Psalms 137:5

KJV

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget [her cunning].

KJV (with Strong's)

If I forget {H7911} thee, O Jerusalem {H3389}, let my right hand {H3225} forget {H7911} her cunning.

Complete Jewish Bible

If I forget you, Yerushalayim, may my right hand wither away!

Berean Standard Bible

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand cease to function.

American Standard Version

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, Let my right hand forget her skill.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 137:5 is a solemn and passionate oath of unwavering devotion to Jerusalem, uttered by the exiled Israelites in Babylon. It expresses a profound commitment to remember their homeland and its spiritual significance, even under duress. The psalmist declares that if he were ever to forget Jerusalem, he would willingly suffer the catastrophic loss of his most vital skill and ability, symbolized by his right hand losing its function. This verse powerfully encapsulates the deep sorrow, enduring hope, and covenant fidelity of a people longing for restoration to their spiritual and physical center.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 137:5 stands as a pivotal moment within a psalm of lament and imprecation, often referred to as "By the Rivers of Babylon." The preceding verses (Psalms 137:1-4) vividly depict the profound grief and humiliation of the exiles, who are mocked by their captors and asked to sing songs of Zion. Their refusal to sing, symbolized by hanging their harps on willow trees, underscores their sorrow and their unwillingness to profane sacred songs in a foreign land. Verse 5, along with the subsequent verse (Psalms 137:6), then shifts from lament to a powerful, self-imprecatory oath, demonstrating an unyielding resolve to prioritize Jerusalem above all personal comfort or skill. This oath serves as a solemn vow of remembrance, leading into the psalm's concluding imprecations against Babylon and Edom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm is a direct reflection of the Babylonian Exile, a traumatic period for the Jewish people following the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by Nebuchadnezzar II in 586 BCE, as recounted in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"). Stripped of their land, their monarchy, and their central place of worship, the exiles faced a profound crisis of identity and faith. Jerusalem was not merely a city; it was the sacred dwelling place of God's presence, the site of the Temple, and the heart of their national and covenantal identity. To forget Jerusalem would be tantamount to forgetting their covenant with God and abandoning their heritage. The "rivers of Babylon" (Psalms 137:1) represent their displacement, while the taunts of their captors (Psalms 137:3) highlight their humiliation. In this context, the psalmist's oath is a defiant act of spiritual resistance, a public declaration that their loyalty to Zion remains unbroken despite their physical captivity.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Psalms 137:5 is **Unwavering Loyalty and Remembrance**. The psalmist's oath underscores an absolute commitment to Jerusalem, symbolizing their national and spiritual identity, even in the face of profound adversity. This loyalty is born out of **Profound Grief and Longing** for their lost homeland and the Temple, a yearning that permeates the entire psalm (see [Psalms 137:1](/psalms/137-1 "Psalms 137:1 - By the Rivers of Babylon")). The verse also highlights **Covenant Fidelity**, as remembering Jerusalem is intrinsically linked to remembering God's promises and their covenant relationship. Finally, the imprecation "let my right hand forget her cunning" powerfully illustrates **The Cost of Forgetfulness**, emphasizing that forgetting Jerusalem would render life meaningless and ineffective, signifying a catastrophic personal and professional loss, particularly for musicians or skilled laborers whose "right hand" was essential for their craft, as implied by the harps mentioned in [Psalms 137:2](/psalms/137-2 "Psalms 137:2 - Harps Hung on Willows").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **forget (Hebrew, _shâkach'_):** This primitive root (H7911) means "to mislay" or "to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention." In this context, it signifies more than a simple lapse of memory; it implies a deliberate or profound abandonment, a failure to retain in one's consciousness what is vital. Forgetting Jerusalem would be a spiritual and national catastrophe, severing the exiles from their past, their identity, and their hope.
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim'_):** This proper noun (H3389) refers to the capital city of Palestine. Its dual form may allude to its two main hills. More than a geographical location, Jerusalem represents the spiritual heart of Israel, the City of David, the site of the Temple, and the dwelling place of God's presence. It embodies the covenant, the promises of God, and the national identity of the Jewish people.
* **right hand (Hebrew, _yâmîyn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be strong," this noun (H3225) denotes the right hand or side, often associated with strength, skill, dexterity, and power. In ancient cultures, the right hand was crucial for skilled labor, warfare, and musical performance. The psalmist's imprecation that his right hand "forget her cunning" (an interpretive addition in KJV, meaning to lose its skill or ability) implies a self-inflicted paralysis, rendering him useless and unable to perform his most essential functions, particularly those related to music or craftsmanship, which were central to the psalm's initial imagery.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If I forget thee, O Jerusalem":** This is a conditional clause expressing a profound, almost unthinkable, premise. The psalmist envisions a scenario where his memory of Jerusalem, the very core of his identity and hope, would somehow fade or be abandoned. The direct address "O Jerusalem" personalizes the city, treating it as a beloved entity whose remembrance is paramount. This clause sets up the severe consequence that follows, highlighting the absolute priority given to Jerusalem.
* **"let my right hand forget [her cunning].":** This is a self-imprecation, a solemn oath invoking a curse upon oneself if the condition is met. The "right hand" is a metonymy for skill, ability, and effectiveness, particularly in crafts like playing musical instruments (as suggested by the harps in [Psalms 137:2](/psalms/137-2 "Psalms 137:2 - Harps Hung on Willows")). The phrase "forget her cunning" (an interpretive addition in the KJV, accurately capturing the sense) means to lose its dexterity, its skill, or its very function. The psalmist is essentially saying, "If I ever forget Jerusalem, may I become utterly useless, unable to perform the very actions that define me or sustain my life." It signifies a life rendered meaningless without the central memory and hope of Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 137:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound emotional and spiritual weight. The verse functions as a solemn **Oath** or **Self-Imprecation**, where the psalmist invokes a curse upon himself if he fails to uphold his commitment. This rhetorical device emphasizes the absolute sincerity and gravity of his vow. **Personification** is evident in the direct address "O Jerusalem," treating the city as a living entity capable of being remembered or forgotten, thereby deepening the emotional bond. Furthermore, the phrase "let my right hand forget her cunning" utilizes **Metonymy**, where the "right hand" stands in for the psalmist's skill, ability, and even his very livelihood or purpose. This metonymy is particularly poignant given the context of the exiled musicians who had hung up their harps, implying that the loss of their primary instrument of expression would be a fate worse than death if it were due to forgetting their spiritual home. The entire verse is a powerful expression of **Hyperbole**, using an extreme consequence to underscore the paramount importance of remembering Jerusalem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 137:5 profoundly articulates the theological significance of memory and fidelity within the covenant relationship. For the Israelites, remembering Jerusalem was not merely nostalgia; it was an act of covenant faithfulness, a commitment to God's promises concerning Zion and His chosen people. This verse underscores that true devotion involves an unyielding focus on God's purposes and dwelling place, even when physically separated or suffering. It speaks to the enduring hope for restoration and the conviction that spiritual identity is tied to God's sacred spaces and promises, rather than immediate circumstances. The psalmist's willingness to sacrifice his most vital skill for the sake of remembrance illustrates the ultimate priority of God's kingdom and His city in the life of a believer, serving as a timeless reminder to hold fast to spiritual truths and priorities above all else.

* [Deuteronomy 6:10-12](/deuteronomy/6-10 "Deuteronomy 6:10-12 - Do Not Forget the Lord")
* [Lamentations 1:1-7](/lamentations/1-1 "Lamentations 1:1-7 - Jerusalem's Desolation")
* [Isaiah 62:6-7](/isaiah/62-6 "Isaiah 62:6-7 - Watchmen on Jerusalem's Walls")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 137:5 challenges believers today to examine the depth of their own spiritual commitment and what constitutes their "Jerusalem"—that central, non-negotiable aspect of their faith that, if forgotten, would render their lives meaningless. For many, this "Jerusalem" is their relationship with Christ, their commitment to God's Word, or their longing for the New Jerusalem. In a world filled with distractions, spiritual apathy, or even persecution, this verse calls us to cultivate an unwavering devotion to our spiritual priorities. It prompts us to ask: What is so foundational to my faith that to forget it would diminish my purpose and effectiveness? How do I actively remember and prioritize God's kingdom and His will in my daily life, especially when facing spiritual "exile" or hardship? This psalm encourages a steadfastness that transcends fleeting circumstances, ensuring our spiritual "right hand" remains skillful and purposeful in God's service, always oriented towards His eternal city and kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is my "Jerusalem"—the central, non-negotiable truth or commitment that defines my spiritual identity and purpose?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "forget" my spiritual priorities or compromise my devotion in the face of worldly pressures or distractions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more unwavering remembrance of God's promises and His kingdom in my daily life?**
* **How does my current life reflect the priority of my spiritual "Jerusalem," and what "cunning" (skills, talents, resources) am I dedicating to its remembrance and advancement?**

### FAQ
**What does "forget her cunning" mean in this verse?**
Answer: The phrase "forget her cunning" (an interpretive addition in the King James Version) refers to the right hand losing its skill, dexterity, or ability to perform its functions. In ancient times, the right hand was crucial for skilled labor, playing musical instruments, writing, or engaging in combat. The psalmist's imprecation means that if he were to forget Jerusalem, he would willingly become useless, unable to perform his most vital tasks, particularly those related to his craft or livelihood. It signifies a profound loss of purpose and effectiveness, highlighting how central the memory of Jerusalem was to his very existence.

**Why is Jerusalem so important to the psalmist in this context?**
Answer: Jerusalem was far more than just a city; it was the spiritual and political heart of Israel. It was the City of David, the site of the Temple—God's dwelling place—and the symbol of God's covenant with His people. For the exiled Israelites, Jerusalem represented their identity, their heritage, their hope, and their connection to God's promises. To forget Jerusalem would be to abandon their covenant, their spiritual roots, and their longing for restoration. The psalmist's unwavering devotion reflects the profound theological and national significance of the city as the center of their faith.

**Is this verse a curse, and how should believers understand such an imprecation today?**
Answer: Yes, Psalms 137:5 is a self-imprecation, a solemn oath where the psalmist invokes a severe consequence upon himself if he were to forget Jerusalem. While it functions as a curse, it is primarily a powerful rhetorical device to express the absolute depth of his commitment and the paramount importance of Jerusalem. For believers today, such imprecations are not to be taken literally as models for personal curses. Instead, they serve as powerful illustrations of the intensity of devotion and the gravity of spiritual priorities. This verse teaches us about the unwavering commitment we should have to God's kingdom, His truth, and His purposes, recognizing that forgetting these foundational elements can lead to a loss of spiritual effectiveness and purpose in our lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 137:5 expresses the ancient Israelite's longing for earthly Jerusalem, its deepest fulfillment is found in Christ and the heavenly realities He inaugurates. The profound devotion to Jerusalem foreshadows the ultimate allegiance due to Christ, who is the true spiritual center of God's people. Just as the exiles longed for their physical city, believers now long for the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends"), which is not a physical city but a spiritual reality where God dwells with His people, made possible through Christ's redemptive work. Our ultimate "Jerusalem" is found in Christ Himself, our King and High Priest, who has established a new and better covenant. To "forget" Christ would mean spiritual death and utter meaninglessness, far more severe than the loss of a physical skill. Our "right hand" of spiritual ability and purpose is only truly effective when it is steadfastly fixed on Him, who is our life and our hope. As citizens of heaven (see [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")), our primary loyalty is to Christ and His kingdom, a kingdom that is not of this world (see [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). He is the true Temple (see [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")), and the one who promises to prepare a place for us (see [John 14:1-3](/john/14-1 "John 14:1-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")), ensuring that our ultimate home and spiritual focus is eternally secure in Him.

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

Jeremiah 51:50

Ye that have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still: remember the LORD afar off, and let Jerusalem come into your mind.

Daniel 6:10

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Daniel 6:11

¶ Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.

Zechariah 11:17

Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword [shall be] upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

Psalms 122:5

For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

Psalms 122:9

Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.

Isaiah 62:1

¶ For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp [that] burneth.