Psalms 125:2
Psalms 125:2 in Multiple Translations
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore.
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, So Jehovah is round about his people From this time forth and for evermore.
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people, from this time and for ever.
In the same way that the mountains surround Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds his people, now and forever.
As the mountaines are about Ierusalem: so is the Lord about his people from henceforth and for euer.
Jerusalem! mountains [are] round about her, And Jehovah [is] round about His people, From henceforth even unto the age.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people from this time forward and forever more.
As the mountains are round Jerusalem, so the LORD is around his people from henceforth even for ever.
Then was our mouth filled with gladness; and our tongue with joy. Then shall they say among the Gentiles: The Lord hath done great things for them.
Like the hills that surround Jerusalem protect the city, Yahweh protects us, his people, and he will protect us forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 125:2
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 125:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְֽרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם
הָרִים֮
סָבִ֪יב
לָ֥/הּ
וַ֭/יהוָה
סָבִ֣יב
לְ/עַמּ֑/וֹ
מֵ֝/עַתָּ֗ה
וְ/עַד
עוֹלָֽם
יְֽרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
הָרִים֮
har
H2022
mountain
N-mp
סָבִ֪יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
לָ֥/הּ
Prep | Suff
וַ֭/יהוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Conj | N-proper
סָבִ֣יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
לְ/עַמּ֑/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Prep | N-ms | Suff
מֵ֝/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Prep | Adv
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 125:2
יְֽרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם
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.
הָרִים֮
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
סָבִ֪יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
לָ֥/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
וַ֭/יהוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Conj | 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.
סָבִ֣יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
לְ/עַמּ֑/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
מֵ֝/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Prep | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 125:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 125:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 125:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 125:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 125:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 125:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 125:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 125:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 125:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 125:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 125:2
- Sermons on Psalms 125:2
Context — The LORD Surrounds His People
1Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion. It cannot be moved; it abides forever.
2As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore.
3For the scepter of the wicked will not rest upon the land allotted to the righteous, so that the righteous will not put forth their hands to injustice. 4Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, and to the upright in heart.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 2:5 | For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it.’” |
| 2 | Psalms 121:8 | The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore. |
| 3 | Isaiah 4:5 | Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy, |
| 4 | John 10:28–29 | I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. |
| 5 | Psalms 34:7 | The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 33:27 | The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He drives out the enemy before you, giving the command, ‘Destroy him!’ |
| 7 | Lamentations 4:12 | The kings of the earth did not believe, nor any people of the world, that an enemy or a foe could enter the gates of Jerusalem. |
Psalms 125:2 Summary
[This verse tells us that God is like a protective mountain range around His people, always watching over and caring for them, which is a wonderful promise that gives us peace and confidence, as seen in Psalms 23:4, where David says that even in the darkest valley, God is with him. It means that no matter what happens in our lives, God is always with us, surrounding us with His love and protection, and this is a truth that we can trust in, just like the Psalmist did in Psalms 46:1-3, where he says that God is his refuge and strength. This promise of God's protection is not just for now, but for all eternity, which means that we can face whatever comes our way, knowing that God is always with us, as Jesus promised in Matthew 28:20, when He said that He would be with us always, even to the end of the age.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD surrounds His people?
This means that God is always present and protective of those who trust in Him, much like the mountains provide a natural barrier around Jerusalem, as seen in Psalms 125:2, and is reminiscent of His promise in Deuteronomy 31:6 to never leave or forsake His people.
How can we be sure of God's protection in our lives?
We can trust in God's protection because of His faithfulness and love, as expressed in Psalms 36:7, which says that people take refuge in the shadow of His wings, and also in Jeremiah 29:11, where He promises to give us a future and a hope.
Is God's protection only for now, or is it forever?
According to Psalms 125:2, God's protection is both now and forevermore, which means that His care for us is not limited to this life but extends into eternity, as seen in John 10:28-29, where Jesus promises that no one can snatch us out of His hand.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, God is always with us, surrounding us with His presence and protection, which gives us peace and confidence, as seen in Isaiah 41:10, where He tells us not to fear because He is with us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which you have experienced God's surrounding presence in your life, and how has it brought you comfort and peace?
- How can you apply the truth of God's eternal protection to your current situation, and what difference would it make in your thoughts and actions?
- In what ways can you trust God more fully, knowing that He surrounds you with His love and care, and what steps can you take to deepen your trust in Him?
- How can you share the comfort and security of God's surrounding presence with others who may be struggling or feeling alone?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 125:2
As the mountains [are] round about Jerusalem,.... There was Mount Zion on the side of the north, and the mount of Olives on the east, and other mountains on the other sides of it; so that it was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 125:2
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 125:2
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem; by which it was defended both from stormy winds and from the assaults of its enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 125:2
Psalms 125:2 As the mountains [are] round about Jerusalem, so the LORD [is] round about his people from henceforth even for ever.Ver. 2. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem] That is, say some, as the angels; but we take it literally. Jerusalem was surrounded with many high mountains, which were a great safeguard to it; yet did not always defend it, as the Lord doth his, by being a wall of fire round about them, Zechariah 2:5.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 125:2
(2) As the mountains.—In the first verse, the stability of the faithful is compared to that of Mount Zion; here their security to that of the city girt by its hills. (On the geographical reference, see Dean Stanley, S. and P., pp. 174, 175.) Robinson’s description is—“The sacred city lies upon the broad and high mountain range, which is shut in by the two valleys, Jehoshaphat and Hinnom. All the surrounding hills are higher: in the east, the Mount of Olives; on the south, the so-called Hill of Evil Counsel, which ascends from the valley of Hinnom; on the west, the ground rises gently to the border of the great wadi, as described above; while on the north the bend of a ridge which adjoins the Mount of Olives limits the view to the distance of about a mile and a half.” In Zechariah 2:4-5, the protecting care of Jehovah is likened to a wall round the city, instead of to the rampart of mountains, as here.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 125:2
Verse 2. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem] Jerusalem, according to Sandys, was situated on a rocky mountain every way to be ascended, except a little on the north, with steep ascents and deep valleys, naturally fortified. It is surrounded with other mountains, at no great distance, as if placed in the midst of an amphitheatre; for on the east is Mount Olivet, separated from the city by the valley of Jehoshaphat, which also encompasses a part of the north; on the south, the mountain of Offiner interposed with the valley of Gehinnom; and on the west it was formerly fenced with the valley of Gihon, and the mountains adjoining. The situation was such as to be easily rendered impregnable. The Lord is round about his people] He is above, beneath, around them; and while they keep within it, their fortress is impregnable, and they can suffer no evil.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 125:2
2. “All around Jerusalem are higher hills: on the east, the Mount of Olives; on the south, the Hill of Evil Counsel, so called, rising directly from the Vale of Hinnom; on the west the ground rises gently … while on the north, a bend of the ridge connected with the Mount of Olives bounds the prospect at the distance of more than a mile.” Robinson, Biblical Researches, 1. 259. This girdle of mountains is an ever-present symbol to the dweller in Jerusalem of Jehovah’s guardianship of His people. Cp. Zechariah 2:5, “I will be unto her a wall of fire round about.”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 125:2
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem - Hebrew, “Jerusalem - the mountains are round about her.” Jerusalem, except on the north, is encompassed with hills or mountains, so that although the city
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 125:2
2. Mountains… round about Jerusalem—Jerusalem lies close upon the watershed of the great range of mountains running from the plain of Esdraelon to the latitude of the southern limit of the Dead Sea,
Sermons on Psalms 125:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Hill Country of the Soul by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett preaches about the importance of seeking inspiration and guidance from the hills in our lives, representing the big things that give meaning to the monotony of ou |
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Rooted in the Rock of God by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the everlasting presence of the Lord surrounding His people, drawing a parallel to the mountains around Jerusalem. She emphasizes the importance |
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(Power From on High) 2. the Baptism With the Holy Ghost by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of the baptism with the Holy Ghost, explaining that it is Christ who baptizes us with the Spirit, enabling us to live a life reflective of |
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Comfort for the Church by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the comforting presence of God in the midst of His church, emphasizing that despite external and internal enemies, God's refuge and strength are always |
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(Secrets of Victory) 7. You Cannot Be Tested Beyond Your Ability by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the assurance found in 1 Corinthians 10:13, which states that God will not allow us to be tested beyond our ability. He explains that while trials may seem un |
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At Peace in the Storm by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the promises of God to protect His people during the impending storms of judgment, referencing Zechariah and Isaiah to illustrate God's commitment to be |
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A Prophecy - Wall of Fire by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson shares a prophetic vision of a 'Wall of Fire' that God will create to protect His people amidst the moral decay and increasing evil in society. He reflects on the d |