King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with thee.
Complete Jewish Bible:
You will eat what your hands have produced; you will be happy and prosperous.
Berean Standard Bible:
For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.
American Standard Version:
For thou shalt eat the labor of thy hands: Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
For thou shalt eat{H398} the labour{H3018} of thine hands{H3709}: happy{H835} shalt thou be, and it shall be well{H2896} with thee.
Cross-References (KJV):
Isaiah 3:10
- Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.
Isaiah 62:8
- The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn [to be] meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:
Isaiah 65:21
- And they shall build houses, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
Isaiah 65:23
- They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they [are] the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.
Ecclesiastes 5:18
- ¶ Behold [that] which I have seen: [it is] good and comely [for one] to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it [is] his portion.
Ecclesiastes 5:19
- Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this [is] the gift of God.
Deuteronomy 28:4
- Blessed [shall be] the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Psalms 128:2
Psalm 128:2 is part of a collection of psalms known as the Songs of Ascents, which were traditionally sung by Jewish pilgrims as they ascended the hill to worship at the Temple in Jerusalem. These psalms often express themes of blessing, righteousness, and the rewards of a life lived in accordance with God's will.
The verse itself, "For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee," speaks to the concept of divine favor resulting from hard work and righteous living. It suggests that there is a direct correlation between one's labor and the rewards one reaps. The idea is that when a person works diligently and honestly, they will enjoy the fruits of their labor, which in turn leads to happiness and well-being.
Historically, this verse reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where the success of one's crops and the prosperity of one's household were seen as signs of God's blessing. The promise of happiness and well-being would have resonated with the people of that time, who understood the importance of manual labor in their daily lives.
In a broader sense, Psalm 128:2 encapsulates a principle that transcends its historical context: the virtue of honest work and its intrinsic value in contributing to personal contentment and societal prosperity. It assures the faithful that their dedication and integrity in their vocations will lead to a fulfilling life, both materially and spiritually. This message continues to inspire and comfort believers, reminding them that their efforts are not in vain and that their well-being is of concern to the Divine.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H398
There are 825 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָכַל
Transliteration: ʼâkal
Pronunciation: aw-kal'
Description: a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. - Strong's Number: H3018
There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְגִיעַ
Transliteration: yᵉgîyaʻ
Pronunciation: yeg-ee'-ah
Description: from יָגַע; toil; hence, a work, produce, property (as the result of labor); labour, work. - Strong's Number: H3709
There are 180 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כַּף
Transliteration: kaph
Pronunciation: kaf
Description: from כָּפַף; the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree); figuratively, power; branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. - Strong's Number: H835
There are 266 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֶשֶׁר
Transliteration: ʼesher
Pronunciation: eh'-sher
Description: from אָשַׁר; happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!; blessed, happy. - Strong's Number: H2896
There are 517 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: טוֹב
Transliteration: ṭôwb
Pronunciation: tobe
Description: from טוֹב; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured).