Psalm 122 8

Psalm 122:8 kjv

For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.

Psalm 122:8 nkjv

For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, "Peace be within you."

Psalm 122:8 niv

For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you."

Psalm 122:8 esv

For my brothers and companions' sake I will say, "Peace be within you!"

Psalm 122:8 nlt

For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,
"May you have peace."

Psalm 122 verses

Psalm 122 8 Meaning

Psalm 122:8 expresses a pilgrim's deeply personal and communal commitment to seeking and speaking for the well-being of Jerusalem. Driven by love for his fellow Israelites ("brethren") and associates ("companions"), the speaker declares his intention to proclaim or desire "peace" (shalom)—a holistic state of welfare, prosperity, and security—for the city, thereby linking the well-being of the people directly to the flourishing of their spiritual and national center.

Psalm 122 8 Context

Psalm 122 is a Song of Ascents (Hebrew: Shir HaMa'alot), likely sung by pilgrims on their way up to Jerusalem for one of the three annual festivals (Passover, Weeks, Booths). The psalm begins with an expression of joy at the prospect of entering Jerusalem, acknowledging its significance as a unified city where the tribes of Israel assemble (vv. 1-4). Jerusalem is presented as the political center (thrones of judgment, v. 5) and the spiritual center (the dwelling place for the testimony, v. 4). Verses 6-7 issue an urgent call to pray for the city's peace and prosperity, recognizing that the well-being of the inhabitants is intrinsically tied to Jerusalem's peace. Verse 8 then moves from the communal exhortation to a personal declaration, articulating the individual pilgrim's motivation and commitment for praying for and speaking peace to Jerusalem, specifically rooting it in his concern for fellow Israelites and companions. This precedes verse 9, which broadens the motivation to include devotion for the "house of the Lord." Historically, the cultural context involves communal solidarity central to Israelite identity, and Jerusalem's role as both the geographical and spiritual heart of the nation.

Psalm 122 8 Word analysis

• For my brethren's sake:
  • Hebrew: עַל-אַחַי ( ‘al-achai ) – "upon/on behalf of my brothers."
  • Achai (אַחַי): "my brothers," refers to close kin, fellow Israelites, or members of the covenant community. This highlights the familial bond and shared heritage among the pilgrims and all of Israel.
  • Significance: The motivation for seeking Jerusalem's good is not self-interest but profound care and solidarity with one's kinsfolk, emphasizing communal responsibility within God's people.
• and companions:
  • Hebrew: וְרֵעָי ( ve're'ai ) – "and my companions/friends."
  • Re'ai (רֵעָי): "my friends," "my associates," or "neighbors." This broadens the scope beyond direct familial ties to include fellow travelers, citizens, and those with whom one shares life and community.
  • Significance: The motivation extends to the wider circle of acquaintances and fellow citizens, underscoring a comprehensive desire for the welfare of the entire community connected to Jerusalem. It shows concern beyond just one's immediate blood relatives.
• I will say:
  • Hebrew: אֲדַבְּרָה ( adabberah ) – "I will speak/say." This is a first-person singular future/jussive form of dabar, to speak.
  • Significance: This is not just a passive wish but an active declaration or intention. It indicates a commitment to verbalize, assert, or actively desire peace, moving beyond internal thought to external expression or intercession. It conveys a personal, volitional act.
• Peace be within thee:
  • Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם בָּךְ ( shalom bakh ) – "peace in/within you (feminine singular, referring to Jerusalem)."
  • Shalom (שָׁלוֹם): Much more than absence of conflict. It signifies wholeness, completeness, well-being, health, prosperity, security, tranquility, harmony, and flourishing. It encompasses spiritual, social, physical, and material welfare.
  • Bakh (בָּךְ): "in you," or "within you." Refers to the city of Jerusalem.
  • Significance: This is the core blessing desired. The comprehensive nature of shalom indicates a desire for the city to be utterly complete and secure in every aspect, reflecting God's order and blessing. The "within thee" suggests a deep, intrinsic peace, not just superficial calm.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "For my brethren's sake and companions": This phrase powerfully highlights the primary motivation behind the individual's commitment to Jerusalem's peace. It roots the theological and national significance of Jerusalem firmly in the interpersonal bonds and communal solidarity of Israel. It signifies that genuine concern for God's dwelling place is intertwined with deep care for His people.
  • "I will say, 'Peace be within thee'": This signifies an active, deliberate, and personal commitment to speaking and wishing shalom upon Jerusalem. It shifts from the general command of "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (v. 6) to an individual's vocal and determined involvement in that prayer or declaration. It implies active intercession and identification with the city's destiny, seeing one's own and the community's welfare tied to it.

Psalm 122 8 Bonus section

The active "I will say" (אֲדַבְּרָה, adabberah) suggests that intercessory prayer for Jerusalem's shalom is not just a collective ritual but a deeply personal, verbalized commitment. It implies an ongoing, sustained desire and pronouncement, aligning the speaker's heart and voice with the city's destiny. This contrasts with the imperative in verse 6 ("Pray!") by presenting a personal adoption of that command. The pilgrim makes the city's well-being a personal mission fueled by brotherly love. This concept also aligns with the idea of Christians being active agents of peace and blessing in their communities, starting with the spiritual "Jerusalem" which is the Church (Heb 12:22-24).

Psalm 122 8 Commentary

Psalm 122:8 unveils the deep, communal motive behind an Israelite's love for Jerusalem. After calling for collective prayer for the city's shalom in verse 6, the psalmist personalizes this plea by declaring his own heartfelt resolve. The "brethren" (Hebrew: achai) point to the blood-bond and covenantal relationship shared among all Israelites, while "companions" (Hebrew: re'ai) broaden this scope to include all fellow sojourners and residents of the land connected to Jerusalem. It is for the welfare and well-being of this collective that the individual commitment is made.

The phrase "I will say, 'Peace be within thee'" is a proactive, volitional statement. It is more than a passive wish; it indicates a strong intention to speak peace, perhaps through prayer, declaration, or active participation in the city's flourishing. The "peace" (shalom) sought is holistic and all-encompassing, covering prosperity, security, harmony, and divine blessing—essential for a city that is both the seat of governance and the center of worship. This verse emphasizes that individual devotion to God's chosen dwelling place is intrinsically linked to profound care and solidarity with God's people who inhabit it, illustrating how communal well-being fuels personal spiritual commitment. The pilgrim understands that his own peace is bound up in the peace of Jerusalem and his brothers and companions within it.