Psalms 133:1

KJV

¶ A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] for brethren to dwell together in unity!

KJV (with Strong's)

A Song {H7892} of degrees {H4609} of David {H1732}. Behold, how good {H2896} and how pleasant {H5273} it is for brethren {H251} to dwell {H3427} together {H3162} in unity {H3162}!

Complete Jewish Bible

A song of ascents. By David: Oh, how good, how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in harmony.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!

American Standard Version

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 133:1 opens with an exclamatory declaration celebrating the profound beauty and inherent goodness of communal unity among God's people. Attributed to David and serving as one of the Songs of Ascents, this verse immediately establishes the central theme of the psalm: the desirable and blessed state when those who are spiritually connected as "brethren" live together in harmony, emphasizing that such togetherness is not merely practical but also deeply pleasing and beneficial.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 133 stands as one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a unique collection traditionally sung by pilgrims journeying "up" to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. These psalms often share themes of journey, longing for Zion, communal solidarity, and divine blessing. Immediately preceding Psalm 133 is Psalm 132, which focuses on God's dwelling place in Zion and the covenant with David, setting a tone of anticipation for God's presence and the blessings associated with it. Following Psalm 133, Psalm 134 concludes the collection with a call to bless the Lord in the sanctuary, reinforcing the context of worship and communal gathering. Within this sequence, Psalm 133:1 acts as a powerful statement on the ideal state of the worshipping community, a harmonious gathering that is itself a blessing and a prelude to further divine favor, as described in the subsequent verses of [Psalm 133](/psalms/133 "Psalm 133 - The Blessing of Unity").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Songs of Ascents" were integral to the pilgrimage experience in ancient Israel. Jews from all twelve tribes, often from diverse geographical regions and social strata, would travel to Jerusalem for the major festivals. This journey was not just physical but also spiritual, fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose. In a society where tribal and familial loyalties were strong and often led to divisions, the ideal of "brethren dwelling together in unity" was a powerful counter-cultural statement and a deeply desired reality. The attribution to David (H1732) further connects this psalm to a foundational period of Israel's national and spiritual identity, emphasizing unity under a divinely appointed king and in the context of a centralized worship system in Jerusalem. The experience of pilgrims converging on the holy city, laying aside regional differences to worship as one nation, perfectly embodies the sentiment of this verse.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme of Psalm 133:1 is the **beauty and goodness of unity**. The verse immediately highlights unity as both "good" (H2896) and "pleasant" (H5273), suggesting it is morally commendable, beneficial, and aesthetically delightful. This intrinsic value of unity is underscored by the communal aspect, emphasizing **brotherhood and community** among God's people. The term "brethren" (H251) transcends mere biological kinship, pointing to a shared spiritual family and covenant relationship. This ideal state of harmony is presented as a **divine desire and a source of blessing**, setting the stage for the imagery of anointing oil and dew in the following verses, which symbolize the abundant blessings that flow from such unity. This theme resonates deeply with the New Testament emphasis on unity within the body of Christ, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Preserving the Unity of the Spirit") and [Philippians 2:2](/philippians/2-2 "Philippians 2:2 - Being of One Mind").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this word denotes something that is excellent, beneficial, morally upright, and pleasing. In the context of unity, it suggests that communal harmony is not merely agreeable but inherently righteous, productive, and aligned with God's design for human flourishing. It encompasses both moral quality and positive outcome.
* **pleasant (Hebrew, _nâʻîym'_):** From H5273, this term describes something delightful, agreeable, and sweet. It speaks to the aesthetic and experiential joy derived from unity, highlighting that harmony among brethren is not just a duty but a source of genuine pleasure and beauty, making the experience of togetherness enjoyable and desirable.
* **unity (Hebrew, _yachad'_):** From H3162, this word properly means "a unit" or "unitedly." It signifies a state of being together, in oneness, or in harmony. It implies more than mere physical proximity or cohabitation; rather, it points to a profound communal and spiritual solidarity, where individuals are bound by common purpose, affection, and mutual respect.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, how good and how pleasant":** This opening phrase functions as an emphatic exclamation, drawing the reader's immediate attention to the profound and admirable quality of what is about to be described. The use of "how" ("mah" in Hebrew) intensifies the adjectives "good" and "pleasant," signaling a remarkable and deeply valued state.
* **"[it is] for brethren":** The term "brethren" (ʼâch, H251) extends beyond literal siblings to encompass the wider community of God's people—fellow Israelites, and by extension, fellow believers. It emphasizes a familial, covenantal bond, highlighting a shared identity and spiritual kinship that transcends mere acquaintance.
* **"to dwell together in unity!":** "To dwell" (yâshab, H3427) implies a settled, enduring, and intentional cohabitation. The phrase "together in unity" (yachad, H3162) specifies the *manner* of dwelling, emphasizing a state of oneness, harmony, and common purpose, rather than mere physical proximity or a collection of disparate individuals. This is the ideal condition being celebrated.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 133:1 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The psalm opens with a striking **exclamation**, "Behold, how good and how pleasant," which immediately captures the reader's attention and conveys a sense of wonder and admiration for the described unity. This rhetorical flourish emphasizes the profound value and beauty of brethren dwelling together in harmony. The phrase "how good and how pleasant" also functions as a subtle **rhetorical question**, inviting the audience to implicitly agree that such unity is indeed supremely beneficial and delightful, making the truth self-evident. Furthermore, the term "brethren" serves as a **metonymy** or **synecdoche**, representing the entire community of God's people, transcending literal family ties to encompass a spiritual family bound by common faith and purpose. This broadens the scope of the psalm's message from individual relationships to the collective body of Israel and, by extension, the church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 133:1 presents unity not merely as a practical virtue but as a divine ideal, reflecting the very nature of God, who is one and desires oneness among His people. This unity is portrayed as intrinsically good and pleasant, suggesting it aligns with God's moral order and brings forth joy and flourishing. It is a state that invites divine blessing, as elaborated in the subsequent verses of the psalm. The theological significance lies in its depiction of God's people living in harmony, a foretaste of the perfect communion found in God's presence and a powerful witness to the world. This unity is not uniformity, but a harmonious blending of diverse individuals under a common spiritual bond.

* [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")
* [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity in the Body of Christ")
* [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Call for Unity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 133:1 serves as a timeless and profound call to cultivate and cherish unity within our families, churches, and communities. In a world often marked by division, strife, and individualism, this verse reminds us of the immense value and inherent beauty of living together in peace, mutual support, and shared purpose. True unity, as described here, is not the suppression of individuality but the harmonious blending of diverse gifts, perspectives, and personalities under the overarching bond of love and common faith. It requires humility to put others first, grace to forgive offenses, and a commitment to active reconciliation. When believers truly dwell together in unity, it creates an environment where God's presence is palpable, His blessings flow freely, and His kingdom is powerfully manifested to a watching world. This unity is a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel and a source of deep spiritual nourishment for all involved.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific divisions or areas of disunity exist in my family, church, or community, and how might I contribute to healing them?**
* **How does my personal attitude and actions either foster or hinder "good and pleasant" unity among those I interact with?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to actively promote a deeper sense of brotherhood and harmony in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What does "brethren" mean in this context, and how does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: In Psalm 133:1, "brethren" (Hebrew: *ʼâch*, H251) refers primarily to the fellow Israelites who gathered for worship, emphasizing their shared lineage, covenant relationship with God, and national identity. It signifies a familial bond that transcends mere acquaintance, pointing to a deep sense of kinship and solidarity among God's chosen people. For believers today, this concept extends powerfully to the church. As followers of Christ, we are united by a spiritual rebirth and adoption into God's family, making us "brothers and sisters" in Christ. This spiritual brotherhood means we share a common Father ([Ephesians 4:6](/ephesians/4-6 "Ephesians 4:6 - One God and Father")), a common Lord ([1 Corinthians 8:6](/1_corinthians/8-6 "1 Corinthians 8:6 - One Lord, Jesus Christ")), and a common Spirit ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father through the Spirit")). Therefore, the call to dwell together in unity applies directly and profoundly to the Christian community, urging us to live in harmony, love, and mutual respect as members of one body.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 133:1, with its celebration of brethren dwelling together in unity, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the church, His body. While the psalm speaks of the unity of Israel, Christ came to break down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the true head of this new spiritual family, and through His atoning work, all who believe are brought into an intimate relationship with God and with one another, becoming "brethren" in the most profound sense. Jesus Himself prayed for this very unity among His followers, that "they all may be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me" ([John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")). The "good and pleasant" unity envisioned in Psalm 133 is perfectly embodied in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit within the church, where diverse individuals are knit together by the love of Christ, reflecting the very unity of the Godhead. This unity is not merely a human endeavor but a supernatural reality empowered by the Spirit, enabling believers to live out the "new commandment" to love one another ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment")), thereby offering a compelling witness to the world of God's transforming grace.

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.