Psalms 128:2

KJV

For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 128:2 offers a profound and holistic vision of flourishing for those who revere the Lord, linking the diligent efforts of one's hands with a deep, abiding blessedness and comprehensive well-being. It portrays a life characterized by stability, satisfaction, and divine favor, where the fruits of labor are enjoyed, and a pervasive sense of contentment and prosperity is experienced by the righteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 128 is an integral part of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a collection traditionally recited by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. These psalms often share common threads of divine protection, the joy of communal worship, the blessings of family, and the dignity of labor. Psalm 128 specifically begins with a beatitude, declaring "Blessed is every one that [feareth the LORD](/psalms/128-1 "Psalm 128:1 - Blessed is Everyone Who Fears the Lord"); that walketh in his ways" ([Psalms 128:1](/psalms/128-1 "Psalm 128:1 - The Foundation of Blessing")). Verse 2 then elaborates on the tangible and experiential manifestations of this foundational blessing, illustrating how reverence for God translates into practical well-being and the enjoyment of one's work. This sets the stage for the subsequent verses, which expand the scope of blessing to include a flourishing family and the peace of Jerusalem, culminating in a comprehensive picture of God's favor on the righteous household and nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm deeply resonates with the agrarian and patriarchal society of ancient Israel. In a culture where survival and prosperity were directly dependent on manual labor and the productivity of the land, the ability to "eat the labour of thine hands" was a profound and highly valued blessing. It signified self-sufficiency, divine provision, and freedom from the indignity of poverty or dependence. The concept of the household as the primary unit of society, with the man as the provider and the family flourishing under God's favor, was central. The annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the feasts were not only spiritual highlights but also reinforced the communal and national identity, emphasizing that God's blessing extended from the individual to the family and to the nation as a whole. The psalm thus speaks to a deeply embedded cultural value placed on honest toil and the unwavering belief that God actively blesses those who live in accordance with His covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 128:2 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 128 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Dignity and Blessing of Labor**, asserting that honest work, undertaken in reverence for God, is not merely a means to an end but a divine channel for blessing and a source of profound satisfaction. This echoes the original biblical mandate for humanity to work and tend the earth, as established in [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man Placed in the Garden to Work It"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Holistic Well-being and Contentment**, using phrases like "happy shalt thou be" and "it shall be well with thee" to describe a comprehensive state of flourishing that transcends mere material prosperity. This concept aligns perfectly with the biblical notion of *shalom*, a state of peace, wholeness, completeness, and flourishing in all aspects of life, which is a hallmark of God's blessing on the righteous, as often promised throughout the Mosaic covenant, particularly in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience and Curses for Disobedience"). Finally, the verse implicitly reinforces the theme of **Covenantal Blessings**, as the promised well-being is explicitly contingent upon "fearing the Lord" (from [Psalms 128:1](/psalms/128-1 "Psalm 128:1 - The Foundation of Blessing")), emphasizing that true prosperity is a gracious gift from God, contingent on a life of obedience and devotion to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **labour (Hebrew, _yᵉgîyaʻ_):** (H3018) This term, derived from a root meaning "to toil" or "to be weary," refers to the product or fruit of one's diligent effort, exertion, or work. In this context, "the labour of thine hands" specifically denotes the tangible results, produce, or sustenance derived directly from one's own manual or intellectual efforts. The phrase "eat the labour of thine hands" thus signifies the enjoyment and benefit of the results of one's own productive work.
* **happy (Hebrew, _ʼesher_):** (H835) More profound than fleeting happiness, _ʼesher_ conveys a deep, abiding state of blessedness, fortune, or enviable well-being. It is often translated "blessed" and signifies a state of divine favor and inner contentment that stems from a right relationship with God. This is the same word used at the beginning of many psalms (e.g., [Psalms 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Path")) and corresponds to the "blessed" (μακάριοι, _makarioi_) in the New Testament Beatitudes (e.g., [Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit")).
* **well (Hebrew, _ṭôwb_):** (H2896) This highly versatile Hebrew word carries a broad semantic range, encompassing "good," "pleasant," "favorable," "prosperous," or "right." When used in the phrase "it shall be well with thee," it signifies a comprehensive state of general well-being, encompassing physical health, emotional peace, material sufficiency, and spiritual soundness. It implies that circumstances are favorable and that life is unfolding as it should, under God's benevolent hand, indicating a holistic state of flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands":** This opening clause establishes a direct and positive correlation between personal effort and the enjoyment of its fruits. It speaks to the dignity of work and the deep satisfaction derived from self-sufficiency and the provision that comes from one's own diligence. It promises that the individual will not work in vain or be deprived of the benefits of their toil, but will indeed partake of and be sustained by what they produce, implying a life free from want and marked by provision.
* **"happy [shalt] thou [be]":** This phrase declares a state of profound blessedness for the individual who fears the Lord. It is not merely a wish but a divine promise of deep, internal contentment and spiritual flourishing that accompanies a life lived in accordance with God's ways. This "happiness" is a divine gift, an enviable state of favor and inner peace that transcends external circumstances, rooted in God's approval and presence.
* **"and [it shall be] well with thee":** This final clause expands on the concept of blessedness, promising a comprehensive state of well-being that permeates all aspects of life. It signifies that one's material circumstances, emotional state, relational dynamics, and spiritual condition will all be in a state of goodness, prosperity, and favor. It points to a life characterized by stability, peace, and overall soundness, where things are "good" in a holistic sense, reflecting God's benevolent oversight.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 128:2 employs several literary devices to convey its message with profound impact and clarity. The verse prominently features **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, in its latter half: "happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee." These two phrases express essentially the same core idea of comprehensive well-being and blessedness, reinforcing the depth, breadth, and certainty of the divine favor promised. The phrase "eat the labour of thine hands" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "labour of thine hands" stands in for the *produce* or *fruits* of one's work. It is also an **Idiom** for enjoying the benefits of one's diligence and self-sufficiency, highlighting the direct connection between effort and reward. The entire verse, within the broader context of Psalm 128, serves as a **Blessing Formula** or **Beatitude**, declaring a state of blessedness upon those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways, articulating the specific, tangible manifestations of that divine favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 128:2 articulates a foundational biblical principle: God blesses the diligent labor of those who fear Him, leading to a state of comprehensive well-being. This verse beautifully integrates the dignity of human work with the sovereignty of divine provision, asserting that true prosperity is not merely a result of human effort but a gracious gift from God. It stands in stark contrast to the futility of labor apart from God, emphasizing that when work is undertaken in reverence and obedience, it becomes a channel for blessing and profound contentment. This holistic well-being, encompassing joy, peace, and material sufficiency, reflects the *shalom* that God desires for His people, demonstrating that His favor extends to every sphere of life. It reminds us that our ultimate satisfaction and ability to genuinely enjoy the fruits of our hands come from God, who enables and sustains our efforts.

* [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Leads to Prosperity")
* [Deuteronomy 28:8](/deuteronomy/28-8 "Deuteronomy 28:8 - Blessings on the Work of Your Hands")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:19](/ecclesiastes/5-19 "Ecclesiastes 5:19 - Enjoying God's Gifts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 128:2 offers timeless encouragement and a profound challenge for believers today. In a world often driven by the relentless pursuit of fleeting pleasures, insatiable material gain, or the elusive promise of "work-life balance" through less effort, this verse redirects our focus to the enduring satisfaction found in honest labor blessed by God. It reminds us that true happiness and well-being are not solely dependent on external circumstances or the accumulation of wealth, but on a life lived in humble reverence for the Lord. It calls us to embrace the dignity of our work, whatever our vocation, and to find contentment in the provision God grants through our efforts, rather than constantly striving for more or comparing ourselves to others. This perspective fosters deep gratitude, alleviates anxiety, and cultivates a spirit of peace, knowing that our ultimate well-being is secured by God's favor, not by the extent of our striving or the perceived status of our occupation. It encourages us to work diligently, trust faithfully, and live contentedly, recognizing that the greatest blessings are often found in the simple, God-honoring rhythms of life and the quiet enjoyment of His provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our modern understanding of success and happiness, which often prioritize external achievements and material accumulation over internal contentment and divine favor?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a deeper sense of contentment and gratitude in the "labor of our hands" today, regardless of its perceived status or financial reward?**
* **How does "fearing the Lord" (from [Psalms 128:1](/psalms/128-1 "Psalm 128:1 - The Foundation of Blessing")) inform or transform our approach to work, finances, and overall well-being in a practical sense?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse promise material wealth to all believers who work hard?**

Answer: This verse does not necessarily promise lavish material wealth to all believers, but rather sufficiency and the ability to genuinely enjoy the fruits of one's labor. The promise of "happy shalt thou be" and "it shall be well with thee" refers to a comprehensive state of holistic well-being (*shalom*) that includes provision, peace, and contentment, not just material abundance. While God often blesses diligence with material provision, the primary emphasis is on a comprehensive, God-given flourishing that transcends mere financial prosperity. It cautions against a "prosperity gospel" interpretation that guarantees specific material outcomes, instead pointing to God's faithful provision for those who live righteously, as He promises to [supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs").

**What does "fearing the Lord" (from Psalms 128:1) mean in this context, and why is it a prerequisite for the blessings in verse 2?**

Answer: "Fearing the Lord" in biblical terms does not imply terror or dread, but rather a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and authority. It signifies a life of humble obedience, deep devotion, and moral alignment with His will, acknowledging God as sovereign and living in submission to His commands. It is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")) because it establishes the proper relationship between creature and Creator. In Psalms 128, fearing the Lord is the foundational prerequisite for the promised blessings because it signifies a heart submitted to God, trusting in His ways and seeking His favor above all else. The "labour of thine hands" and the resulting "happiness" and "well-being" are not merely the outcome of human effort but are divinely bestowed blessings upon those whose lives are ordered by their reverence for God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 128:2, with its promise of enjoying the fruits of one's labor and experiencing holistic well-being through fearing the Lord, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament promise speaks of earthly blessings for the righteous, Christ embodies the perfect "fear of the Lord" and is the very source of true, eternal blessedness. He is the ultimate laborer, whose diligent work on the cross secured our salvation, allowing us to "eat the labour of His hands"—the spiritual fruits of redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life. Through His finished work, we are freed from the curse and futility of labor under sin, and our own work, when done in Him, is no longer in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Your Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain")). The "happiness" and "well-being" promised in this psalm are fully realized in Christ, who offers abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")), perfect peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")), and a contentment that transcends all circumstances ([Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Contentment in Christ")). In Him, we find the true *shalom* that the psalm anticipates, a holistic flourishing that encompasses not just our earthly existence but our eternal destiny, as we are invited into the rest and joy of His finished work, living by faith in the One who has already accomplished all things for us ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")).

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

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.