Psalms 120:7
Psalms 120:7 in Multiple Translations
I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war.
I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.
I am for peace: But when I speak, they are for war.
I am for peace: but when I say so, they are for war.
I want peace, but when I talk of peace, they want war.
I seeke peace, and when I speake thereof, they are bent to warre.
I [am] peace, and when I speak they [are] for war!
I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.
I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.
The Lord keepeth thee from all evil: may the Lord keep thy soul.
Every time I talk about living together peacefully, they talk about starting a war.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 120:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 120:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲֽנִי
שָׁ֭לוֹם
וְ/כִ֣י
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר
הֵ֝֗מָּה
לַ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
אֲֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
שָׁ֭לוֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
N-ms
וְ/כִ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
הֵ֝֗מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
לַ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 120:7
אֲֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
שָׁ֭לוֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
וְ/כִ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
הֵ֝֗מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
לַ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Prep | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
Study Notes — Psalms 120:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 120:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 120:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 120:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 120:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 120:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 120:7
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 120:7
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 120:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 120:7
- Sermons on Psalms 120:7
Context — In My Distress I Cried to the LORD
5Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar!
6Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace.
7I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 5:9 | Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. |
| 2 | Psalms 109:4 | In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. |
| 3 | Psalms 34:14 | Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. |
| 4 | Hebrews 12:14 | Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. |
| 5 | Romans 12:18 | If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. |
| 6 | Ephesians 2:14–17 | For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. |
| 7 | Psalms 35:20 | For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful schemes against those who live quietly in the land. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 26:2–4 | So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there. Saul camped beside the road at the hill of Hachilah opposite Jeshimon, but David was living in the wilderness. When he realized that Saul had followed him there, David sent out spies to verify that Saul had arrived. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 20:19 | I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?” |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 24:9–11 | and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’? Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’ See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. See and know that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. |
Psalms 120:7 Summary
This verse means that the psalmist wants peace and harmony, but when they try to speak about it, the people around them want to fight and argue, as seen in Psalms 120:6. The psalmist is expressing their desire for peace and their frustration with the people around them who do not share that desire, similar to the prophet Jeremiah in the book of Jeremiah 6:14. This verse reminds us that being a peacemaker is not always easy, but it is an important part of following God's command to love our neighbors, as seen in the book of Matthew 22:39. By seeking peace and pursuing it, as seen in Psalms 34:14, we can be a light for harmony and tranquility in a world that often values conflict over harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the psalmist mean by saying they are in favor of peace?
The psalmist is expressing their desire for harmony and tranquility, as seen in Psalms 34:14, where it says to seek peace and pursue it.
Why do the people around the psalmist want war when they speak?
The people around the psalmist are likely those who hate peace, as mentioned in Psalms 120:6, and they may be opposed to the psalmist's message of peace and righteousness, similar to the opposition faced by the prophets in Isaiah 48:22.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by being peacemakers, as Jesus taught in the Beatitudes, in the book of Matthew 5:9, and by speaking the truth in love, even if it is not well-received by others, as seen in Ephesians 4:15.
What is the significance of the psalmist's statement in the context of the surrounding verses?
The psalmist's statement in Psalms 120:7 is a lamentation of their situation, where they are surrounded by people who hate peace, as seen in Psalms 120:5-6, and it highlights the challenges of being a person of peace in a world that often values conflict over harmony, as seen in the book of Jeremiah 6:14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can be a peacemaker in my own relationships and community, as seen in the book of Matthew 5:9?
- How can I speak the truth in love, even when it is difficult or unpopular, as seen in Ephesians 4:15?
- What are some things that I can do to pursue peace and harmony in my own life, as seen in Psalms 34:14?
- How can I remain faithful to God's message of peace and righteousness, even when surrounded by opposition, as seen in the book of Isaiah 48:22?
- What are some ways that I can be a light for peace and harmony in a world that often values conflict over harmony, as seen in the book of Jeremiah 6:14?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 120:7
I [am for] peace,.... Am wholly peace; a man of peace, as Aben Ezra; of a peaceable disposition, devoted to peace; love it, seek and pursue it, as every good man does, who is called to it, and in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 120:7
I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war. I (am for) peace: but when I speak, they are for war - Hebrew, 'I peace;' my very nature is peace.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 120:7
Psalms 120:7 I [am for] peace: but when I speak, they [are] for war.Ver. 7. I am for peace] Heb. I am peace, or peaceable, as far as is possible, Romans 12:18; this was David’ s motto, and must be every man’ s study. But it is not peace, but party, that many men mind, Maxima pars studiorum est studium partium. But when I speak, they are for war] They cry the alarm, being beliosi et bellicosi; salamander like, they live in the fire of contention; scorpion like, they are always putting forth the sting. Their spirits lie like that haven, Acts 27:12, towards the south-west and north-west, two opposite points; neither will they be otherwise, but the more they are sought to the worse they are. This is the guise of graceless persons.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 120:7
(7) I am for peace.—For the pregnant, “I peace,” see Note, Psalms 109:3. Both pronouns, I and they, are emphatic. No doubt these verses are intended to indicate the nature of the malicious speeches mentioned in Psalms 120:2-3. We imagine Israel in peculiarly difficult political relations under the Persians, possibly very soon after the Return, trying to keep in favour and peace with the ruling powers, but continually drawn into trouble by the jealousy and bitterness of other subject tribes. (See Introduction.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 120:7
Verse 7. I am for peace] We love to be quiet and peaceable; but they are continually engaged in excursions of rapine and plunder. It is evident that the psalmist refers to a people like the Scenitae or wandering Arabs, who live constantly in tents, and subsist by robbery; plundering and carrying away all that they can seize. The poor captives wished them to cultivate the arts of peace, and live quietly; but they would hear of nothing but their old manner of life. ANALYSIS OF THE HUNDRED AND TWENTIETH PSALM The psalmist in distress - I. Flees to God by prayer. II. Sets forth the miseries of a foul and deceitful tongue. III. Complains of his banishment.
I. 1. He is in distress, and cries to the Lord; the surest and best way. 2. He tells us of the success of his prayer: "God heard him." 3. Of the matter of it: "Lord, I beseech thee deliver my soul! " 1. "From lying lips." Detractions, calumnies, and defamations. 2. From "a deceitful tongue," which, under the colour of friendship, covers deceit. A detractor does his mischief openly, a flatterer secretly; so that when a deceitful tongue is joined with lying lips, the mischief is intolerable. II. He sets forth the evil that shall fall on such deceivers and slanderers. 1.
Arrows - which wound afar off, suddenly and invisibly. 2. Sharp arrows, well-headed and keen, that can pierce deeply. 3. "Sharp arrows of the mighty," shot by a strong hand, and so much the more dangerous. 4. "With coals - inflamed arrows," such as set all things on fire. 5. "With coals of juniper," which of all coals are the hottest, and keep fire the longest. III. The psalmist complains of his banishment. 1. He laments his situation on account of the wickedness of the people among whom he sojourned. 2. They were barbarous and inhuman, enemies to piety and civility. 3. His state was the more intolerable, as it had been of long duration: "My soul hath long dwelt," c.
His disposition was quite contrary to theirs. 1. "I am for peace." I wish to live in peace, and cultivate it. 2. But when I speak of peace, they are for war They are fierce and inhuman. It was said of the Macedonians in Philip's time, Illis pacem esse bellum et bellum pacem. "To them peace was war, and war was peace." Such were the people of the provinces, among whom many of the Israelites were in captivity.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 120:7
7. Lit. I am peace: cp. Psalms 109:4, “I am prayer.” but when I speak &c.] If I so much as speak to them, or perhaps, as P.B.V., “speak unto them thereof,” make overtures of friendship, they threaten fiercer hostility.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 120:7
I am for peace - Margin, “A man of peace.” Literally, “I (am) peace.” It is my nature. I desire to live in peace. I strive to do so. I do nothing to provoke a quarrel. I would do anything which would be right to pacify others.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 120:7
7. I am for peace—Hebrew, I peace. I am all peace. See this same form Psalms 109:4. When I speak, they are for war—My pacific words are construed into strategic decoys.
Sermons on Psalms 120:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Philippians 4:4-7 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of rejoicing in the Lord always, even in the midst of trials and suffering, emphasizing the peace that comes from prayer, supplication, a |
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(The Law of the Holy Spirit) God's House - a Three Story Building by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of building a godly life, home, and church, illustrating that the foundation of our lives must be rooted in the understanding of God's immense |
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Bondage Breaker - Part 3 by Neil T. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of temptation and how everyone experiences it. He uses the analogy of a movie called Sand Pebbles to illustrate the challenges faced |
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A Life of Peace by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of pursuing a life of peace in three key areas: peace with God inwardly, peace with all men, and peace in circumstances and relationships. It |
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Blessed Are the Peacemaker by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity within the body of believers. He refers to a parable in Matthew's Gospel where Jesus speaks of a shepher |
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(Revelation) the Church at Smyrna by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the joy, peace, and hope that believers have in their relationship with God. He describes this joy as being almost tangible and full of glor |
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The Beauty of Unity by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing that he felt prompted to preach a different message than planned. He then reads from the book of Mark, specifically chapter 3, where |