |
| 4 |
Hebrews 13:1 |
Continue in brotherly love. |
| 5 |
Philippians 2:2–5 |
then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: |
| 6 |
Ephesians 4:3–6 |
and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. |
| 7 |
John 17:21 |
that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. |
| 8 |
Jeremiah 32:39 |
I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and for the good of their children after them. |
| 9 |
1 John 3:14–19 |
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer. By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence: |
| 10 |
Genesis 13:8 |
So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are brothers. |
Psalms 133:1 Summary
Psalms 133:1 tells us that it is good and pleasant when brothers live together in harmony, which means getting along and being at peace with one another. This kind of harmony is a blessing from God, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4, and is made possible by the presence of the Holy Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23. When we live in harmony with others, it brings joy and peace, not just to ourselves, but also to those around us, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:9. By prioritizing unity and harmony, we can create a more loving and supportive community, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:3 and Colossians 3:13-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of brothers living together in harmony?
This verse highlights the importance of unity and harmony among believers, as seen in Psalms 133:1, and is a key aspect of Christian community, as emphasized in Ephesians 4:3 and Colossians 3:13-14.
How can we achieve harmony in our relationships with others?
Achieving harmony requires a willingness to forgive, listen, and understand one another, as taught in Matthew 18:21-22 and James 1:19-20, and is facilitated by the presence of the Holy Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23.
What is the connection between harmony and the blessings of God?
According to Psalms 133:1-3, harmony among brothers is a precursor to receiving the blessings of God, which is also supported by Psalm 37:3-4, where trusting in the Lord and doing good leads to a blessed life.
Is harmony among believers limited to family relationships?
While the verse mentions brothers, the principle of harmony applies to all believers, as we are all part of the family of God, as described in 1 Timothy 3:15 and Ephesians 2:19-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can promote harmony in my relationships with others, especially those with whom I disagree?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and understanding in my interactions with others, as modeled by Jesus in Matthew 18:21-22?
- In what ways can I prioritize unity and harmony in my own family, church, or community, and what role can I play in fostering a culture of peace and understanding?
- What are some potential consequences of a lack of harmony in my relationships, and how can I work to prevent or resolve conflicts in a biblical manner?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is],.... Aben Ezra thinks the word thing should be supplied; the thing is what follows; for brethren to dwell together in unity: which the Targum interprets of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalms 133:1-3.-The goodness and pleasantness of brethren dwelling together in unity.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 133:1
Psalms 133 THE . This Psalm was composed by David upon the happy occasion of the ending of the civil war between the two houses of Saul and David; in which, having felt the sad effects of discord and division, both the king and people were more sensible of the great blessing of reconciliation and unity. David extolleth the benefit and excellency of the unity and brotherly communion of the faithful. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is! you have been harassed by a civil war, take notice of this blessed change with thankfulness to God for it. For brethren; for us, who are brethren, not only by nature and blood, but also by combination in one and the same commonwealth, and by the profession of the same religion.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 133:1
Psalms 133:1 « A Song of degrees of David. » Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] for brethren to dwell together in unity!Ver. 1. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is] This David is thought to have said to the people, when, after eight years’ unnatural war, they came together to Hebron, to anoint him king over all Israel, 2 Samuel 5:1-5 Behold, be affected with that happiness of yours which no tongue can utter. Accipe quod sentitur antequam discitur, as Cyprian saith in another case. How good and how pleasant] Precious and profitable, sweet and delectable, λιπαρονκαιλαμτρον, dainty and goodly, as Revelation 18:14. Communion of saints is the next happiness upon earth to communion with God. For brethren] Whether by place, race; or grace, which last is the strongest tie; and should cause such a harmony of hearts as might resemble that concord and concent that shall be in heaven. The Thebans in their armies had a band of men they called the holy band; consisting of such only as were joined together in the bonds of love, as would live and die together; these they made great account of, and esteemed the strength of their armies, ιεροςλοχοςεξεραστωνκαιερωμενων (Athenaeus, lib. 3). To dwell together] Heb. even together, that is, even as God dwelleth with them, Psalms 132:13-14, to be "kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love," Romans 12:10, to be as those primitive Christians were, Acts 2:24-27, of one heart and of one soul. The number of two hath by the heathens been accounted accursed, because it was the first that departed from unity.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 133:1
(1) In unity.—Better, altogether. The Hebrew particle gam, here used with the word “together,” is in our version sometimes rendered “yea,” when it plainly should be taken with the adjective to intensify it exactly like our “all.” (See, for instance, Psalms 25:3; 2 Samuel 19:30.) The common idiom, gam shenayîm, “all two” (i.e., both), exactly like the French tous deux, and the German alle beide, decides this. Many commentators, rendering also together, see an emphasis on the gathering for the yearly feasts: “How good and pleasant for those who are by race and religion brothers to unite for a sacred purpose” The allusion may be there, but the conjecture and purpose of the psalm, and not the form of the expression, suggest it. To a Hebrew, political and religious sentiment were always combined; and Jerusalem was the centre towards which their thoughts and eyes always turned. The translation of the LXX., “to the same place,” though not exactly rendering the Hebrew, perhaps brings out the thought, for the poet was plainly thinking of “unity at Zion.” This verse was quoted by the Roman legate at the meeting of Anselm and William II. at Windsor, Whitsunday, 1095. It was read at the reception of a new member into the brotherhood of the Knights Templars, and is by St. Augustine quoted as the Divine authority for monastic life.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 133:1
PSALM CXXXIII The comfort and benefit of the communion of saints, 1-3. NOTES ON PSALM CXXXIII There are different opinions concerning this Psalm; the most probable is, that it represents the priests and Levites returned from captivity, and united in the service of God in the sanctuary. This, the preceding, and the following, appear to make one subject. In the one hundred and thirty-second, the Lord is entreated to enter his temple, and pour out his benediction; in the one hundred and thirty-third, the beautiful order and harmony of the temple service is pointed out, and in the one hundred and thirty-fourth, all are exhorted to diligence and watchfulness in the performance of their duty. It is attributed to David by the Hebrew, the Syriac, and the Vulgate; but no name is prefixed in the Septuagint, AEthiopic, Arabic, and Anglo-Saxon. Verse 1. Behold, how good and how pleasant] Unity is, according to this scripture, a good thing and a pleasant; and especially among brethren-members of the same family, of the same Christian community, and of the same nation. And why not among the great family of mankind? On the other hand, disunion is bad and hateful. The former is from heaven; the latter, from hell.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 133:1
1. Behold &c.] The Psalmist seems to have before his eyes some instance of the blessing and the beauty of brotherly concord which prompts his song. May it not have been the enthusiasm of those who volunteered to dwell in Jerusalem, when Nehemiah was restoring its civic and religious organisation (Nehemiah 11:2)? for brethren to dwell together in unity] Lit. the dwelling of brethren also together: i.e. that the tie of intimate relationship denoted by the name of brethren should find outward expression in the gathering of Israelites to make their home in the mother-city, or, if the reference of the Psalm is to the great Feasts, in the reunions of the members of the nation at these periodical gatherings. By brethren he does not mean the members of a single family, but the members of the larger family of Israel, the whole nation. In unity is doubtless a correct interpretation of the Psalmist’s meaning, though it goes beyond the strict sense of the Heb. word, which only means together.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 133:1
Behold - As if he looked upon such a gathering, and saw there the expressions of mutual love. This may have been uttered in the actual contemplation of such an assemblage; or it may have been a picture of the imagination.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 133:1
1. This verse states the theme of the psalm—brotherly love—and the behold calls our attention to it.
Sermons on Psalms 133:1
| Sermon | Description |
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Getting Ready for the End of All Things
by David Wilkerson
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This sermon emphasizes the importance of preparing for the end times by focusing on spiritual readiness rather than physical provisions. It highlights the need for forgiveness, lov |
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Unity That Brings Revival
by A.W. Tozer
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being absorbed in Christ and His Word. He believes that God cannot bless or bring revival to a church unless its members ar |
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A Guiding Voice in the Storm
by Carter Conlon
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The sermon titled 'A Guiding Voice in the Storm' based on Acts chapter 27 emphasizes the importance of seeking God's direction and being a guiding voice in the midst of societal st |
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(Europe 2008) Session 6 - the Revelation of God in Man
by B.H. Clendennen
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being dependent on Christ and having a personal knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He uses the example of Paul's life to |
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He Is Love
by George Warnock
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In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man named Dunmighty who was told by God to set his house in order because all that he produced was wood, hay, and stubble. The sp |
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From Simon to Peter #27 - the Holy Spirit and Peter's Mind - Part 2
by J. Glyn Owen
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding Scripture and how it is the product of the Holy Spirit. He highlights the significance of Peter's realizatio |
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04 Building Fellowship as Husband & Wife
by Zac Poonen
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This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's order in earthly families as a foundation for building the church. It contrasts the focus on family in the New Testament with the lac |