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Psalms 122:3

Psalms 122:3 in Multiple Translations

Jerusalem is built up as a city united together,

Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:

Jerusalem, that art builded As a city that is compact together;

O Jerusalem, you are like a town which is well joined together;

Jerusalem is built as a city where people can be together.

Ierusalem is builded as a citie, that is compact together in it selfe:

Jerusalem — the builded one — [Is] as a city that is joined to itself together.

Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together,

Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together:

Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us: for we are greatly filled with contempt.

Jerusalem is a city that has been rebuilt, with the result that people can gather together in it.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 122:3

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 122:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB יְרוּשָׁלִַ֥ם הַ/בְּנוּיָ֑ה כְּ֝/עִ֗יר שֶׁ/חֻבְּרָה לָּ֥/הּ יַחְדָּֽו
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֥ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper
הַ/בְּנוּיָ֑ה bânâh H1129 to build Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
כְּ֝/עִ֗יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Prep | N-fs
שֶׁ/חֻבְּרָה châbar H2266 to unite Rel | V-Pual-Perf-3fs
לָּ֥/הּ Prep | Suff
יַחְדָּֽו yachad H3162 unitedness Adv
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 122:3

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֥ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
הַ/בְּנוּיָ֑ה bânâh H1129 "to build" Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
כְּ֝/עִ֗יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
שֶׁ/חֻבְּרָה châbar H2266 "to unite" Rel | V-Pual-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to unite or join, and can also refer to charming or spellbinding someone. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. It can also mean to make an alliance or fellowship.
Definition: 1) to unite, join, bind together, be joined, be coupled, be in league, heap up, have fellowship with, be compact, be a charmer 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to unite, be joined 1a2) to tie magic charms, charm 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to unite with, make an ally of 1b2) to unite, join, ally 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be allied with, be united 1c2) to be joined together 1d) (Hiphil) to join together, pile up (words) 1e) (Hithpael) to join oneself to, make an alliance, league together
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: charm(-er), be compact, couple (together), have fellowship with, heap up, join (self, together), league. See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Chronicles 20:35; Psalms 58:6.
לָּ֥/הּ "" Prep | Suff
יַחְדָּֽו yachad H3162 "unitedness" Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.

Study Notes — Psalms 122:3

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 5:9 So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward.
2 Ephesians 2:20–21 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
3 Ephesians 4:4–7 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
4 Nehemiah 4:6 So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
5 Psalms 147:2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the exiles of Israel.
6 Revelation 21:10–27 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal. The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates. There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. The wall of the city had twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls. The city lies foursquare, with its width the same as its length. And he measured the city with the rod, and all its dimensions were equal—12,000 stadia in length and width and height. And he measured its wall to be 144 cubits, by the human measure the angel was using. The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate consisting of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. But I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory. Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there. And into the city will be brought the glory and honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Psalms 122:3 Summary

This verse is talking about the city of Jerusalem being a place where people come together in unity and harmony. It's a picture of what God's people should be like - united in love and purpose, like the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:16). Just like the people of Jerusalem were united in their worship and service to God, we can be united in our love for Him and for each other (Psalm 133:1). By coming together in unity and harmony, we can reflect the beauty and glory of God's kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for Jerusalem to be 'built up as a city united together'?

This phrase suggests that Jerusalem is a city where people come together in unity and harmony, much like the body of Christ is called to be united in love and purpose, as seen in Ephesians 4:16 and Psalm 133:1.

Is this verse talking about the current state of Jerusalem or a future state?

While the current state of Jerusalem may not always reflect unity, this verse is likely looking forward to a future time when God's people will be united in worship and purpose, as described in Isaiah 2:2-4 and Zechariah 8:20-23.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Psalm?

This verse is part of a larger psalm that expresses joy and excitement about worshiping in Jerusalem, as seen in Psalm 122:1-2, and looks forward to a time when all of God's people will come together to worship Him, as described in Psalm 122:4.

What can we learn from this verse about community and unity?

This verse teaches us that unity and togetherness are important values for God's people, and that we should strive to build each other up and come together in love and harmony, as seen in Romans 14:19 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-13.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for me to be part of a community that is 'united together' in Christ, and how can I contribute to that unity?
  2. In what ways can I reflect the unity and harmony of Jerusalem in my own relationships and interactions with others?
  3. How can I prioritize building up and supporting my fellow believers, rather than tearing them down or causing division?
  4. What role can I play in helping to bring people together in worship and service to God, and how can I support others who are doing the same?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 122:3

Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together. In David's time the upper and lower city were joined together, the streets regularly built, the houses contiguous, not straggling about, here and there one (c).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 122:3

Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together - the admiring language of the pilgrims.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 122:3

Partly in its buildings, which are not dispersed, as they are in villages, nor divided into two cities, as it was before, but united and enlarged, ,8; and principally in its government and religion, which was distinct and opposite, before David took the fort of Zion from the Jebusites.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 122:3

Psalms 122:3 Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:Ver. 3. Jerusalem is builded as a city, &c.] None such for uniformity of buildings or unanimity of citizens. There is no such oneness in all the world as among true Christians; and this the very heathens observed and commended. As the curtains of the tabernacle were joined by loops, so were they by love. And as the stones of the temple were so close cemented together that they seemed to be all but one stone, so was it among the primitive saints.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 122:3

(3) This verse is somewhat perplexing. It is explained to refer either to the rebuilding of the city and reuniting of the parts which had been disconnected in the destruction, or, which is far better (see Introduction), is taken as a rustic’s impression on first seeing a compact city after being accustomed to straggling villages. The astonishment of Virgil’s shepherd is aptly compared: “Urbem quam dicunt Romam, Melibæe putavi, Stultus ego, huic nostræ similem.” But a far more satisfactory meaning is suggested by the LXX. They (comp. Symmachus) take the word rendered compact as a noun, meaning union. The verse then may run: Jerusalem, the (one) built like a city, union is in it together, i.e., it is the rallying point of all the tribes. (See next verse.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 122:3

Verse 3. Jerusalem - compact together.] It is now well rebuilt, every part contributing to the strength of the whole. It is also a state of great political and spiritual union. It is the centre of union to all the tribes, for each tribe has an equal interest in that God who is worshipped there.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 122:3

3. The exclamation of the pilgrims. Jerusalem that art built up as a city which is compacted together, lit. joined together for itself. This is generally understood to refer to the restoration of the city: the walls have been rebuilt, the ruined houses repaired, the gaps and vacant spaces filled up; the city once more presents an aspect of unity, continuity, solidity, widely different from the dilapidated condition in which Nehemiah found it (Nehemiah 2:17; Nehemiah 7:4). But the verb is used metaphorically as well as literally (e.g. Psalms 94:20), and it is possible that the sight of the restored city is to the poet’s eye an emblem of the mutual harmony of its inhabitants or of the unity of the nation. Such a sense is suggested by Coverdale’s beautiful rendering that is at unity with itself, which seems to be a paraphrase of the Vulg. cuius participatio eius in idipsum, LXX ἧςἡμετοχὴαὐτῆςἐπιτοαυτό, ‘whose fellowship is together.’ This rendering however presumes a slightly different reading of the text. The Targ. interprets the words of the heavenly Jerusalem—‘Jerusalem which is built in the firmament like a city that is united together upon earth.’

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 122:3

Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together - literally, “joined to itself together;” that is, when one part is, as it were, bound closely to another part; not scattered or separate.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 122:3

3. Compact together—The city lay in a rocky region, between the valleys of Gihon on the west, and Kidron on the east, with an irregular circumference of (according to Josephus) thirty-three stadia

Sermons on Psalms 122:3

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Henry Law Psalm 122 by Henry Law Henry Law preaches on the beauty and glory of the Church of Christ, emphasizing the joy and celestial happiness believers experience when gathering for worship. The magnificence of
Art Katz True and False Prophets - Part 1 by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to and meditating on the word of God. They encourage the audience to make use of cassette tapes and technology to
Art Katz Fren-12 Apostolic Foundations - Paul at Athens by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a challenging and uninspiring meeting he had to participate in. Despite feeling tired and lacking a message, he prays fo
J.C. Ryle The True Church (Reading) by J.C. Ryle In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church of Jesus Christ as the foundation that will endure forever. He highlights the ongoing conflict and opposition f
T. Austin-Sparks Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 4 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truly knowing and experiencing God for ourselves. He highlights the danger of relying on others for our spiritual understan
Les Wheeldon The Church - Part 5 by Les Wheeldon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to the witness of the Holy Spirit. He acknowledges that it is not wrong to have normal entertainment and relaxat
William MacDonald Studies in Romans-10 by William MacDonald In this sermon, G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound impact of preaching the gospel. He highlights that every soul that is saved through the preaching of the gospel is not on

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