Psalms 127:1

KJV

¶ A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain.

KJV (with Strong's)

A Song {H7892} of degrees {H4609} for Solomon {H8010}. Except the LORD {H3068} build {H1129} the house {H1004}, they labour {H5998} in vain {H7723} that build {H1129} it: except the LORD {H3068} keep {H8104} the city {H5892}, the watchman {H8104} waketh {H8245} but in vain {H7723}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A song of ascents. By Shlomo: Unless ADONAI builds the house, its builders work in vain. Unless ADONAI guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.

Berean Standard Bible

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.

American Standard Version

Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 127:1, a profound Song of Ascents attributed to Solomon, delivers a foundational message on divine dependence, asserting the absolute futility of all human endeavor—whether in establishing a household or safeguarding a community—unless it is initiated, sustained, and blessed by the sovereign hand of the Lord. It serves as a powerful declaration that human labor, no matter how diligent, well-intentioned, or strategically executed, is ultimately unproductive and without lasting value if God is not its primary architect and vigilant guardian.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 127:1 serves as the opening verse of Psalm 127, one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134). These psalms were likely sung by pilgrims as they made their way up to Jerusalem for the annual feasts, or by Levites ascending the temple steps. The superscription, "A Song of degrees for Solomon," suggests either that King Solomon himself authored it, or that it is a psalm composed in the style of his renowned wisdom, or perhaps dedicated to him. Its placement within this collection, particularly between Psalm 126 (which celebrates the joy of restoration from exile) and Psalm 128 (which blesses the man who fears the Lord with a fruitful family), positions it as a theological bedrock for understanding how God's blessing undergirds both national restoration and personal family prosperity. It acts as a crucial reminder that all blessings, whether corporate or individual, flow from divine initiative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concepts of "building a house" and "keeping a city" were central to societal stability and survival. "Building a house" often referred not just to a physical dwelling but to establishing a family, a lineage, or even a dynasty, which was paramount for continuity and legacy. "Keeping a city" involved constant vigilance against external threats, requiring watchmen, walls, and strategic defense. Solomon, known as a prodigious builder (most notably the Temple and his own palace, as recounted in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple") and [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Solomon Builds His Palace")), and as a king responsible for the security of Jerusalem, would have intimately understood these endeavors. The psalm speaks directly to the common human experience of striving for security and prosperity, but places it firmly within the framework of divine sovereignty, a crucial aspect of Israelite theology that distinguished their worldview from surrounding polytheistic cultures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching biblical themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, emphasizing that God is the ultimate orchestrator and sustainer of all things; human efforts are secondary and entirely dependent on His will and blessing. This truth resonates with passages like [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"), which states that while a man plans his way, the Lord directs his steps. Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Self-Reliance**, with the repeated phrase "labour in vain" underscoring that striving without God's foundation or protection is unproductive and ultimately pointless. This concept echoes the existential reflections found throughout the book of [Ecclesiastes, particularly Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities"), which declares all human striving apart from God to be "vanity of vanities." Finally, the psalm presents **God as the Ultimate Foundation and Guardian**, whether the endeavor is as personal as building a home and raising a family, or as communal as securing a city; He must be at the core, the true architect and the vigilant watchman.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, frequently translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh," emphasizing His personal, active involvement, faithfulness, and self-existent nature. The use of `Yᵉhôvâh` here is crucial, as it signifies that the success or failure of human endeavors rests not on a generic deity or abstract force, but on the specific, relational God of Israel who actively intervenes in the affairs of His people. His presence is the non-negotiable prerequisite for true and lasting success.
* **build (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** This primitive root means to construct, establish, or cause to continue. While it literally refers to erecting physical structures like a "house," its semantic range extends broadly to establishing a family, a dynasty, an institution, or even a nation. In this context, it implies intentional, foundational work that aims for permanence and growth. The psalm asserts that only when `Yᵉhôvâh` is the primary builder can such endeavors truly be established and endure.
* **vain (Hebrew, _shâvᵉʼ'_):** This powerful word conveys emptiness, futility, worthlessness, or deception. It signifies labor that produces no lasting or meaningful result, often associated with idol worship, false oaths, or trust in human effort apart from God. It's the same term used in the third commandment against taking the Lord's name "in vain" ([Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - Do Not Take the Lord's Name in Vain")). Here, it underscores that human striving, however diligent, becomes ultimately hollow and unproductive without divine blessing and direction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ A Song of degrees for Solomon."**: This superscription serves as an introduction, identifying the psalm as one of the "Songs of Ascents" (Hebrew: _šīr hammaʿalôt_), likely sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for festivals. The attribution "for Solomon" (Hebrew: _lišlōmōh_) can mean "by Solomon," "about Solomon," or "in the style of Solomon," suggesting a connection to his renowned wisdom and his significant building projects, particularly the Temple and his palace. It sets the stage for a reflection on the role of divine wisdom and blessing in human endeavors, grounding the psalm in a context of wisdom literature.
* **"Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it:"**: This foundational clause declares that any effort to establish or sustain a household, family, or institution is utterly fruitless if the Lord (YHWH) is not the primary architect and sustainer. The "house" can refer to a physical dwelling, but more profoundly, it symbolizes a family, a lineage, or a dynasty, representing the intimate sphere of human life. Human diligence, skill, and resources alone, without God's active involvement, foundation, and blessing, lead to ultimate emptiness, futility, and a lack of enduring success.
* **"except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain."**: This parallel clause extends the principle from the domestic sphere to the broader community or nation. The security and preservation of a "city," despite the most vigilant human efforts of its guards and defenders, are ultimately dependent on God's protection. The "watchman" symbolizes human vigilance, military might, or strategic planning. However, without the Lord's active watchfulness and preservation, the watchman's tireless wakefulness is rendered useless, ineffective, and ultimately fails to provide true security or lasting peace.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 127:1 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **parallelism**, specifically a form of **synonymous parallelism** where the two main clauses ("Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it" and "except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain") express the same fundamental idea in different, yet reinforcing, terms. This repetition underscores the universal applicability of the principle—that divine involvement is indispensable across all human endeavors, from the personal to the communal. The psalm also utilizes vivid **imagery**, presenting concrete pictures of "building a house" and "keeping a city." These tangible metaphors represent the fundamental human aspirations for family, security, and community, making the abstract theological truth of divine dependence relatable and immediate. Furthermore, the repeated phrase "in vain" (Hebrew: `shâvᵉʼ`) functions as a form of **hyperbole** or intense emphasis. It's not merely that human efforts are less effective without God, but that they are utterly empty, worthless, and without lasting benefit, powerfully driving home the critical and absolute importance of divine initiation and sustainment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 127:1 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical doctrine of divine sovereignty, asserting that God is not merely a distant observer but the active, indispensable agent in all human affairs. It challenges the inherent human tendency towards self-reliance and hubris, redirecting our gaze from our own strength and wisdom to the unfailing power and providence of the Almighty. The psalm does not negate human effort, but rather reorients it, teaching that our diligence and labor are meaningful and fruitful only when submitted to, empowered by, and blessed by God. This principle applies universally, from the intimate sphere of family life to the grand scale of national security and prosperity, reminding us that true success is defined by God's blessing, not solely by human metrics or achievements.

* [Proverbs 21:30-31](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30-31 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [1 Corinthians 3:6-7](/1_corinthians/3-6-7 "1 Corinthians 3:6-7 - God Gives the Increase")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 127:1 calls believers to a posture of profound humility and active dependence on God in every facet of life. In a world that often champions self-sufficiency, ambition, and human ingenuity as the sole keys to success, this verse serves as a vital corrective. It reminds us that whether we are building a career, nurturing a family, leading a church, or contributing to our community, our efforts, no matter how earnest or well-planned, will ultimately be "in vain" if they are not rooted in God's purpose and sustained by His grace. This truth should prompt us to begin every endeavor with prayer, seeking God's guidance and blessing, and to continually acknowledge His hand in our achievements. It encourages us to release our anxieties about outcomes, knowing that our ultimate security and prosperity rest not in our vigilance or strength, but in the Lord's unfailing watchfulness and provision. This perspective fosters a deep sense of peace and trust, transforming our striving into an act of worship and partnership with the divine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life (e.g., career, family, ministry, personal goals) are you most tempted to rely solely on your own strength, wisdom, or resources, rather than seeking the Lord's guidance and blessing?**
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate "builder" and "watchman" transform your perspective on daily tasks, challenges, and aspirations? What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper posture of dependence on Him?**
* **Considering the emphasis on "in vain," what might it look like to consciously surrender a particular project or concern to the Lord, trusting His involvement to make your efforts truly fruitful and lasting?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean human effort is pointless or that we should do nothing?**

Answer: Absolutely not. Psalms 127:1 does not advocate for passivity or negate the importance of human diligence. Instead, it reorients our understanding of *where* true effectiveness and lasting success originate. The verse highlights that human labor, when detached from divine purpose, blessing, or empowerment, is ultimately futile and produces no enduring value. We are called to build and to watch, to be diligent and responsible, but to recognize that our efforts are meaningful and fruitful *only when* they are aligned with and empowered by God. Our work becomes a partnership with the divine, where God is the primary architect and sustainer, and we are His instruments. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that while we plant and water, it is [God who gives the increase](/1_corinthians/3-6 "1 Corinthians 3:6 - God Gives the Increase").

**What do "the house" and "the city" represent in this psalm?**

Answer: In Psalms 127:1, "the house" (Hebrew: `bayith`) carries a rich symbolic meaning beyond just a physical dwelling. It broadly signifies a household, a family, a lineage, or even a dynasty, emphasizing the establishment, continuation, and well-being of a domestic unit. This is further elaborated in [Psalm 128](/psalms/128 "Psalm 128 - Blessings of the Righteous"), which immediately follows and speaks of the blessings upon a man's house and family. "The city" (Hebrew: `ʿîyr`) represents the broader community, nation, or society, encompassing its security, governance, and prosperity. It refers to the collective life and defense of a people. Together, these two images symbolize the full spectrum of human endeavors, from the most intimate personal and familial spheres to the largest societal and national structures, underscoring the universal reach of God's sovereignty over all aspects of human life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 127:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the true and ultimate builder and guardian. The "house" that the Lord builds ultimately points to God's spiritual house, the Church, which Jesus himself declared He would build: "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")). As the cornerstone rejected by the builders but chosen by God ([Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")), Christ is the essential foundation upon which all true spiritual life and community are established. Believers are called "living stones" built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the chief cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House") and [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")). Furthermore, Jesus is the vigilant "watchman" and the Good Shepherd who "lays down his life for the sheep" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), ensuring the ultimate security and preservation of His flock. Unlike the watchman who wakes in vain, Christ never slumbers nor sleeps, but ever intercedes for His own ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). Thus, all our building—whether personal character, family life, or ministry—is truly fruitful and enduring only when it is built upon and guarded by Christ, the one "who built everything" ([Hebrews 3:3-4](/hebrews/3-3-4 "Hebrews 3:3-4 - Christ as Builder of the House")). He is the foundation and the security, making all our labor in Him eternally significant.

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

Proverbs 16:9

¶ A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

1 Corinthians 3:7

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Proverbs 21:31

The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.

1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.

1 Corinthians 3:15

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.