Psalms 122:9
Psalms 122:9 in Multiple Translations
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.
Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.
For the sake of the house of Jehovah our God I will seek thy good.
Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will be working for your good.
On behalf of the house of the Lord our God, I pray that everything goes well for you.
Because of the House of the Lord our God, I will procure thy wealth.
For the sake of the house of Jehovah our God, I seek good for thee!
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.
And because I love the temple of Yahweh our God, I pray that things will go well for the people who live in Jerusalem.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 122:9
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 122:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ֭מַעַן
בֵּית
יְהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
אֲבַקְשָׁ֖ה
ט֣וֹב
לָֽ/ךְ
לְ֭מַעַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
בֵּית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
אֲבַקְשָׁ֖ה
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-1cs
ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
לָֽ/ךְ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 122:9
לְ֭מַעַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
בֵּית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֲבַקְשָׁ֖ה
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-1cs
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
לָֽ/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 122:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 122:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 122:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 122:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 122:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 122:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 122:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 122:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 122:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 122:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 122:9
- Sermons on Psalms 122:9
Context — Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
7May there be peace within your walls, and prosperity inside your fortresses.”
8For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 2:10 | But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were deeply disturbed that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites. |
| 2 | Psalms 84:10 | For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. |
| 3 | Esther 10:3 | For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews and highly favored by his many kinsmen, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen. |
| 4 | Psalms 84:1–2 | How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of Hosts! My soul longs, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 29:3 | Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God, I now give for it my personal treasures of gold and silver, over and above all that I have provided for this holy temple: |
| 6 | Psalms 26:8 | O LORD, I love the house where You dwell, the place where Your glory resides. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 13:14 | Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out my deeds of loving devotion for the house of my God and for its services. |
| 8 | John 2:17 | His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for Your house will consume Me.” |
| 9 | Psalms 69:9 | because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me. |
| 10 | Psalms 137:5–6 | If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand cease to function. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy! |
Psalms 122:9 Summary
Psalms 122:9 means that the psalmist is committed to seeking the well-being and success of the city, but only because he loves and wants to honor God's house, the temple. This verse teaches us that our desire for prosperity should be motivated by a desire to see God's work and worship thrive, as seen in (Psalms 100:4-5) and (Matthew 6:33). By seeking the prosperity of our cities and communities, we can bring glory to God and create an environment where His work and worship can flourish. As we seek prosperity, we should remember to prioritize God's house and His work, just as the psalmist did, and trust in His promise to prosper us as we obey Him, as seen in (Deuteronomy 29:9) and (Philippians 4:19).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'the house of the LORD our God' in Psalms 122:9?
The house of the LORD our God refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was the central place of worship for the Israelites, as seen in 1 Kings 8:1-11 and 2 Chronicles 5:1-14.
Why does the psalmist seek the prosperity of the city?
The psalmist seeks the prosperity of the city for the sake of the house of the LORD our God, indicating a desire to see the city thrive so that God's work and worship can flourish, as expressed in Psalms 122:9 and supported by Jeremiah 29:7.
How does this verse relate to our lives as believers today?
As believers, we are called to seek the prosperity of our cities and communities, just as the psalmist did, by praying for and working towards their well-being, as seen in Jeremiah 29:7 and 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
What is the connection between seeking prosperity and the house of the LORD?
The connection between seeking prosperity and the house of the LORD is that the prosperity of the city is closely tied to the flourishing of God's work and worship, as seen in Psalms 122:1-9 and Haggai 1:1-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can seek the prosperity of my city or community, and how can I prioritize God's work and worship in that process?
- How can I balance my desire for personal prosperity with the need to seek the prosperity of those around me, as the psalmist does in Psalms 122:9?
- What role does prayer play in seeking the prosperity of my city or community, and how can I make prayer a central part of my efforts to bring about positive change?
- In what ways can I work towards the flourishing of God's work and worship in my city or community, and what support can I expect from God in this endeavor, as seen in Isaiah 61:1-4 and Acts 2:1-47?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 122:9
Because of the house of the Lord our God,.... Not because of his own palace, nor because of his own house and family; nor because of his own personal interest; though all were concerned in the peace
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 122:9
Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good - (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 122:9
The house of the Lord our God; which is now fixed in this city.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 122:9
Psalms 122:9 Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.Ver. 9. Because of the house of the Lord our God] Where David’ s heart was, and wherein he held it a happiness to be but a doorkeeper, Psalms 84:10, so much endeared unto him was God’ s sincere service. O pass we into the likeness of this heavenly pattern. I will seek thy good] I will both pray it and promote it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 122:9
(9) Because . . .—Now for the first time the religious motive of the pilgrimage appears, rendered all the more emphatic by being kept for the concluding verse.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 122:9
Verse 9. Because of the house of the Lord our God] Particularly will I wish thee well, because thou art the seat of religion, the place where our merciful God has condescended to dwell. To the captives in Babylon the Prophet Jeremiah had given this charge, Jeremiah 29:7: "And seek שלום shalom, the prosperity of the city, whither I have caused you to be carried captives, and pray unto the Lord for it; for in the prosperity thereof ye shall have prosperity." Was this a duty for the captives? Yes. And is it the duty of every man for his own country? God, nature, common sense, and self-interest say, YES! And what must we think of the wretches who not only do not thus pray, but labour to destroy the public peace, to subvert the government of their country, to raise seditions, and to destroy all its civil and religious institutions? Think of them! Why, that hemp would be disgraced by hanging them. There is a fine picture given us here of the state of Jerusalem after the restoration of the Jews.
The walls were finished, the city rebuilt, beautiful, strong, and regular, the temple and its worship were restored, the courts of justice were re-established, the constituted authorities in Church and state were doing their duty; and God was pouring out his blessing upon all. Who could see this without praying, May God increase thy peace, and establish thy prosperity for ever! ANALYSIS OF THE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SECOND PSALM The psalmist, in the person of the people, - I. Expresses his joy that he might join with the Church in God's service, Psalms 122:1-2. II. Commends the Church, under the name of Jerusalem, for her unity, Psalms 122:3; religious worship, Psalms 122:4; civil and ecclesiastical policy, Psalms 122:5. III. Exhorts all to pray for its peace and prosperity, Psalms 122:6; and puts the form of prayer into their mouths, Psalms 122:7. IV. Shows his own readiness to do this, and offers up his supplications, Psalms 122:8-9.
I. The psalmist congratulates himself and the people on the restoration of God's worship: - 1. He expresses his own joy: "I was glad." 2. To hear of the unanimity of the people mutually exhorting each other to it: "When they said unto me." 3. "Let us go into the house of the Lord." Let us all go, hear his word, give him thanks, and make prayers and supplications to him. II. He commends Jerusalem three ways: - 1. For its unity: it was compact together; it was united in itself; and united, both in politics and religion, in its inhabitants. 2. For its being the place of God's worship: 1. For "thither the tribes go up" thrice in the year, as was ordained, Exodus 23:14, to celebrate their deliverance from Egypt, in keeping the passover. 2.
The giving of the law, in the feast of pentecost. 3. Their preservation in the wilderness, in the feast of tabernacles. These tribes are "the tribes of the Lord." A very honourable title.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 122:9
9. For the sake of the house &c.] Dear as Jerusalem is to him as the centre of the nation’s civil life, it is yet dearer as the centre of the national religion. I will (Let me) seek thy good] So Nehemiah 2:10, “a man to seek the good of the children of Israel.”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 122:9
Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good - Because of the sanctuary within thee; because that is the place where God is worshipped.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 122:9
9. Because of the house of the Lord—As in the previous verse the psalmist’s love of the brethren led him to wish peace to the city, so now the love of the house of God shows the love of God to be his leading motive.
Sermons on Psalms 122:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Greenwood Hills Conference 1989-01 Nehemiah 1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being idle in the work of the Lord. He highlights the need for accountability in our assemblies and on the foreign fiel |
|
Growth Through Opposition by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe preaches on the importance of loving both our neighbors and enemies, drawing parallels to Nehemiah's situation where his arrival threatened those who wanted to keep |
|
The Warfare by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks discusses 'The Warfare', emphasizing the unique and intense spiritual conflict associated with fulfilling God's ultimate purpose. He illustrates this through the o |
|
Littleproud , J. Bio by John Bjorlie | Roy Littleproud, born in Forest, Ontario, in 1889, was raised in a Christian home where Christ was recognized as Lord. He became a teacher and later married Hilda Vance, who played |
|
(The Glory of God) in Moral Purity by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of avoiding immorality and impurity. He encourages the audience to disconnect from dangerous influences, such as television, |
|
The Life of David Brainerd - Part. 1 by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their personal journey of seeking salvation and experiencing conviction of their sinfulness. They describe moments of feeling the gate |
|
Beyond Categories by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking a deeper understanding of God and His truth. He highlights the need to move beyond our current understanding and be |