Psalm 127:1

Context

The superscription of Psalm 127 reads "A Song of degrees for Solomon." The Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120–134), called "Songs of Degrees" in the KJV, are known as a collection of songs sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. Verse 1 sets the building of a house alongside the guarding of a city: "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." Verse 2 says that even the toil of rising early and sitting up late is in vain, for God "giveth his beloved sleep." Verses 3–5 celebrate children as "an heritage of the LORD." Because of the reference to Solomon in the superscription and the word "house," the psalm is sometimes read in connection with the building of the temple.

Interpretation

• As a confession of God's sovereignty: This reading takes the verse to mean that even when people do their part, the outcome rests with God. It stresses that this is not a call to stop working, since the builders and the watchman still labor.
• As a song about the family: The Hebrew word for "house" (bayit) can denote not only a building but also a household, lineage, or descendants. On this reading, the house of verse 1 is linked with the children of verses 3–5, and the psalm is understood to speak of the whole work of building a family.
• As a song about the temple and the community: This reading takes the house as the temple and the city as Jerusalem, so that the verse means the very existence of the community of faith depends on God.

Questions of Application

Against the misconception that this verse makes light of diligence, many commentators explain that it should be read together with the teaching on diligence in Proverbs (Proverbs 6:6–11). On the other hand, some point out that when the verse is used to justify church construction or business expansion with the claim that "God is building this," one must first ask whether the project reflects God's will or merely human plans. The words of verse 2, "he giveth his beloved sleep," are also cited as a word of rest and trust.

In the Korean Church

The verse is frequently read at groundbreaking services for church buildings, at dedication services, at weddings for newly formed households, and at services marking the opening of a business. It is also widely displayed on plaques and in framed inscriptions in homes and churches.

Related Passages

• Psalm 127:2
• 1 Corinthians 3:6–7
• Matthew 7:24–27