Psalms 134:1

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, all [ye] servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.

Complete Jewish Bible:

A song of ascents: Come, bless ADONAI, all you servants of ADONAI, who serve each night in the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible:

Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who serve by night in the house of the LORD!

American Standard Version:

Behold, bless ye Jehovah, all ye servants of Jehovah, That by night stand in the house of Jehovah.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

A Song^{H7892} of degrees^{H4609}. Behold, bless^{H1288} ye the LORD^{H3068}, all ye servants^{H5650} of the LORD^{H3068}, which by night^{H3915} stand^{H5975} in the house^{H1004} of the LORD^{H3068}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Psalms 134:1

Psalm 134:1 is the opening verse of a very brief Psalm, consisting of only three verses, which is part of a collection known as the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134). These Psalms were likely used by Jewish pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals, and they cover themes of worship, unity, and seeking God's presence. The historical context suggests that they may have been sung as the pilgrims ascended the road to Jerusalem, which is geographically higher than the surrounding landscape, hence the term "ascents."

The verse itself is a call to worship, specifically addressed to the "servants of the LORD" who are engaged in nighttime service in the house of the LORD. The "house of the LORD" refers to the Jerusalem Temple, the central place of worship in ancient Israel. The servants mentioned could be priests, Levites, or other temple workers who would have been responsible for maintaining the temple's operations and rituals throughout the night.

The theme of the verse is an exhortation to bless and praise the LORD. It emphasizes the continual nature of worship, suggesting that even at night, when the city and temple were quieter, the servants of God were to be found blessing Him. This reflects the idea that worship is not confined to set times or public gatherings but is an ongoing posture of the heart for those dedicated to serving God.

In a broader sense, Psalm 134:1 invites all of God's people, not just those in temple service, to a life of constant worship and blessing towards the LORD, regardless of the time or circumstances. It serves as a reminder that service to God is a privilege and that worship is a 24/7 commitment, transcending the formal rituals and extending into every aspect of life.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7892
   There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שִׁיר
   Transliteration: shîyr
   Pronunciation: sheer
   Description: or feminine שִׁירָה; from שִׁיר; a song; abstractly, singing; musical(-ick), [idiom] sing(-er, -ing), song.
   
2. Strong's Number: H4609
   There are 39 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַעֲלָה
   Transliteration: maʻălâh
   Pronunciation: mah-al-aw'
   Description: feminine of מַעֲלֶה; elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step or grademark, figuratively, a superiority of station); specifically a climactic progression (in certain Psalms); things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story.
   
3. Strong's Number: H1288
   There are 289 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בָרַךְ
   Transliteration: bârak
   Pronunciation: baw-rak'
   Description: a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason); [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
5. Strong's Number: H5650
   There are 714 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֶבֶד
   Transliteration: ʻebed
   Pronunciation: eh'-bed
   Description: from עָבַד; a servant; [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3915
   There are 223 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לַיִל
   Transliteration: layil
   Pronunciation: lah'-yil
   Description: or (Isaiah 21:11) לֵיל; also לַיְלָה; from the same as לוּל; properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity; (mid-)night (season).
   
7. Strong's Number: H5975
   There are 495 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָמַד
   Transliteration: ʻâmad
   Pronunciation: aw-mad'
   Description: a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.
   
8. Strong's Number: H1004
   There are 1718 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בַּיִת
   Transliteration: bayith
   Pronunciation: bah'-yith
   Description: probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out).