Psalms 128:1

¶ A Song of degrees. Blessed [is] every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

A Song {H7892} of degrees {H4609}. Blessed {H835} is every one that feareth {H3373} the LORD {H3068}; that walketh {H1980} in his ways {H1870}.

A song of ascents: How happy is everyone who fears ADONAI, who lives by his ways.

Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways!

Blessed is every one that feareth Jehovah, That walketh in his ways.

Commentary on Psalm 128:1 (KJV)

Psalm 128:1 opens a "Song of degrees," also known as a Song of Ascents. These Psalms (120-134) were traditionally sung by pilgrims as they journeyed up to Jerusalem for the great annual feasts, reflecting themes of ascent, hope, and divine blessing.

Context

This verse serves as an introduction to a psalm that describes the blessings bestowed upon those who live in reverence and obedience to God. It sets the foundational principle for the prosperity and well-being detailed in the subsequent verses, particularly concerning family life and labor. The journey to Jerusalem itself was an act of faith and obedience, making this opening statement profoundly relevant to the pilgrims' experience, emphasizing that true blessedness comes from a life devoted to God.

Key Themes

  • The Fear of the LORD: The phrase "feareth the LORD" (Hebrew: yare) does not signify a cowering terror but rather a profound, reverential awe, respect, and submission to God's sovereignty and majesty. It is an acknowledgement of His supreme authority and holiness. This reverential fear is consistently presented in scripture as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge.
  • Walking in His Ways: This denotes a lifestyle of active obedience to God's commandments and principles. The Hebrew word for "walketh" (halak) implies a continuous, habitual course of conduct. It's not merely intellectual assent but practical daily living aligned with God's will. This is the practical outflow of genuine reverence for God.
  • Blessedness: The core promise of this verse is "Blessed [is] every one." This "blessedness" (Hebrew: ashre) describes a state of deep happiness, favor, and spiritual well-being. It is the divine approval and favor that results from living in conformity to God's design. This concept of blessedness is echoed throughout the Psalms, such as in Psalm 1:1, which also describes the blessed man's walk.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "feareth," yare (יָרֵא), is crucial. It speaks to a profound respect and awe for God's power and holiness, leading to obedience rather than just fear of punishment. It emphasizes a loving reverence that shapes one's entire life. Similarly, "walketh" (הָלַךְ - halak) suggests a continuous journey or a way of life, implying a consistent dedication to God's path and a lifestyle of conformity to His will.

Practical Application

Psalm 128:1 serves as a timeless principle for a fulfilling life. It reminds us that true happiness and enduring blessings are not found in worldly pursuits but in a right relationship with God. Cultivating a reverential awe for the Creator and diligently living according to His commands are the pathways to divine favor and peace. This verse encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God, recognizing that obedience to Him is the ultimate source of all good things, impacting not only personal well-being but also the stability and prosperity of one's household, as further detailed in the rest of Psalm 128.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 119:1

    ¶ ALEPH. Blessed [are] the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

  • Psalms 112:1

    ¶ Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.

  • Luke 1:50

    And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation.

  • Psalms 103:13

    Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

  • Acts 9:31

    Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

  • Psalms 147:11

    The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

  • Psalms 127:1

    ¶ 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.

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