Psalm 128:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!

NIV: A song of ascents. Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.

NASB: Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways.

CSB: A song of ascents. How happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!

NLT: How joyful are those who fear the Lord — all who follow his ways!

KJV: A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways.

NKJV: {A Song of Ascents.} Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways.

The word translated "blessed" here is the Hebrew as're, which can also mean "happy," as it is often translated in the following verse (Psalm 128:2). Later verses (Psalms 128:4–5) use the root word barak, referring to something or someone which is blessed. Those who "fear" God are not terrified of Him; they recognize Him as Lord and live accordingly (Proverbs 1:7). This does not make life easy (John 16:33) and it can invite persecution (John 15:20). Yet following God's will is always the path to lasting joy and peace (Galatians 5:22).

To walk in the Lord's ways is not something a person accomplishes in one single moment. It is a lifelong practice of taking one step at a time. Following His path (Psalm 37:23) steers a person away from the dangers and consequences which plague an ungodly life (Proverbs 9:10–11; 11:3–8; 14:27).

Psalm 128:1–2 describes some of the benefits of honoring the Lord as God. These ideas are echoed in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 9:10–11; 11:3–8; 14:27). "Fearing" God by submitting to His will is not a magical guarantee of prosperity. Yet the Lord's guidance is much better than the advice of a fallen world.

Those who properly honor and follow the Lord are said to "fear" Him (Proverbs 9:10–11). This results in being blessed. The psalm does not guarantee prosperity, but Scripture indicates that the Lord's commands offer greater chance of success and less chance of negative consequences (Proverbs 8:33–36). Godly living benefits one's marriage, children, and life in general. The psalm ends with a prayer of blessing which refers to Zion, the location of Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:1).

This is one of fifteen songs labeled "of ascents" (Psalms 120—134). These were used when traveling "up" the hills to Jerusalem for various festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16). Themes in this psalm echo lessons from the book of Proverbs regarding the benefits of godly wisdom (Proverbs 9:10–11; 11:3–8; 14:27). Other psalms make similar remarks (Psalm 112:1; 119:1).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 3/28/2025 10:05:34 PM