Psalms 137:3
Psalms 137:3 in Multiple Translations
for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: “Sing us a song of Zion.”
For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
For there they that led us captive required of us songs, And they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
For there those who had taken us prisoners made request for a song; and those who had taken away all we had gave us orders to be glad, saying, Give us one of the songs of Zion.
For those who had taken us captive asked us for a song—our tormentors wanted us to sing a happy song from Jerusalem.
Then they that ledde vs captiues, required of vs songs and mirth, when wee had hanged vp our harpes, saying, Sing vs one of the songs of Zion.
For there our captors asked us the words of a song, And our spoilers — joy: 'Sing ye to us of a song of Zion.'
For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs. Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy: “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying , Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
In what day soever I shall call upon thee, hear me: thou shall multiply strength in my soul.
The soldiers who had captured us and taken us to Babylonia told us to sing for them; they told us to ◄entertain them/make them happy►, saying, “Sing for us one of the songs that you previously sang in Jerusalem!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 137:3
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 137:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
שָׁ֨ם
שְֽׁאֵל֪וּ/נוּ
שׁוֹבֵ֡י/נוּ
דִּבְרֵי
שִׁ֭יר
וְ/תוֹלָלֵ֣י/נוּ
שִׂמְחָ֑ה
שִׁ֥ירוּ
לָ֝֗/נוּ
מִ/שִּׁ֥יר
צִיּֽוֹן
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׁ֨ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
שְֽׁאֵל֪וּ/נוּ
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
שׁוֹבֵ֡י/נוּ
shâbâh
H7617
to take captive
V-Qal | Suff
דִּבְרֵי
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
שִׁ֭יר
shîyr
H7892
song
N-cs
וְ/תוֹלָלֵ֣י/נוּ
tôwlâl
H8437
tormentor
Conj | N-mp | Suff
שִׂמְחָ֑ה
simchâh
H8057
joy
N-fs
שִׁ֥ירוּ
shîyr
H7891
to sing
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לָ֝֗/נוּ
Prep | Suff
מִ/שִּׁ֥יר
shîyr
H7892
song
Prep | N-cs
צִיּֽוֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
Zion
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 137:3
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׁ֨ם
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.
שְֽׁאֵל֪וּ/נוּ
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
שׁוֹבֵ֡י/נוּ
shâbâh
H7617
"to take captive"
V-Qal | Suff
This verb means to take someone captive, like a prisoner of war. It involves transporting people away from their homes, often as a result of conflict or battle. The Bible uses it to describe the experiences of the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to take captive 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take captive 1a2) captive (participle) 1a3) to lead captive 1b) (Niphal) to be taken captive
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (bring away, carry, carry away, lead, lead away, take) captive(-s), drive (take) away. See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Chronicles 6:38; Psalms 68:19.
דִּבְרֵי
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
שִׁ֭יר
shîyr
H7892
"song"
N-cs
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.
וְ/תוֹלָלֵ֣י/נוּ
tôwlâl
H8437
"tormentor"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This word describes someone who causes suffering or oppression, like a tormentor. However, its meaning is not entirely clear and is still being studied by scholars. It's used in the Bible to describe someone who brings harm to others.
Definition: 1) tormentor, plunderer 1a) meaning doubtful
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: that wasted. See also: Psalms 137:3.
שִׂמְחָ֑ה
simchâh
H8057
"joy"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
שִׁ֥ירוּ
shîyr
H7891
"to sing"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to sing, and it is used in the Bible to describe the act of singing, like when the Israelites sang after crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 15. It can also refer to a singer or songstress. The Bible often mentions singing as a way to praise God.
Definition: 1) to sing 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sing 1a2) singer, songstresses (participle) 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to sing 1b2) singer, songstress (participle) 1c) (Hophal) to be sung
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: behold (by mistake for H7789 (שׁוּר)), sing(-er, -ing man, -ing woman). See also: Exodus 15:1; Nehemiah 12:45; Psalms 7:1.
לָ֝֗/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
מִ/שִּׁ֥יר
shîyr
H7892
"song"
Prep | N-cs
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.
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 137:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 137:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 137:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 137:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 137:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 137:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 137:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 137:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 137:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 137:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 137:3
- Sermons on Psalms 137:3
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.”
4How can we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land? 5If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand cease to function.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 21:6 | “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” |
| 2 | Psalms 9:14 | that I may declare all Your praises— that within the gates of Daughter Zion I may rejoice in Your salvation. |
| 3 | Micah 3:12 | Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, and the temple mount a wooded ridge. |
| 4 | Lamentations 2:15–16 | All who pass by clap their hands at you in scorn. They hiss and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of all the earth?” All your enemies open their mouths against you. They hiss and gnash their teeth, saying, “We have swallowed her up. This is the day for which we have waited. We have lived to see it!” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 26:18 | “Micah the Moreshite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah and told all the people of Judah that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, and the temple mount a wooded ridge.’ |
| 6 | Revelation 14:1–3 | Then I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of many waters and the loud rumbling of thunder. And the sound I heard was like harpists strumming their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. |
| 7 | Psalms 123:3–4 | Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud. |
| 8 | Psalms 65:1 | Praise awaits You, O God, in Zion; to You our vows will be fulfilled. |
| 9 | Nehemiah 4:2 | before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” |
| 10 | Jeremiah 31:12–13 | They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD— the grain, new wine, and oil, and the young of the flocks and herds. Their life will be like a well-watered garden, and never again will they languish. Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow. |
Psalms 137:3 Summary
This verse, Psalms 137:3, shows that the Israelites were being asked to sing a happy song about their homeland, Zion, while they were in captivity in a foreign land, which would have been very difficult for them, as expressed in Psalms 137:4. It's like being asked to sing a happy song at a funeral, it just doesn't feel right. The Israelites were being mocked and humiliated by their captors, and it's a reminder that sometimes we are called to suffer and be faithful in difficult circumstances, as seen in 1 Peter 2:20 and 2 Timothy 3:12. We can learn from the Israelites' example and find ways to worship and trust God even in hard times, as expressed in Psalms 138:8 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the captors request a song from the Israelites?
The captors requested a song from the Israelites to mock and humiliate them, as seen in Psalms 137:3, where they demanded songs of joy, specifically a song of Zion, to rub salt in their wounds and remind them of their defeat, much like the Babylonians did in Daniel 3:5-7 when they demanded worship of the golden statue.
What kind of songs were the Israelites being asked to sing?
The Israelites were being asked to sing songs of joy, specifically a song of Zion, which would have been a painful reminder of their lost homeland and their current state of captivity, as seen in Psalms 137:3, and would have been a difficult request to fulfill, as expressed in Psalms 137:4.
How did the Israelites feel about singing in a foreign land?
The Israelites felt that singing a song of the LORD in a foreign land would be impossible, as expressed in Psalms 137:4, and this feeling is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Ezekiel 20:3, where the prophet Ezekiel is told not to sing lamentations in a foreign land.
What was the significance of singing a song of Zion?
Singing a song of Zion would have been a celebration of the Israelites' heritage and their connection to the city of Jerusalem, as seen in Psalms 48:1-2 and Psalms 87:2-3, and would have been a painful reminder of what they had lost, as expressed in Psalms 137:1-2 and Lamentations 1:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that feel like a 'foreign land' where I struggle to sing and worship God, and how can I find joy and comfort in those situations, as seen in Psalms 42:1-5 and Habakkuk 3:17-19?
- How can I, like the Israelites, find ways to remember and honor my spiritual heritage, even in difficult circumstances, as expressed in Psalms 77:10-12 and Deuteronomy 4:9-10?
- What are some 'songs of Zion' that I can sing in my own life, and how can I use them to bring joy and comfort to myself and others, as seen in Psalms 100:1-5 and Ephesians 5:19-20?
- How can I balance the pain of my current circumstances with the joy of my spiritual heritage, as expressed in Psalms 138:8 and Romans 8:18-25?
- What are some ways that I can, like the Israelites, find strength and comfort in my memories of God's past faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 77:11-12 and Isaiah 46:9-10?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 137:3
For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song,.... Or, "words of a song" (z).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 137:3
For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 137:3
Such songs as you used to sing in the temple at Zion; which they required either out of curiosity, or to delight their ears, or rather by way of scoffing and insultation over them, and their temple and religion.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 137:3
Psalms 137:3 For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us [required of us] mirth, [saying], Sing us [one] of the songs of Zion. Ver. 3. For there … they required of us a song] sc. In disdain and derision of our religion; q.d. Will ye sing no more holy songs in honour of your God? hath he utterly cast away all care of your welfare, and you the like of his service? Have you never a black sanctus to sing us? or cannot you sing care away? &c.; where are your wonted ditties, the words of a song? Ehodum, bellos nobis illos vestrae Sionis modulos cantillate (Beza). And they that wasted us] Cumulatorcs nostri, vel concumulatores nostri, vel homines eiulatuum nostrorum, they that made us howl singing, as Isaiah 52:5. Or, In suspensionibus nostris, after that we had hanged up our harps, as Psalms 137:2, τοακαιρονπανταχουλυπηρον (Isocr.). Sing us one of the songs of Zion] Wherewith ye were wont to praise God.
So Belshazzar abused the bowls of the sanctuary. So the bloody persecutors at Orleans, as they murdercd the Protestants, required them to sing, Judge and revenge my cause, O Lord; and have mercy on us, Lord, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 137:3
(3) A song.—See margin. The expression is generally regarded as pleonastic, but may be explained as in Psalms 105:27, where see Note. Perhaps “some lyric thing” would express the original. No doubt it is a Levite who is requested to sing. They that wasted us.—A peculiar Hebrew word which the LXX. and Vulg. take as synonymous with the verb in the first clause. The modern explanation, “they that make us howl,” is far preferable. Those whose oppression had raised the wild Oriental scream of lamentation, now asked for mirth. Songs of Zion—or, as in the next verse, songs of Jehovah, were of course the liturgical hymns. Nothing is more characteristic than this of the Hebrew feeling. The captors asked for a national song, as the Philistines asked for sport from Samson, to amuse them.
The Hebrew can think only of one kind of song, that to which the genius of the race was dedicated.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 137:3
Verse 3. They that carried us away captive required of us a song] This was as unreasonable as it was insulting. How could they who had reduced us to slavery, and dragged us in chains from our own beautiful land and privileges, expect us to sing a sacred ode to please them, who were enemies both to us and to our God? And how could those who wasted us expect mirth from people in captivity, deprived of all their possessions, and in the most abject state of poverty and oppression?
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 137:3
3. For there &c.] The reason why their harps were silent. It might have been expected that they would soothe their sorrow with plaintive music; but the heartless demand of their captors made it impossible. asked of us songs] Lit. words of song. they that wasted us] The exact meaning is doubtful. The A.V. marg. ‘Heb. laid us on heaps’ rests on an impossible derivation, and the R.V. marg. our tormentors on an improbable one. Perhaps with the change of a single letter shτlelηnu, ‘our spoilers,’should be read instead of the obscure tτlβlηnu. Coverdale’s rendering in the P.B.V., and melody in our heaviness, comes from Luther, ‘und in unserm Heulen ein frφhlich Gesang.’ one of the songs of Zion] Or, some of the songs. As these songs are called in the next verse Jehovah’s songs, it is clear that it is not secular songs that are meant, but the sacred hymns of the Temple worship (2 Chronicles 29:27). To sing these for the amusement of their conquerors would have been the grossest profanation of all that they held most dear; an act comparable to Belshazzar’s use of the consecrated vessels at his feast (Daniel 5:2). Cp. Matthew 7:6.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 137:3
For there they that carried us away captive - The Babylonians. Required of us a song - Asked of us a song. The word does not express the idea of compulsion or force. Margin, as in Hebrew, words of a song.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 137:3
3. Required of us a song—Urgently requested the words of a song. It does not appear that they enforced the request, but only pressed it earnestly.
Sermons on Psalms 137:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Exposition on Psalm 138 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, highlighting the importance of confession not only of sin but also of praise to God. He emphasizes the need for heartfelt worship and thanksgi |
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The Fundamental Matter of Worship by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the fundamental matter of worship as central to the work of God, illustrated through Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's wall, which symbolizes th |
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Return of Christ 19.3.1961 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of work and prayer in the life of a believer. He encourages every individual to be diligent in their work and to find joy in |
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Matthew 24:1-2. Christ Foretells the Destruction of the Temple. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the departure of Jesus from the temple, symbolizing the end of His earthly ministry and the transition to His sacrifice on the cross and ascensio |
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(Revelation - Part 2): A Prognosis of Events by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of being prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ. He uses a story about a boy who eagerly awaits his father's return |
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Don't Lose Your Song by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not losing one's song, referring to the joy and praise that comes from having a strong faith in God. The speaker reads from |
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(Basics) 28. the New Song of Praise by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of praising God in the book of Revelation. He highlights several instances where heavenly beings and angels are seen praising God |