Psalms 122:8 — Word Study
WLCלְ֭מַעַן אַחַ֣י וְרֵעָ֑י אֲדַבְּרָה־ נָּ֖א שָׁל֣וֹם בָּֽךְ׃
BSAFor the sakemaʻan [because, on account] of my brothersʼâch [relatives, close friends] and friendsrêaʻ [companions, neighbors] I will saydâbar [speak, declare] Peaceshâlôwm [shalom, completeness and wellness]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| לְ֭מַעַן | for [the] sake of | Particle |
| אַחַ֣י | brothers my | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| וְרֵעָ֑י | and friends my | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| אֲדַבְּרָה־ | I will speak | Verb, Piel, infinitive construct first person common singular |
| נָּ֖א | please | Particle |
| שָׁל֣וֹם | peace | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| בָּֽךְ׃ | [be] in you | Preposition, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” |
| KJV | For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. |
| ASV | For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. |
| YLT | For the sake of my brethren and my companions, Let me speak, I pray thee, 'Peace [be] in thee.' |
| WEB | For my brothers’ and companions’ sakes, I will now say, “Peace be within you.” |
| BBE | Because of my brothers and friends, I will now say, Let peace be with you. |
Where they part company is שָׁל֣וֹם — see How Translations Differ.
One main clause supported by a prepositional phrase indicating the motivation for the statement and an adverbial phrase adding politeness.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectשָׁלוֹם
verbדָבַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 122:8
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Prayer for Jerusalem's Peacegenerated
Psalm 122:8 expresses a heartfelt wish for peace directed towards the community of Jerusalem. The psalmist emphasizes the importance of familial and friendly bonds, showing that the desire for peace is rooted in love and concern for those close to him. This verse serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the community and the importance of seeking peace for the well-being of all its members.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 16:3 | As for the saints in the land, they are the excellence in whom all my delight resides. |
| 2 | Psalm 42:4 | These things come to mind as I pour out my soul: how I walked with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God with shouts of joy and praise. |
| 3 | Psalm 119:63 | I am a friend to all who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts. |
| 4 | Ephesians 4:4–6 | There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; |
| 5 | Philippians 2:2–5 | then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — שָׁל֣וֹם, sha.Lomgenerated
The word שָׁל֣וֹם (shalom) conveys a rich meaning that includes peace, completeness, wellness, and harmony. It reflects not only the absence of conflict but also a state of wholeness and prosperity, both physically and spiritually.
In this verse, it is a declaration of well-being that the psalmist wishes for his community, indicating that peace is essential for their collective health and happiness.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is אֲדַבְּרָה, I will speak, which is accompanied by a polite particle נָּ֖א, please. The structure emphasizes the psalmist's intent to declare peace as a significant act of goodwill.
The sentence is constructed with a clear subject and predicate, with the subject being the psalmist's declaration and the predicate expressing the wish for peace, highlighting the communal aspect of the message.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates שָׁל֣וֹם as εἰρήνην, which conveys a similar sense of peace but may also carry connotations of tranquility and safety in a broader sense.
This choice in translation indicates a continuity of the concept of peace from Hebrew to Greek, emphasizing its importance in both languages as a desired state.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 122:8 expresses a heartfelt wish for peace directed towards the community of Jerusalem. The psalmist emphasizes the importance of familial and friendly bonds, showing that the desire for peace is rooted in love and concern for those close to him.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The psalmist is expressing a wish for the well-being and harmony of his community, indicating that peace is essential for their happiness.
By mentioning his brothers and friends, the psalmist highlights the importance of close relationships and community ties in his desire for peace.
This verse connects to the theme of communal well-being and the importance of seeking peace for the city of Jerusalem, reinforcing the idea that peace benefits everyone.
In this context, 'shalom' encompasses not only peace but also completeness, wellness, and harmony, reflecting a holistic view of well-being.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I actively seek peace in my community, like the psalmist?
- What role do my relationships play in my understanding of peace?
- In what ways can I express my care for others as the psalmist does?
- How does the concept of peace in this verse resonate with my personal experiences?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 122:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleFor my brethren and companions' sakes,.... Who were regenerated by the spirit of God; adopted into his family, and children of the same father; stood in the same relation to Christ the firstborn, and
Read John Gill on Psalms 122 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryFor my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 122 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleAnd this I desire not only nor chiefly for my own security, and for the glory of mine empire, but for the sake of all my fellow citizens, and of all the Israelites, whom, though my subjects, I must own for my brethren and companions in the chief privileges and blessings enjoyed at Jerusalem.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 122 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 122:8 For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace [be] within thee. Ver. 8. For my brethren and companions’ sakes] David was not all for himself (as the manner is in these last and loosest times), but, as one of a public spirit, he did - toti genitum se credere genti.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 122 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(8) Peace be within thee.—Here the formal greeting actually appears, that which greets every traveller in the East (John 20:19). (Comp. Luke 10:5.) The full form appears in 1 Samuel 25:6.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 122 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 8. For any brethren and companions' sakes] Because this city is the abode of my kinsfolk and countrymen, I will wish it prosperity. I will promote its peace and tranquillity by all means in my power. I will affectionately say, May peace be within thee!
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 122 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges8. For my brethren and companions’ sakes] Not, for the sake of the nation in general, though doubtless the welfare of the nation was dependent on the welfare of the metropolis: but for the sake of those dwelling in Jerusalem, to whom he feels himself attached in the bonds of closest fellowship. There may be a reference to the circumstances described in Nehemiah 11:1 ff. Some difficulty was found in securing a sufficient population for the city: ten per cent. of the country people were chosen by lot to come into the city; and others volunteered to reside there. “And the people blessed all the men that willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem.” I will now say] Let me now say, Peace…
Read Cambridge on Psalms 122 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleFor my brethren and companions’ sakes - Because they dwell there; or, because they go up there to worship; or, because they love thee, and find their happiness in thee; or, because they are
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 122 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For my brothers’ and companions’ sakes, I will now say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of my brothers and my neighbors I will say, “May there be peace in you!”
Tyndale line
For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
For my brethren and companions' sake, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
For my brethren and neighbours sakes I will wish thee now prosperitie.
Strictly literal
For my brethren and companions' sakes I will say, Peace be within thee!
For the sake of my brethren and my companions, Let me speak, I pray thee, 'Peace [be] in thee.'
For the sake of my brothers and my companions, || Please let me speak, “Peace [be] in you.”
For the sake of my brethren and my friends, let me now speak, Peace be within thee.
For the sake of my brothers and my friends I will say, “May there be peace within you.”
Simplified
On behalf of my family and friends, I will now say, “May you be at peace.”
Because of my brothers and friends, I will now say, Let peace be with you.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint align closely in their wording, with 7 of the 7 words matched. The Dead Sea Scrolls provide a fragment that supports the essential elements of the verse, though some words were supplied by an editor due to damage.
לְ֭מַעַן אַחַ֣י וְרֵעָ֑י אֲדַבְּרָה־ נָּ֖א שָׁל֣וֹם בָּֽךְ׃
7 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[למען] [אח׳י] [ורע׳י] אדברה שלום ב׳ך
6 words of the verse are on this fragment — 3 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 122:8
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
מַ֫עַן (ma`an) is a preposition and conjunction meaning 'for the sake of' or 'on account of.' It conveys purpose or intent, indicating a motive or aim, and is used adverbially. The word is derived from a root meaning 'heed' or 'purpose' and appears in contexts that express reasons or intentions.
[מַ֫עַן] subst. purpose, intent, only with לְ, in לְמַ֫עַן 271 prep. and conj. for the sake of, on account of, to the intent or in order that
base
H4616 מַ֫עַן prep. and conj. for the sake of, on account of, to the intent or in order that
4616 ma`an mah'-an
from 6030; properly, heed, i.e. purpose; used only
adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim),
teleologically, in order that:--because of, to the end
(intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), + lest, that, to.
see HEBREW for 06030
מַ֫עַן (ma.an) — because.
1) purpose, intent prep
1a) for the sake of
1b) in view of, on account of
1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj
1d) to the end that
Prep — ParticleHTc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
אָח (ach) means 'brother' and encompasses a broad range of relationships, including literal siblings, half-brothers, and metaphorical kinship. It can refer to any male relative or compatriot, and it may also imply resemblance or reciprocal relationships. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, highlighting both familial and figurative connections.
אָח 630 n.m. brother
brother, born of same mother (& father)
indef. = relative
fig. of resemblance
in phr. one … another
base
H251 אָח brother
251 'ach awkh
a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of
literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance
(like 1)):--another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other.
Compare also the proper names beginning with "Ah-" or "Ahi-".
see HEBREW for 01
אָח (ach) — brother: male-sibling.
: 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
אָח (ach) — brother: male-relative.
: male-relative
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
אָח (ach) — brother: compatriot.
: compatriot
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
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp1bs
רֵעַ (rea`) refers to a friend, companion, or fellow, emphasizing close associations such as brotherhood or intimacy. It can also denote a neighbor or another person in a broader sense. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to associate.'
רֵעַ 187 n.m. friend, companion, fellow
base
H7453 רֵעַ friend, companion, fellow
7453 rea` ray'-ah
or reya2 {ray'-ah}; from 7462; an associate (more or less
close):--brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover,
neighbour, X (an-)other.
see HEBREW for 0reya2
see HEBREW for 07462
רֵעַ (re.a) — neighbor.
1) friend, companion, fellow, another person
1a) friend, intimate
1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense)
1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Conj | N-mp | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHC/Ncmpc/Sp1bs
דָבַר (dabar) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning 'to speak.' It encompasses a range of actions including declaring, commanding, and conversing. The root suggests a figurative use of words, with some entries noting a rare destructive sense of subduing. Various forms of the verb indicate different nuances, such as speaking with one another or making promises.
[דָבַר] 1142 vb. speak (original mng. dub.)
Qal speak
Niph. reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk
Pi. speak
Pu. in the day when she may be spoken for
Hithp. speaking this word
Hiph. either leads subject, or puts to flight, fig. for subdues
base
H1696 דָבַר speak (original mng. dub.)
1696 dabar daw-bar'
a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used
figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive
sense) to subdue:--answer, appoint, bid, command, commune,
declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse,
say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think,
use (entreaties), utter, X well, X work.
דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: speak.
: speak/tell/command
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
1a) (Qal) to speak
1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to speak
1c2) to promise
1d) (Pual) to be spoken
1e) (Hithpael) to speak
1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: subdue.
: subdue
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
1a) (Qal) to speak
1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to speak
1c2) to promise
1d) (Pual) to be spoken
1e) (Hithpael) to speak
1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: promise.
: promise/declare
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
1a) (Qal) to speak
1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to speak
1c2) to promise
1d) (Pual) to be spoken
1e) (Hithpael) to speak
V-Piel-1cs — Verb · Piel · infinitive construct first person common singularHVpc1cs
נָא (na') is a Hebrew particle used primarily for entreaty or exhortation, meaning 'I pray,' 'now,' or 'please.' It often appears attached to verbs in the imperative or future forms, and can also modify interjections, adverbs, or conjunctions. The entries consistently emphasize its role in expressing a plea or request.
נָא part. of entreaty or exhortation, I (we) pray, now (enclitic)
base
H4994 נָא I (we) pray, now (enclitic)
4994 na' naw
a primitive particle of incitement and entreaty, which may
usually be rendered: "I pray," "now," or "then"; added mostly
to verbs (in the Imperative or Future), or to interjections,
occasionally to an adverb or conjunction:--I beseech (pray)
thee (you), go to, now, oh.
נָא (na) — please.
1) I (we) pray, now, please
1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
HTj — ParticleHTj
שָׁלוֹם (shalom) conveys a range of meanings including completeness, soundness, welfare, and peace. It can refer to physical safety and health, as well as emotional states like tranquility and friendship, particularly in human relationships and with God. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to be complete' and is used in various contexts, including greetings.
שָׁלוֹם 237 n.m. completeness, soundness, welfare, peace
completeness in no.
safety, soundness, in body
welfare, health, prosperity
peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment
peace, friendship
peace from war
as adj. those at peace with him
base
H7965 שָׁלוֹם completeness, soundness, welfare, peace
7965 shalowm shaw-lome'
or shalom {shaw-lome'}; from 7999; safe, i.e. (figuratively)
well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health,
prosperity, peace:--X do, familiar, X fare, favour, + friend,
X great, (good) health, (X perfect, such as be at)
peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty),
salute, welfare, (X all is, be) well, X wholly.
see HEBREW for 07999
שָׁלוֹם (sha.lom) — peace.
: peace
1) completeness, soundness, welfare, peace
1a) completeness (in number)
1b) safety, soundness (in body)
1c) welfare, health, prosperity
1d) peace, quiet, tranquillity, contentment
1e) peace, friendship
1e1) of human relationships
1e2) with God especially in covenant relationship
1f) peace (from war)
1g) peace (as adjective)
שָׁלוֹם (ye.ho.vah sha.lom) — Peace.
This name means completeness, peace
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
שָׁלוֹם (sha.lom) — peace: well-being.
: well-being
1) completeness, soundness, welfare, peace
1a) completeness (in number)
1b) safety, soundness (in body)
1c) welfare, health, prosperity
1d) peace, quiet, tranquillity, contentment
1e) peace, friendship
1e1) of human relationships
1e2) with God especially in covenant relationship
1f) peace (from war)
1g) peace (as adjective)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
pes (shalom; eirene):
1. In the Old Testament:
Is a condition of freedom from disturbance, whether outwardly, as of a nation from war or enemies, or inwardly, within the soul. The Hebrew word is shalom (both adjective and substantive), meaning, primarily, "soundness," "health," but coming also to signify "prosperity," well-being in general, all good in relation to both man and God. In early times, to a people harassed by foes, peace was the primary blessing. In Ps 122:7, we have "peace" and "prosperity," and in 35:27; 73:3, shalom is translated "prosperity." In 2Sa 11:7 the King James Version, David asked of Uriah "how Joab did" (margin "of the peace of Joab"), "and how the people did (the Revised Version (British and American) "fared," literally, "of the peace of the people"), and…
ךְ (kh) — you.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person feminine singular
HR/Sp2fs — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp2fs