Psalms 122:8

KJV

For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace [be] within thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

For my brethren {H251} and companions {H7453}' sakes, I will now say {H1696}, Peace {H7965} be within thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the sake of my family and friends, I say, "Shalom be within you!"

Berean Standard Bible

For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”

American Standard Version

For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 122:8 is a heartfelt declaration of peace for Jerusalem, deeply rooted in the psalmist's profound solidarity with his fellow pilgrims and the broader community of faith. Motivated by a genuine concern for his "brethren and companions," the psalmist pronounces a comprehensive blessing of "shalom" upon the sacred city, expressing a fervent desire for its holistic well-being, prosperity, and spiritual flourishing, recognizing that the city's peace is inextricably linked to the welfare of God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the "Songs of Ascent" (Psalms 120-134), a collection traditionally sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. Psalm 122 specifically captures the profound joy and reverence associated with arriving at the holy city, celebrating its role as the center of worship, justice, and national unity. The preceding verses, [Psalms 122:6-7](/psalms/122-6 "Psalm 122:6-7 - Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem"), directly call for prayers for Jerusalem's peace and prosperity, setting the immediate stage for the psalmist's personal vow in verse 8. This personal declaration thus becomes an embodiment of the communal prayer, reinforcing the psalm's overarching theme of devotion to Zion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Jerusalem, particularly during the time of the monarchy (traditionally associated with King David, though the exact authorship of all Songs of Ascent is debated), served as the political, judicial, and spiritual capital of Israel. It was the site of the Temple, the dwelling place of God's presence, and the destination for the three annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Weeks, and Booths), where all Israelite males were commanded to appear before the Lord. The act of pilgrimage fostered a deep sense of national and religious unity. The desire for "peace" (shalom) for Jerusalem was not merely a wish for the absence of war, but for the comprehensive well-being of a city that symbolized the nation's identity, security, and covenant relationship with God. Its peace ensured the stability and flourishing of the people.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 122:8 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **communal solidarity and intercession**, highlighting that true spiritual well-being is often intertwined with the welfare of one's community and sacred spaces. The psalmist's motivation ("For my brethren and companions' sakes") demonstrates a profound sense of shared destiny and responsibility, echoing the call to love one's neighbor as oneself found in [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **holistic pursuit of shalom**, a comprehensive peace that encompasses spiritual, social, and physical flourishing, not merely the absence of conflict. This concept of peace is central to God's covenant promises and the vision of His kingdom, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace"). Lastly, the verse reinforces the **profound love and devotion for Jerusalem (Zion)**, recognizing its unique status as God's chosen city and the center of His redemptive plan, a theme prevalent throughout the Psalms and prophetic literature, such as [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brethren and companions (Hebrew: אחים ורעים, _achīm v're'im'_):** This dual phrase signifies a deep and multifaceted bond. "Brethren" (_achīm_) denotes kinship, whether by blood or by shared national and religious identity, emphasizing the covenant community. "Companions" (_re'im_) suggests close associates, friends, and fellow travelers, highlighting shared experiences, mutual support, and camaraderie, particularly in the context of pilgrimage. Together, these terms underscore the psalmist's profound sense of belonging and his motivation rooted in a genuine, empathetic concern for the entire community of faith.
* **Peace (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם, _shalom'_):** Far exceeding the modern English understanding of "peace" as merely the absence of conflict, _shalom_ is a rich, comprehensive concept in Hebrew thought. It denotes wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, harmony, security, health, and flourishing in every dimension of life—spiritual, physical, social, and relational. When the psalmist declares "Peace [be] within thee," he is invoking a holistic blessing for Jerusalem's total welfare and flourishing, desiring its perfect state of divinely ordained order and blessedness.
* **Within thee (Hebrew: בקרבך, _b'qirbekh'_):** This phrase literally means "in your midst" or "in your inner parts." It emphasizes that the desired peace is not merely an external condition or a superficial veneer, but an internal, pervasive reality that permeates the very core and fabric of the city and its inhabitants. It speaks to an intrinsic state of well-being and harmony that resides at the heart of Jerusalem's existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For my brethren and companions' sakes":** This opening clause reveals the psalmist's profound motivation. His prayer and declaration are not self-serving but are born out of a deep, empathetic love and solidarity with his fellow Israelites. It highlights the communal aspect of faith and the interconnectedness of God's people, where the well-being of one is tied to the well-being of all.
* **"I will now say":** This is a deliberate, active, and resolute declaration. It's not a passive hope but an intentional pronouncement, indicating the psalmist's commitment to actively participate in seeking Jerusalem's peace, whether through prayer, advocacy, or personal devotion. The "now" suggests an immediate and purposeful action.
* **"Peace [be] within thee":** This is the core blessing and prayer. Addressing Jerusalem directly, the psalmist invokes _shalom_—a comprehensive state of wholeness, prosperity, and well-being—to reside deeply within the city. It encompasses a desire for spiritual integrity, social justice, physical security, and overall flourishing for Jerusalem and all who dwell within its walls.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 122:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, where the psalmist directly addresses Jerusalem ("thee"), personifying the city as a living entity capable of receiving a blessing. This direct address creates an intimate and personal connection, making the prayer more immediate and heartfelt. The verse also functions as a **Benediction** or **Blessing**, a formal pronouncement of good will and divine favor, imbued with spiritual authority and intention. Furthermore, the phrase "For my brethren and companions' sakes" exemplifies **Motivation by Empathy**, highlighting the psalmist's deep-seated concern for his community as the driving force behind his spiritual declaration. The comprehensive nature of "peace" (shalom) also functions as a form of **Merism**, where a single word encapsulates a vast array of positive conditions, implying totality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 122:8 profoundly articulates the biblical principle that the well-being of God's people is intrinsically linked to the peace and prosperity of the places they inhabit, especially those designated as sacred or central to God's purposes. The psalmist's prayer for Jerusalem's "shalom" is not merely a wish for political stability but a spiritual yearning for the city to fully embody its divine calling as a place of justice, worship, and holistic flourishing. This communal intercession reflects a theology where individual and collective destinies are intertwined, and where love for God is expressed through active concern for His people and His dwelling place. It underscores the importance of intercessory prayer, reminding believers that our prayers for our communities are a vital expression of our faith and solidarity.

* [Jeremiah 29:7](/jeremiah/29-7 "Jeremiah 29:7 - Seek the Peace of the City")
* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity in the Spirit")
* [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 122:8 serves as a timeless model for believers today, challenging us to expand our prayers and concerns beyond our immediate personal needs to encompass the well-being of our communities, both spiritual and physical. Just as the psalmist was motivated by his connection to his "brethren and companions" and his love for Jerusalem, we are called to actively seek the "shalom"—the holistic peace, prosperity, and flourishing—of our churches, neighborhoods, cities, and nations. This involves not only praying for the absence of conflict but also for the presence of justice, righteousness, health, and spiritual vitality. Our intercession should be driven by a genuine love for fellow believers and for all people, recognizing that God desires the flourishing of all creation. This verse reminds us that our faith has a communal dimension, compelling us to contribute to the common good and to be agents of God's peace in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current prayer life reflect a concern for the "shalom" of my community and fellow believers, as modeled by the psalmist?**
* **In what practical ways can I, motivated by love for my "brethren and companions," contribute to the holistic well-being of my local church or neighborhood?**
* **What does "peace" (shalom) truly mean to me, and how can I pursue this comprehensive peace in my own life and for those around me?**
* **How does my understanding of God's presence in my "spiritual home" (my church, my faith community) inspire me to pray and work for its flourishing?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "brethren and companions"?**

Answer: The phrase "brethren and companions" (Hebrew: _achīm v're'im_) is highly significant because it reveals the profound motivation behind the psalmist's prayer. "Brethren" refers to fellow Israelites, emphasizing a shared national, ethnic, and covenantal identity. These are people bound by a common heritage and faith in Yahweh. "Companions" expands this to include close associates, friends, and fellow pilgrims with whom the psalmist shared the journey to Jerusalem. Together, these terms highlight a deep sense of community, solidarity, and mutual concern. The psalmist's desire for Jerusalem's peace is not an abstract political wish but a heartfelt plea driven by his love and empathy for the people who dwell there and with whom he shares a common destiny. It underscores that the well-being of the city is directly tied to the well-being of its people, and vice versa.

**How does "shalom" in this verse relate to modern concepts of peace?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _shalom_ (שָׁלוֹם) is far richer and more expansive than the modern English concept of "peace," which often simply means the absence of war or conflict. In Psalms 122:8, _shalom_ encompasses a holistic state of well-being, completeness, prosperity, harmony, security, health, and flourishing in every dimension of life—spiritual, physical, social, and relational. It implies a state of divinely ordained order and wholeness. While modern peace movements often focus on political stability and conflict resolution, biblical _shalom_ extends to social justice, economic equity, personal integrity, and spiritual reconciliation with God. Thus, praying for _shalom_ for a city or community means desiring its total flourishing, not just the cessation of hostilities. This broader understanding challenges us to pursue a more comprehensive and transformative peace in our world, reflecting God's ultimate design for creation, as seen in [Isaiah 32:17](/isaiah/32-17 "Isaiah 32:17 - The Fruit of Righteousness is Peace").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 122:8, with its fervent prayer for the "peace" (shalom) of Jerusalem motivated by love for "brethren and companions," finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalmist longed for the peace of the earthly city, Christ is the very embodiment and bringer of true _shalom_ for all humanity. He is declared the "Prince of Peace" in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), and through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He broke down the dividing wall of hostility, making peace between God and humanity and between alienated peoples ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Jesus' gift of peace, unlike the world's, is an inner, abiding peace that transcends circumstances ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")). Furthermore, the "brethren and companions" for whom the psalmist prayed are now united in Christ, forming the spiritual body of believers, the Church, which is the new Jerusalem ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). Christ's ultimate return will usher in the New Jerusalem, a city of perfect and eternal _shalom_, where God dwells with His people and there will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, the psalmist's hopeful declaration foreshadows the comprehensive peace and unity that Christ alone provides and will ultimately establish in His eternal kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 2:2

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.

Philippians 2:5

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

1 Samuel 25:6

And thus shall ye say to him that liveth [in prosperity], Peace [be] both to thee, and peace [be] to thine house, and peace [be] unto all that thou hast.

James 3:13

¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Psalms 119:63

¶ I [am] a companion of all [them] that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

Psalms 42:4

When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.