Psalms 137:1
Psalms 137:1 in Multiple Translations
By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept, When we remembered Zion.
By the rivers of Babylon we were seated, weeping at the memory of Zion,
When we sat down by the rivers of Babylon we wept as we remembered Zion.
By the riuers of Babel we sate, and there wee wept, when we remembred Zion.
By rivers of Babylon — There we did sit, Yea, we wept when we remembered Zion.
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
I will praise thee, O lord, with my whole heart: for thou hast heard the words of my mouth. I will sing praise to thee in the sight of his angels:
When we had been taken to Babylonia, far from Jerusalem, we sat down by the rivers there, and we cried when we thought about the temple on Zion Hill in Jerusalem.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 137:1
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 137:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַ֥ל
נַהֲר֨וֹת
בָּבֶ֗ל
שָׁ֣ם
יָ֭שַׁבְנוּ
גַּם
בָּכִ֑ינוּ
בְּ֝/זָכְרֵ֗/נוּ
אֶת
צִיּֽוֹן
עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
נַהֲר֨וֹת
nâhâr
H5104
river
N-mp
בָּבֶ֗ל
Bâbel
H894
Babylon
N-proper
שָׁ֣ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
יָ֭שַׁבְנוּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
בָּכִ֑ינוּ
bâkâh
H1058
to weep
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
בְּ֝/זָכְרֵ֗/נוּ
zâkar
H2142
to remember
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
צִיּֽוֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
Zion
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 137:1
עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
נַהֲר֨וֹת
nâhâr
H5104
"river"
N-mp
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
בָּבֶ֗ל
Bâbel
H894
"Babylon"
N-proper
Babel refers to Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It appears in Genesis 11:9 and is associated with the tower of Babel. The city was situated on the Euphrates River.
Definition: § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates
Usage: Occurs in 233 OT verses. KJV: Babel, Babylon. See also: Genesis 10:10; Jeremiah 29:22; Psalms 87:4.
שָׁ֣ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
יָ֭שַׁבְנוּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
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.
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.
בָּכִ֑ינוּ
bâkâh
H1058
"to weep"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
To weep means to cry or shed tears, often in grief or sadness. In the Bible, weeping is a common expression of emotion, as seen in the stories of David and Jeremiah, who both wept bitterly in times of sorrow and repentance.
Definition: 1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy) 1a2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.) 1a3) to weep upon (embrace and weep) 1a4) to bewail 1b) (Piel) participle 1b1) lamenting 1b2) bewailing
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, bewail, complain, make lamentation, [idiom] more, mourn, [idiom] sore, [idiom] with tears, weep. See also: Genesis 21:16; 2 Samuel 12:21; Psalms 69:11.
בְּ֝/זָכְרֵ֗/נוּ
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
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.
צִיּֽוֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
"Zion"
N-proper
Zion refers to a mountain in Jerusalem, often used as another name for the city, especially in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: Zion = "parched place" another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: Zion. See also: 2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 49:14; Psalms 2:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 137:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 137:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 137:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 137:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 137:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 137:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 137:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 137:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 137:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 137:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 137:1
- Sermons on Psalms 137:1
Context — By the Rivers of Babylon
1By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.
2There on the willows we hung our harps, 3for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: “Sing us a song of Zion.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 1:1 | In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the River Kebar, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 3:15 | I came to the exiles at Tel-abib who dwelt by the River Kebar. And for seven days I sat where they sat and remained there among them, overwhelmed. |
| 3 | Lamentations 3:48 | Streams of tears flow from my eyes over the destruction of the daughter of my people. |
| 4 | Lamentations 2:18 | The hearts of the people cry out to the Lord. O wall of the Daughter of Zion, let your tears run down like a river day and night. Give yourself no relief, and your eyes no rest. |
| 5 | Lamentations 2:10–11 | The elders of the Daughter of Zion sit on the ground in silence. They have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth. The young women of Jerusalem have bowed their heads to the ground. My eyes fail from weeping; I am churning within. My heart is poured out in grief over the destruction of the daughter of my people, because children and infants faint in the streets of the city. |
| 6 | Lamentations 1:16 | For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears. For there is no one nearby to comfort me, no one to revive my soul. My children are destitute because the enemy has prevailed. |
| 7 | Ezra 8:31 | On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem, and the hand of our God was upon us to protect us from the hands of the enemies and bandits along the way. |
| 8 | Luke 19:41 | As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it |
| 9 | Ezra 8:21 | And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. |
| 10 | Nehemiah 1:3–4 | And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. |
Psalms 137:1 Summary
Psalms 137:1 tells us that the Israelites were very sad when they thought about their home, Zion, while they were in exile in Babylon. They missed the place where they used to worship God and be with their families, similar to the feelings expressed in Psalms 42:1-2. This verse reminds us that it's normal to feel sad when we're away from the people and places we love, but we can always bring our feelings to God in prayer, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6-7. By remembering the good times and the promises of God, we can find hope and comfort, even in difficult circumstances, just like the Israelites did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Psalms 137:1?
The Israelites were in exile in Babylon, a period of time described in detail in the books of Second Kings and Second Chronicles, after the fall of Jerusalem as prophesied in Jeremiah 25:11-12.
Why were the Israelites weeping by the rivers of Babylon?
The Israelites were weeping because they remembered Zion, which represents the city of Jerusalem and the temple, a place of great spiritual significance to them, as seen in Psalms 48:1-2 and Psalms 84:1-4.
How does this verse relate to the idea of homesickness?
This verse illustrates a deep sense of homesickness and longing for a homeland, similar to the feelings expressed by the prodigal son in Luke 15:17-20 when he realized his mistake and wanted to return home.
What can we learn from the Israelites' emotional response in this verse?
We can learn that it's okay to express our emotions and grieve over losses, just like the Israelites did, and to remember and long for a better time or place, as encouraged in Psalms 42:1-2 and Matthew 5:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I deeply miss, and how can I bring them before God in prayer?
- How can I balance the pain of remembering what is lost with the hope of what is to come, as described in Hebrews 11:13-16?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, use my memories of better times to fuel my faith and perseverance in difficult circumstances, as seen in Romans 8:18-25?
- What role does nostalgia play in my spiritual life, and how can I use it to deepen my relationship with God, as encouraged in Psalms 77:10-12?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 137:1
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down,.... If by Babylon is meant the country, then the rivers of it are Chebar, Ulai, Tigris, Euphrates, and others; see Ezekiel 1:1; but if the city itself,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 137:1
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 137:1
Psalms 137 THE The penman of this Psalm is uncertain; the occasion of it was unquestionably the consideration of the Babylonish captivity; and it seems to have been composed either during the time of that captivity, or presently after their deliverance out of it. The sad complaint of the Jews in captivity, . Of the scoffing of their enemies, yet their constancy to remember Jerusalem, . Judgments imprecated upon Edom and Babylon, . Rivers of Babylon; either, 1. Of the city of Babylon, and then the river is Euphrates, here called rivers for its greatness, and by a common enallage of the plural for the singular, as Tigris also is, , yea, and Jordan, . Or, 2. Of the territory of Babylon, in which there were many rivers, as Euphrates, which also was divided into several streams or rivulets; and Tigris and others. Here they were either by the appointment of their lords for the making or repairing of the works beside the river; or by choice, retiring themselves thither from the noise and observation of their enemies, as they had opportunity, that they might disburden their oppressed minds before the Lord. We sat down; the usual posture of mourners, , &c.; ,5.
When we remembered Zion; either, 1. Our former enjoyments in Zion, which greatly aggravated their present misery, . Or, 2. Zion’ s present desolations and pollutions.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 137:1
Psalms 137:1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.Ver. 1. By the rivers of Babylon] Tigris and Euphrates; for the land of Shinar (where Babel was founded, and afterwards Babylon built) was, as most geographers think, a part of the garden of Eden, fruitful beyond credulity; but to the poor captives all this was no comfort, when they remembered the desolations of their country, and the loss of their former liberty. The bird of paradise, they say, once taken and enraged, groaneth incessantly, till she die. There we sat down, yea, we wept] "He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him," saith Jeremiah of the mourner, Lamentations 3:28, who is much in meditation; so were these, bewailing bitterly their sin and misery, with their heart sounding as a harp, Isaiah 16:1, where, if one string be touched, all the rest sound. When we remembered Zion] The former solemnities, the present desolations.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 137:1
(1) By the rivers . . .—Mentioned as the characteristic feature of the country, as we say “among the mountains of Wales.” The canals which irrigated Babylonia made it what an ancient writer called it, the greatest of “cities of river places.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 137:1
PSALM CXXXVII The desolate and afflicted state of the captives in Babylon, 1, 2. How they were insulted by their enemies, 3, 4. Their attachment to their country, 5, 6. Judgments denounced against their enemies, 7-9. NOTES ON PSALM CXXXVII The Vulgate, Septuagint, AEthiopic, and Arabic, say, ridiculously enough, a Psalm of David for Jeremiah. Anachronisms with those who wrote the titles to the Psalms were matters of no importance. Jeremiah never was at Babylon; and therefore could have no part in a Psalm that was sung on the banks of its rivers by the Israelitish captives. Neither the Hebrew nor Chaldee has any title; the Syriac attributes it to David. Some think it was sung when they returned from Babylon; others, while they were there. It is a matter of little importance.
It was evidently composed during or at the close of the captivity. Verse 1. By the rivers of Babylon] These might have been the Tigris and Euphrates, or their branches, or streams that flowed into them. In their captivity and dispersion, it was customary for the Jews to hold their religious meetings on the banks of rivers. Mention is made of this Acts 16:13, where we find the Jews of Philippi resorting to a river side, where prayer was wont to be made. And sometimes they built their synagogues here, when they were expelled from the cities.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 137:1
1–3. The silence of sacred song in the sorrow of exile.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 137:1
By the rivers of Babylon - The streams, the water-courses, the rivulets.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 137:1
1. Rivers of Babylon—Beside the Euphrates, Tigris, Chebar, (Chaboras,) (Ezekiel 1:1,) and Ulai, (Ulaeus,) near Susa, (Daniel 8:2; Daniel 8:16,) the vast plains of the Euphrates and Tigris were
Sermons on Psalms 137:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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John 7:37 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a period of 400 years of darkness and stillness without any prophetic voice. Suddenly, a man appears in the wilderness, wearing a piece of old |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.2:36-3:30 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the sovereignty of God as depicted in the book of Daniel. He highlights God's sovereignty over the physical bodies of Daniel and his friends, |
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Preparing to Sing in a Difficult Time by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their lack of passion and fruitfulness in sharing the message of Christ. They express a deep desire for forgiveness and a longing to be empo |
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Grace of God (Toronto Spiritual Life Convention 1999) by Eric J. Alexander | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the context of the people of Israel being exiled in Babylon due to their persistent disobedience and failure to listen to God. However, the pr |
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The Continuing Work of Christ 04 Messages From the Acts by Robert Constable | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and His plan, even when we don't understand the circumstances we are facing. The story of Paul's journ |
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(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 12 Psalm 137 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 137, emphasizing its prophetic nature and the deep sorrow of the Israelites in Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem. He explores the contrast be |
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Commentary on Psalm 136-150 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith delivers a profound commentary on Psalms 136-150, emphasizing the enduring mercy of God as a central theme throughout the psalms. He highlights the importance of gratit |