Psalms 126:5
Psalms 126:5 in Multiple Translations
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Those who put in seed with weeping will get in the grain with cries of joy.
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy!
They that sowe in teares, shall reape in ioy.
Those sowing in tears, with singing do reap,
Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate.
We cried when we planted seeds because it was hard work preparing the soil that had not been plowed for many years; now we want to shout joyfully because we are gathering a big harvest.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 126:5
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 126:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/זֹּרְעִ֥ים
בְּ/דִמְעָ֗ה
בְּ/רִנָּ֥ה
יִקְצֹֽרוּ
הַ/זֹּרְעִ֥ים
zâraʻ
H2232
to sow
Art | V-Qal
בְּ/דִמְעָ֗ה
dimʻâh
H1832
tears
Prep | N-fs
בְּ/רִנָּ֥ה
rinnâh
H7440
cry
Prep | N-fs
יִקְצֹֽרוּ
qâtsar
H7114
be short
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 126:5
הַ/זֹּרְעִ֥ים
zâraʻ
H2232
"to sow"
Art | V-Qal
To sow or plant seed is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which also has figurative uses like spreading ideas or producing spiritual fruit. It appears in various forms, such as conceiving or yielding seed, and is used in biblical passages like Genesis and Psalm 107.
Definition: 1) to sow, scatter seed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sow 1a2) producing, yielding seed 1b)(Niphal) 1b1) to be sown 1b2) to become pregnant, be made pregnant 1c) (Pual) to be sown 1d) (Hiphil) to produce seed, yield seed
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: bear, conceive seed, set with sow(-er), yield. See also: Genesis 1:11; Psalms 107:37; Psalms 97:11.
בְּ/דִמְעָ֗ה
dimʻâh
H1832
"tears"
Prep | N-fs
Tears are drops of liquid that fall from the eyes as a result of crying or weeping. This word is used in the Bible to describe times of sadness or sorrow.
Definition: tears
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: tears. See also: 2 Kings 20:5; Isaiah 38:5; Psalms 6:7.
בְּ/רִנָּ֥ה
rinnâh
H7440
"cry"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a loud, ringing cry, often used to express joy, praise, or triumph, as seen in Psalm 100:1 where believers are called to shout for joy to the Lord. It can also be a cry of supplication or entreaty. This word is used to describe a loud, joyful noise.
Definition: 1) ringing cry 1a) of entreaty, supplication 1b) in proclamation, joy, praise
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: cry, gladness, joy, proclamation, rejoicing, shouting, sing(-ing), triumph. See also: 1 Kings 8:28; Psalms 126:5; Psalms 17:1.
יִקְצֹֽרוּ
qâtsar
H7114
"be short"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to reap or harvest, like cutting down grain or grass. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of harvesting, and also to describe being discouraged or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be short, be impatient, be vexed, be grieved 1a) (Qal) to be short 1b) (Piel) to shorten 1c) (Hiphil) to shorten
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cut down, much discouraged, grieve, harvestman, lothe, mourn, reap(-er), (be, wax) short(-en, -er), straiten, trouble, vex. See also: Leviticus 19:9; Job 24:6; Psalms 89:46.
Study Notes — Psalms 126:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 126:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 126:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 126:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 126:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 126:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 126:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 126:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 126:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 126:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 126:5
- Sermons on Psalms 126:5
Context — Zion’s Captives Restored
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galatians 6:9 | Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. |
| 2 | Isaiah 35:10 | So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee. |
| 3 | John 16:20–22 | Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. |
| 4 | Joel 2:23 | Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for He has given you the autumn rains for your vindication. He sends you showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. |
| 5 | Matthew 5:4 | Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. |
| 6 | Isaiah 12:1–3 | In that day you will say: “O LORD, I will praise You. Although You were angry with me, Your anger has turned away, and You have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation, |
| 7 | Jeremiah 31:9–13 | They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.” Hear, O nations, the word of the LORD, and proclaim it in distant coastlands: “The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock. For the LORD has ransomed Jacob and redeemed him from the hand that had overpowered him. They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD— the grain, new wine, and oil, and the young of the flocks and herds. Their life will be like a well-watered garden, and never again will they languish. Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow. |
| 8 | Psalms 137:1 | By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. |
| 9 | Joel 2:17 | Let the priests who minister before the LORD weep between the portico and the altar, saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not make Your heritage a reproach, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” |
| 10 | 2 Corinthians 7:8–11 | Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Although I did regret it, I now see that my letter caused you sorrow, but only for a short time. And now I rejoice, not because you were made sorrowful, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you felt the sorrow that God had intended, and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. Consider what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what vindication! In every way you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. |
Psalms 126:5 Summary
This verse means that when we invest our time, energy, and resources in something that is difficult or painful, God will eventually bring us joy and reward. This is like a farmer who plants seeds in the ground, waits for them to grow, and then harvests a crop. Just as the farmer must be patient and trust that the seeds will grow, we must trust that God will bring a harvest of joy in our lives, as seen in Psalm 30:5 and Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God's plan and timing, we can have confidence that our efforts will not be in vain, and we will reap a harvest of joy and blessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'sow in tears'?
To sow in tears means to invest time, energy, and resources in something, often with great emotional pain or difficulty, as seen in the example of the prophets and apostles who suffered for the sake of the Gospel, such as in Acts 14:22 and 2 Corinthians 4:17.
How can we be certain that we will reap with shouts of joy?
The Bible promises that those who trust in God and obey His commands will receive a harvest of blessings, as stated in Galatians 6:9 and Psalm 37:3-7, which encourages us to trust in the Lord and do good, and He will give us the desires of our heart.
Is this promise only for farmers or does it apply to all believers?
This promise applies to all believers, as it uses agricultural imagery to describe the spiritual process of sowing and reaping, which is explained in 2 Corinthians 9:6 and Luke 6:38, where we learn that our generosity and faithfulness will be rewarded by God.
What role does perseverance play in this verse?
Perseverance is crucial, as it allows us to continue sowing in tears, even when the outcome is uncertain, trusting that God will bring a harvest of joy, as seen in the example of the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14 and Romans 5:3-5, where we learn to trust in God's plan and timing.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am currently 'sowing in tears', and how can I trust God to bring a harvest of joy?
- How can I balance the tension between sorrow and joy in my life, knowing that they can coexist as described in Psalm 30:5 and 2 Corinthians 6:10?
- What are some ways I can 'sow' in my daily life, such as sharing the Gospel, praying for others, or serving those in need, and how can I expect God to bring a harvest of joy in these areas?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's plan and timing, even when the outcome is uncertain, and how can I apply this trust to my life as described in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 40:31?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 126:5
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. A proverbial expression, encouraging faith in prayer put up for the return of the captivity, whether in a literal or spiritual sense.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 126:5
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. The sowing answers, to the humble beginnings of the second temple, "the day of small things" (Zechariah 4:10).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 126:5
This is an argument wherewith he presseth the foregoing prayer, , taken from the common course of God’ s providence towards men of all nations, to whom he affords vicissitudes of sorrow and comfort; and particularly towards husbandmen, who though ofttimes they sow their seed-corn with care, and fear, and sorrow, yet afterwards for the most part meet with a joyful harvest. And therefore we hope thou wilt not deny this favour to thine own people. And as thou hast in some good measure granted it to us, so we pray thee grant it to our brethren, who are yet exercised with hard labours and griefs, that they and we together may at last obtain that blessed and full harvest which we still pray and hope for.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 126:5
Psalms 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.Ver. 5. They that sow in tears] Whether ministers (as some restrain the sense), who serve the Lord with many tears and temptations, Acts 20:19, but see little fruit; or others, who sow in the tears of affliction and compunction for sin, the cause thereof; his foecunda sine dubio messis indulgentiae orietur, saith Arnobius, these shall certainly reap in joy pardon of sin, Isaiah 1:16, power against it (these troubled waters cured the soul, as the tears of vine branches cure the leprosy), increase of grace. The lily is sown in her own tears, saith Pliny; so is grace: the olive is most fruitful when it most distilleth; so here, These April showers bring on May flowers, and make the heart to be like a watered garden, besides an access of glory; for they that weep with men shall laugh with angels; their tears shall be turned into triumphs, their sadness into gladness, their sighing into singing, their musing into music, &c. See Matthew 5:4. This the proto-martyr foresaw, and therefore (Bernbus de St Stephano), Ibat ovans animis, et spe sua damna levabat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 126:5
(5) Joy.—Rather, singing, as in Psalms 126:2. The harvest-home songs are contrasted with the anxiety of the seed-time. Probably the poet found the proverbial saying already current, but he has touched it with the consecrating hand till it has become only less precious than the saying of Divine lips, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 126:5
Verse 5. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.] This is either a maxim which they gather from their own history, or it is a fact which they are now witnessing. We see the benefit of humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God; we have now a sweet return for our bitter tears. Or, We have sown in tears; now we reap in joy. We are restored after a long and afflicting captivity to our own country, to peace, and to happiness.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 126:5
5. The efforts of the returned exiles to re-establish the nation had been carried on in the midst of hindrances and disappointments, anxieties and fears; but the Psalmist cannot doubt that they will in due time bear fruit. “So is it ever in God’s kingdom. Precisely those undertakings, which at first seemed hopeless and were begun under pressing troubles, end in achieving the greatest good” (Von Gerlach, quoted by Kay). The tears shed at the Foundation of the Second Temple (Ezra 3:12), and the rejoicings at its completion (Ezra 6:16; Ezra 6:22), and at the Dedication of the Walls (Nehemiah 12:27; Nehemiah 12:43) were only illustrations of the general truth. Cp. Matthew 5:4. in joy] With shouts of joy, the same word as that for singing in Psalms 126:2. There is naturally an allusion to the rejoicings of harvest (Isaiah 9:3 &c.).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 126:5
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy - Though the sowing of seed is a work of labor and sorrow - often a work so burdening the farmer that he weeps - yet the return - the harvest - is accompanied with rejoicing.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 126:5
5, 6. Long years of delay, vexation, and suffering, occasioned by the hostile people adjoining the country of the Jews, occasioned depression and sorrow.
Sermons on Psalms 126:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Strengthen Me Just Once by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher starts by talking about the distractions and temptations of the world, comparing them to different varieties of ice cream and donuts. He then refers to |
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(Messages) Nearness of Jesus by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Mother Basilia Schlink talks about the experience of Canaan, the land where God dwelled and performed miracles in biblical times. She emphasizes that Canaan has bec |
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(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 3. Israel the Suffering Servant - Part 2 by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the profound significance of Israel's suffering as a means to reveal the true church and the true God to the nations. He highlights that only the righteous are |
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(Mount Vernon) the Parable of the Sower by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the sower and the wheat and tears. He emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and not allowing the enemy to sow tears amo |
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Help Wanted: A Singer by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding the right Master in order to experience true freedom. He warns against believing lies, as they lead to bondage and |
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Hearts Set on Pilgrimage by Elisabeth Elliot | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of facing trials and challenges while doing missionary work in a remote area. He mentions reading from 1 Peter, where it ta |
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Sowing and Reaping by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience with technology and his initial suspicion of computers. He shares a personal moment of loneliness and abandonment, which led |