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Psalms 137:6

Psalms 137:6 in Multiple Translations

May 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!

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, If I remember thee not; If I prefer not Jerusalem Above my chief joy.

If I let you go out of my thoughts, and if I do not put Jerusalem before my greatest joy, let my tongue be fixed to the roof of my mouth.

May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don't remember you—if I don't consider Jerusalem my greatest joy.

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleaue to the roofe of my mouth: yea, if I preferre not Ierusalem to my chiefe ioy.

My tongue doth cleave to my palate, If I do not remember thee, If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.

Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don’t remember you, if I don’t prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

For the Lord is high, and looketh on the low: and the high he knoweth afar off.

Do not allow me to sing again [MTY], if I forget about Jerusalem, if I do not consider that Jerusalem causes me to be more joyful than anything else does.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 137:6

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 137:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB תִּדְבַּ֥ק לְשׁוֹנִ֨/י לְ/חִכִּ/י֮ אִם לֹ֪א אֶ֫זְכְּרֵ֥/כִי אִם לֹ֣א אַ֭עֲלֶה אֶת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֑ם עַ֝֗ל רֹ֣אשׁ שִׂמְחָתִֽ/י
תִּדְבַּ֥ק dâbaq H1692 to cleave V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לְשׁוֹנִ֨/י lâshôwn H3956 tongue N-cs | Suff
לְ/חִכִּ/י֮ chêk H2441 palate Prep | N-ms | Suff
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
לֹ֪א lôʼ H3808 not Part
אֶ֫זְכְּרֵ֥/כִי zâkar H2142 to remember V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
אַ֭עֲלֶה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper
עַ֝֗ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms
שִׂמְחָתִֽ/י simchâh H8057 joy N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 137:6

תִּדְבַּ֥ק dâbaq H1692 "to cleave" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To cleave means to cling or stick to something, like pursuing something closely. It's used in the Bible to describe following God or others.
Definition: 1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cling, cleave to 1a2) to stay with 1b) (Pual) to be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cleave to 1c2) to pursue closely 1c3) to overtake 1d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave Aramaic equivalent: de.vaq (דְּבֵק "to cleave" H1693)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Samuel 20:2; Psalms 22:16.
לְשׁוֹנִ֨/י lâshôwn H3956 "tongue" N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
לְ/חִכִּ/י֮ chêk H2441 "palate" Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the roof of the mouth or palate, like when Isaiah describes the mouth as a source of praise or shame. It's also related to taste and speech, as seen in the book of Job.
Definition: mouth, palate, taste, gums
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (roof of the) mouth, taste. See also: Job 6:30; Proverbs 5:3; Psalms 119:103.
אִם 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.
לֹ֪א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֶ֫זְכְּרֵ֥/כִי zâkar H2142 "to remember" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | 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.
אִם 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.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אַ֭עֲלֶה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
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.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֑ם 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.
עַ֝֗ל 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.
רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
שִׂמְחָתִֽ/י simchâh H8057 "joy" N-fs | Suff
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.

Study Notes — Psalms 137:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 3:26 I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth, and you will be silent and unable to rebuke them, though they are a rebellious house.
2 Psalms 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death.
3 Job 29:10 The voices of the nobles were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roofs of their mouths.
4 Isaiah 41:17 The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
5 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.
6 Lamentations 4:4 The nursing infant’s tongue clings in thirst to the roof of his mouth. Little children beg for bread, but no one gives them any.
7 1 Thessalonians 3:7–9 For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you, because of your faith. For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence?
8 Acts 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
9 Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
10 Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Psalms 137:6 Summary

[This verse means that the psalmist loves Jerusalem so much that he would rather not be able to speak than forget about it, similar to how we feel about the things and people we love, as seen in Psalms 119:97 and Song of Solomon 8:6-7. He wants to remember and honor the city above all else, and this desire is rooted in his love for God and His people. Just like the psalmist, we can prioritize our love and devotion to God and seek to honor Him in all we do, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37-38. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper love for Him and His people, and remember our spiritual home, just as the psalmist remembered Jerusalem.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the tongue to cling to the roof of the mouth?

This is a figurative expression meaning to be unable to speak, as seen in Psalms 137:6, where the psalmist is saying that if he forgets Jerusalem, he would rather be mute than speak, similar to the sentiment in Ezekiel 3:26 where the prophet is made mute by God.

Why is Jerusalem so important to the psalmist?

Jerusalem is the city of God, the place where He dwells among His people, as seen in Psalms 46:4-5, and the psalmist's greatest joy is to remember and exalt it, reflecting the love and devotion of God's people for their spiritual home, similar to the feelings expressed in Psalms 84:1-4.

Is this verse about the psalmist's personal experience or a prayer for others?

This verse is the psalmist's personal expression of devotion to Jerusalem, as seen in the use of 'I' and 'my', and his desire to remember and exalt the city, similar to the personal expressions of love and devotion in Song of Solomon 1:4 and Psalms 42:1-2.

How can we apply this verse to our own lives as believers?

As believers, we can apply this verse by prioritizing our love and devotion to God and His people, just as the psalmist prioritized his love for Jerusalem, and seek to exalt and honor Him in all we do, as seen in Colossians 3:17 and Psalms 105:1-3.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the source of my greatest joy, and how does it compare to the psalmist's love for Jerusalem?
  2. In what ways can I exalt and honor God in my daily life, just as the psalmist desired to exalt Jerusalem?
  3. How can I cultivate a deeper love and devotion for God and His people, just as the psalmist had for Jerusalem?
  4. What are some ways I can remember and prioritize my spiritual home, just as the psalmist remembered Jerusalem?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 137:6

If I do not remember thee,.... In prayer, in discourse, in conversation; this is the same as before, to forget, repeated for the confirmation of it; let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; as

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 137:6

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 137:6

Remember thee with affection and sympathy, so as to damp my joys. Cleave to the roof of my mouth; be made uncapable of singing, or speaking, or moving, as it is in some diseases. Compare . If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy; if I do not value and desire Jerusalem’ s prosperity more than all other delights, and consequently if Jerusalem’ s misery doth not so deeply affect me as to hinder my delight in all other things.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 137:6

Psalms 137:6 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.Ver. 6. If I do not remember thee] Hi gemitus Sanctorum sunt gemitus Spiritus sancti, these are the very sighs unutterable, that precede joys unspeakable and full of glory. Either our beds are soft or our hearts hard, that can rest when the Church is at unrest, that fed not our brethren’ s hard cords through our soft beds. If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy] Heb. if I cause it not to ascend above the head of my joy. Christ in his ordinances must be our chiefest comfort, overtopping all other; and devouring all discontents whatsoever.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 137:6

Verse 6. Let my tongue cleave] Let me lose my voice, and all its powers of melody; my tongue, and all its faculty of speech; my ear, and its discernment of sounds; if I do not prefer my country, my people, and the ordinances of my God, beyond all these, and whatever may constitute the chiefest joy I can possess in aught else beside. This is truly patriotic, truly noble and dignified. Such sentiments can only be found in the hearts and mouths of those slaves whom the grace of God has made free.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 137:6

6. Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, If I remember thee not (R.V.). Let all power of speech and song desert me. Cp. Job 29:10. if I prefer not &c.] Lit. if I exalt not Jerusalem above my chiefest joy: i.e. if I do not regard J. as dearer to me than aught else.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 137:6

If I do not remember thee - Equivalent to, “If I forget thee.” If I ever fail to remember thee; if I shall ever act as if I had forgotten thee.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 137:6

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 137:6

SermonDescription
Erlo Stegen The Sweetness of Knowing Christ by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who finds himself in a room with a dog after being beaten and tied up. The man is initially afraid of the dog, but as they sp
Richard Baxter How to Seek the Saints' Rest While on Earth by Richard Baxter Richard Baxter preaches on the importance of being convinced of the value of heaven, emphasizing the need for this conviction to deeply sink into our hearts to motivate us. He urge
Zac Poonen (Genesis) - Part 6 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hard work and discipline in the life of a believer. He references the example of Paul, who worked tirelessly and faced hard
Jackie Pullinger Arrogant, Overfed, and Unconcerned by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young girl named Karen who faces many challenges in her life. Despite her difficult circumstances, Karen takes on responsibilitie
David Wilkerson The Glory of the Last Days by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses a biblical story where the Israelites were trapped at the Red Sea with the enemy army behind them. He compares this situation to the challeng
Jim Cymbala God's River by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus' incarnation and sacrifice for humanity. He explains that Jesus came to earth as God in human form, performed mira
Roy Hession (The Lord - Merciful and Gracious) 3. the Lord on the Side of the Poor and Needy by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the dramatic and thunderous opening of the sermon, comparing it to the witches in Hammett's play. The speaker then mentions a beaut

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