Psalm 133 2

Psalm 133:2 kjv

It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

Psalm 133:2 nkjv

It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.

Psalm 133:2 niv

It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe.

Psalm 133:2 esv

It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!

Psalm 133:2 nlt

For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil
that was poured over Aaron's head,
that ran down his beard
and onto the border of his robe.

Psalm 133 verses

Psalm 133 2 Meaning

Psalm 133:2 compares the goodness and pleasantness of brothers dwelling together in unity (as described in verse 1) to the sacred, anointing oil that was poured upon the head of Aaron, the high priest. This oil flowed generously from his head down onto his beard, and then continued to drip onto the collar of his priestly robes. The verse conveys that true unity among God's people is not just aesthetically pleasing but carries a divine anointing, a sanctifying presence, and an abundant blessing, much like the holy oil that consecrated Aaron and symbolized his divine appointment and the spiritual overflow it brought.

Psalm 133 2 Context

Psalm 133 is one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Pss 120-134), which were likely sung by pilgrims on their way up to Jerusalem for the three annual festivals. These Psalms generally focus on themes of communal life, God's dwelling, security, and blessing, often with a sense of hopeful journey and arriving at Zion.

This particular psalm opens with an exclamation about the goodness and pleasantness of brothers dwelling in unity (v.1). Verse 2 then provides a powerful simile to illustrate this unity, drawing from the highly sacred imagery of Aaron's anointing. Aaron was the first High Priest of Israel, chosen by God himself to mediate between God and the people. His anointing signified his consecration for sacred service, marking him as distinct and divinely empowered. The flowing oil symbolizes an overflowing, comprehensive, and divine blessing that starts at the head (leadership) and extends completely over the entire person and office, encompassing all parts of the community he represents. This context underscores that the unity extolled is not merely social cohesion but a divinely sanctioned and blessed state, echoing the consecrated life required for serving God.

Psalm 133 2 Word Analysis

• It is like: Introduces a simile, directly comparing the beautiful unity described in verse 1 to a very specific, potent image from Israel's sacred history. This is not a mere similarity but an equivalency in quality and divine favor.
• precious oil (Hebrew: שֶׁמֶן הַטּוֹב, shemen ha'tov): Literally, "good oil" or "fine oil," but "precious" captures its value and significance. This refers specifically to the holy anointing oil described in Exodus 30:22-33. It was a specially compounded, consecrated oil used exclusively for anointing priests, the tabernacle, and sacred vessels. Its "preciousness" comes from its sacred composition and divine purpose, signifying holiness, consecration, and divine presence. It brought cleansing, setting apart, and empowering for service.
• upon the head (Hebrew: עַל הָרֹאשׁ, al ha'rosh): The head is the highest point of the body and often symbolizes leadership, authority, and thought. Pouring oil on the head was the primary act of anointing, signifying divine appointment, special consecration, and the impartation of spiritual authority. It's where the blessing originates.
• running down on the beard (Hebrew: יֹרֵד עַל הַזָּקָן, yored al ha'zaqan): "Running down" indicates an abundant, overflowing quantity, not just a few drops. The oil is poured lavishly. The beard was a symbol of dignity, wisdom, maturity, and authority in ancient Near Eastern culture. The oil flowing onto the beard signifies that the anointing and blessing are not superficial or confined to the leadership alone, but spread throughout the visible person of the high priest.
• the beard of Aaron (Hebrew: זְקַן אַהֲרֹן, zeqan Aharon): This specific mention roots the imagery in the unique divine appointment of Aaron, Israel's first High Priest. It invokes the entire system of divine law, priestly mediation, and the covenant relationship with God. It emphasizes that the blessing of unity is tied to a divinely established order and the presence of God's chosen representation. It links unity not just to general pleasantness but to the consecrated and Spirit-filled service.
• running down on the collar of his robes! (Hebrew: יֹרֵד עַל פִּי מִדּוֹתָיו, yored al pi middotav): "Collar of his robes" refers to the edge or opening of his priestly garments, particularly the ephod or the sacred vestments which symbolized his office. The continuation of the flow from head to beard to robes demonstrates the comprehensive and pervasive nature of the anointing and its associated blessing. It covers his entire person and his office, symbolizing that the divine favor reaches every part of the consecrated life and communal body, down to the very attire worn for ministry. It implies that the blessing initiated at the top extends fully, encompassing and permeating the whole.

Psalm 133 2 Bonus section

• Progressive Flow of Blessing: The verse portrays a beautiful progression. The anointing begins at the most sacred point (the head, representing God's direct consecration) and flows downwards and outwards, symbolizing how God's blessings and anointing spread from a singular point of divine appointment to encompass the entirety of an individual (the priest) and, by extension, the entire community. This is a divine order of blessing from source to sphere of influence.
• Holy Spirit Analogy: In the New Testament, oil is often a type or symbol of the Holy Spirit (e.g., Acts 10:38). Thus, the psalm can be seen prophetically as a depiction of the Holy Spirit's outpouring, particularly when believers dwell in unity. When Christians live in genuine harmony, the Spirit's presence is profound and pervasive, manifesting His gifts and fruits abundantly throughout the body of Christ.
• Emphasis on the Consecrated: The specific mention of "Aaron's beard" and "his robes" ties the anointing to consecrated life and office. This is not just a general good feeling, but a deep spiritual state achieved when believers, consecrated by God, dwell together according to His will. Such unity is inherently holy and brings divine approval and power.

Psalm 133 2 Commentary

Psalm 133:2 elaborates on the concept of unity by employing a rich, symbolic analogy from Israel's sacred past. The "precious oil" signifies divine anointing, consecration, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit's blessing. The imagery of the oil flowing from Aaron's head, over his beard, and down to the collar of his robes powerfully illustrates several key points: the divine origin of the anointing (from the head, representing God-ordained leadership and source); its abundance (it "runs down," not merely sprinkles); and its pervasiveness (it covers the entire priest, symbolizing that the blessing of unity covers the entire community). Just as the anointing oil set Aaron apart for holy service and brought God's presence, so too does true brotherly unity mark a community as specially blessed by God. This unity is therefore not just a moral ideal, but a tangible expression of God's presence and a conduit for His abundant spiritual overflow, affecting every part of the collective body and manifesting outwardly.