Psalms 137:5
Psalms 137:5 in Multiple Translations
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand cease to function.
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, Let my right hand forget her skill.
If I keep not your memory, O Jerusalem, let not my right hand keep the memory of its art.
If I forget Jerusalem, may my right hand forget how to play;
If I forget thee, O Ierusalem, let my right hand forget to play.
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, my right hand forgetteth!
If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her skill .
And let them sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.
If I forget about Jerusalem [APO], Iet my right hand wither with the result that I will be unable to play my harp
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 137:5
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 137:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִֽם
אֶשְׁכָּחֵ֥/ךְ
יְֽרוּשָׁלִָ֗ם
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ח
יְמִינִֽ/י
אִֽם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אֶשְׁכָּחֵ֥/ךְ
shâkach
H7911
to forget
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
יְֽרוּשָׁלִָ֗ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ח
shâkach
H7911
to forget
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
יְמִינִֽ/י
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 137:5
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.
אֶשְׁכָּחֵ֥/ךְ
shâkach
H7911
"to forget"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To forget something means to mislay it or be oblivious to it. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe when people forget things, like God's commands. The KJV translates it as 'to forget' or 'at all'.
Definition: 1) to forget, ignore, wither 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to forget 1a2) to cease to care 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to make or cause to forget 1e) (Hithpael) to be forgotten Aramaic equivalent: she.khach (שְׁכַח "to find" H7912)
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget. See also: Genesis 27:45; Psalms 106:13; Psalms 9:13.
יְֽרוּשָׁלִָ֗ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ח
shâkach
H7911
"to forget"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To forget something means to mislay it or be oblivious to it. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe when people forget things, like God's commands. The KJV translates it as 'to forget' or 'at all'.
Definition: 1) to forget, ignore, wither 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to forget 1a2) to cease to care 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to make or cause to forget 1e) (Hithpael) to be forgotten Aramaic equivalent: she.khach (שְׁכַח "to find" H7912)
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget. See also: Genesis 27:45; Psalms 106:13; Psalms 9:13.
יְמִינִֽ/י
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
N-fs | Suff
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 137:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 137:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 137:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 137:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 137:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 137:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 137:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 137:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 137:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 137:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 137:5
- Sermons on Psalms 137:5
Context — By the Rivers of Babylon
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.
6May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy! 7Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: “Destroy it,” they said, “tear it down to its foundations!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 51:50 | You who have escaped the sword, depart and do not linger! Remember the LORD from far away, and let Jerusalem come to mind.” |
| 2 | Zechariah 11:17 | Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!” |
| 3 | Daniel 6:10–11 | Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel petitioning and imploring his God. |
| 4 | Isaiah 62:1 | For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep still, until her righteousness shines like a bright light, her salvation like a blazing torch. |
| 5 | Psalms 122:5–9 | For there the thrones of judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper. May there be peace within your walls, and prosperity inside your fortresses.” For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity. |
| 6 | Psalms 84:10 | For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. |
| 7 | Psalms 102:13–14 | You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show her favor— the appointed time has come. For Your servants delight in her stones and take pity on her dust. |
| 8 | Nehemiah 2:2–3 | so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” |
| 9 | Isaiah 62:6–7 | On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves, nor give Him any rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth. |
| 10 | Psalms 84:1–2 | How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of Hosts! My soul longs, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. |
Psalms 137:5 Summary
This verse is a powerful expression of the psalmist's love for Jerusalem and their desire to remember it always. The psalmist is saying that if they were to forget Jerusalem, they would rather lose the ability to do anything meaningful than forget the city and its significance. This is similar to how we should prioritize our relationship with God and remember His presence in our lives, as seen in verses like Psalms 63:6 and Hebrews 13:5. By remembering God and His promises, we can find strength and comfort in times of difficulty, just like the psalmist finds comfort in remembering Jerusalem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the psalmist's right hand to cease to function if they forget Jerusalem?
This is a figurative expression of the psalmist's deep commitment to remembering Jerusalem, implying that their ability to create or accomplish anything meaningful would be lost if they were to forget their beloved city, much like the importance of remembering God's commands as seen in Deuteronomy 8:18
Is the psalmist saying that they would rather be unable to do anything than forget Jerusalem?
Yes, the psalmist is expressing the depth of their love and longing for Jerusalem, similar to the apostle Paul's expression of willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ in Philippians 3:8
How does this verse relate to the idea of 'remembering' in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of remembering God's covenant and promises, as seen in verses like Psalms 105:5 and Ezekiel 16:60, where God remembers His people and His covenant with them
What does this verse teach us about the importance of loyalty and commitment?
This verse teaches us that loyalty and commitment to what is truly important, like our faith and our community, should be unwavering, as seen in the example of the psalmist's commitment to Jerusalem, and as encouraged by Jesus in Matthew 10:22
Reflection Questions
- What are the things that I hold dear and would be willing to sacrifice for, and are they in line with God's will for my life?
- In what ways can I remember and honor God's presence in my life, just as the psalmist remembers Jerusalem?
- How can I balance my desire for comfort and security with my commitment to following God, even in difficult circumstances?
- What role does community and fellowship play in my spiritual life, and how can I prioritize these things in a way that honors God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 137:5
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem,.... This was said by one or everyone of the Levites; or singers, as Aben Ezra and Kimchi; or by the congregation of Israel, as Jarchi; by one of them, in the name of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 137:5
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget (her cunning) - let my right hand no longer perform its function of playing the harp (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 137:5
If I forget thee; if I do not retain a deep and sorrowful sense of thy ruin and misery, or if I indulge myself in mirth and jollity, as if I had forgotten thee. Right hand; the chief instrument of playing upon musical instruments and of other actions. Forget her cunning, i.e. lose its skill of playing. In the Hebrew it is only forget, without expressing what, to intimate the extent and generality of this wish; Let it forget or be disenabled not only for playing, but for every action in which it was formerly used.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 137:5
Psalms 137:5 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget [her cunning].Ver. 5. If I forget thee, O Jerusalem] As I might seem to do, should I herein gratify these idolaters; or otherwise obey them, rather than God. The Jews at this day, when they build a house, they are, say the Rabbis, to leave one part of it unfinished and lying rude, in remembrance that Jerusalem and the temple are at present desolate. At least, they use to leave about a yard square of the house unplastered, on which they write, in great letters, this of the psalmist, "If I forget Jerusalem," &c., or else these words, Zecher leehorban, that is, The memory of the desolation (Leo Modena of the Rites of the Jews). Let my right hand forget] Fiat abalienata atque emortua, Let it be paralytical and useless, unfit to touch the harp.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 137:5
(5) Her cunning—i.e., the skill of playing on the harp. If at such a moment the poet can so far forget the miserable bondage of Jerusalem as to strike the strings in joy, may his hand for ever lose the skill to touch them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 137:5
Verse 5. If I forget thee, O Jerusalem] Such conduct would be, in effect, a renunciation of our land a tacit acknowledgment that we were reconciled to our bondage; a concession that we were pleased with our captivity, and could profane holy ordinances by using them as means of sport or pastime to the heathen. No: Jerusalem! we remember thee and thy Divine ordinances: and especially thy King and our God, whose indignation we must bear, because we have sinned against him. Let my right hand forget] Let me forget the use of my right hand. Let me forget that which is dearest and most profitable to me; and let me lose my skill in the management of my harp, if I ever prostitute it to please the ungodly multitude or the enemies of my Creator!
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 137:5
5. If I forget thee, O Jerusalem] To have consented would have seemed an act of unfaithfulness to Zion. Some of the exiles did forget the “holy mountain” (Isaiah 65:11). For the imprecation as a solemn asseveration cp. Job 31:21-22. forget her cunning] So the aposiopesis is admirably completed in the Great Bible of 1540. Less forcibly the LXX and Jer. read the verb as a passive, ‘Let my right hand be forgotten,’ which is the rendering of Coverdale (1535), retained in the first edition of the Great Bible.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 137:5
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem - The meaning here is, that to sing in such circumstances would seem to imply that they had forgotten Jerusalem; that they were unmindful of its sorrows, and cared not that it was desolate.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 137:5
5, 6. If I forget thee—The form of language is that of an oath, and the forfeiture is terrible, (see note on Psalms 132:3,) while, as an outburst of patriotism and love for the national religion, it is sublime.
Sermons on Psalms 137:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Prayer for Revival (Psalm 89) by Maurice Roberts | Maurice Roberts emphasizes the weakness in prayer in modern times, attributing it to the neglect of Scripture, resulting in prayers falling short of biblical standards. He highligh |
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Iii. the Jerusalem Sign by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the significance of Jerusalem in the Scriptures, emphasizing its role as the abiding city where Jehovah's everlasting kingdom will be established. D |
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Letters: Rev. Dr. Andrew, Glasgow (1) by Andrew Bonar | Rev. Dr. Andrew Bonar expresses his gratitude for a visit to Palestine, emphasizing the joy and significance of experiencing the holy sites firsthand. He shares his excitement abou |
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Hell-Shaking Prayer by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer, focusing on the story of Daniel who prayed fervently despite facing opposition and the threat of the lion's den. It highlights the |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Idleness and Busyness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dangers that Christians may encounter on their spiritual journey. The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly and not b |
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(Montana) Daniel by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and thanksgiving in the life of a believer. He highlights the example of Daniel, who prayed and gave thanks to God t |
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Quiet Time by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being filled with the word of God and maintaining a life of victory. He encourages the audience to avoid seeking other way |