Psalms 128:2
Psalms 128:2 in Multiple Translations
For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
For thou shalt eat the labor of thy hands: Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
You will have the fruit of the work of your hands: happy will you be, and all will be well for you.
You will eat what your own hands have produced. You will be happy and do well.
When thou eatest the labours of thine hands, thou shalt be blessed, and it shall be well with thee.
The labour of thy hands thou surely eatest, Happy [art] thou, and good [is] to thee.
For you will eat the labor of your hands. You will be happy, and it will be well with you.
For thou shalt eat the labor of thy hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
Often have they fought against me from my youth: but they could not prevail over me.
You will be able to earn the money that you [MTY] need to buy food; you will be happy and you will be prosperous.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 128:2
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 128:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְגִ֣יעַ
כַּ֭פֶּי/ךָ
כִּ֣י
תֹאכֵ֑ל
אַ֝שְׁרֶ֗י/ךָ
וְ/ט֣וֹב
לָֽ/ךְ
יְגִ֣יעַ
yᵉgîyaʻ
H3018
toil
N-ms
כַּ֭פֶּי/ךָ
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fd | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תֹאכֵ֑ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אַ֝שְׁרֶ֗י/ךָ
ʼesher
H835
blessed
N-mp | Suff
וְ/ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
לָֽ/ךְ
Prep | Suff
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 128:2
יְגִ֣יעַ
yᵉgîyaʻ
H3018
"toil"
N-ms
This word refers to hard work or labor, and the things we produce as a result of our efforts. It can also mean the property or wealth we acquire through our work. The KJV translates it as 'labour' or 'work'.
Definition: 1) toil, work 2) product, produce, acquired property (as a result of work)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: labour, work. See also: Genesis 31:42; Psalms 128:2; Psalms 78:46.
כַּ֭פֶּי/ךָ
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fd | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
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.
תֹאכֵ֑ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
אַ֝שְׁרֶ֗י/ךָ
ʼesher
H835
"blessed"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means happiness or blessedness, often used to express how happy someone is. It appears in the Bible as an interjection, similar to 'how happy!' In the KJV, it is translated as 'blessed' or 'happy'.
Definition: 1) happiness, blessedness 1a) often used as interjection 1b) blessed are
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blessed, happy. See also: Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalms 119:2; Psalms 1:1.
וְ/ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
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 128:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 128:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 128:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 128:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 128:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 128:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 128:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 128:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 128:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 128:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 128:2
- Sermons on Psalms 128:2
Context — The Blessed Fear of the LORD
1Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways!
2For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine flourishing within your house, your sons like olive shoots sitting around your table. 4In this way indeed shall blessing come to the man who fears the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 3:10 | Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. |
| 2 | Isaiah 62:8 | The LORD has sworn by His right hand and by His mighty arm: “Never again will I give your grain to your enemies for food, nor will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 5:18–19 | Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life that God has given him—for this is his lot. Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God. |
| 4 | Isaiah 65:21–23 | They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses for others to inhabit, nor plant for others to eat. For as is the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My people, and My chosen ones will fully enjoy the work of their hands. They will not labor in vain or bear children doomed to disaster; for they will be a people blessed by the LORD— they and their descendants with them. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 28:4 | The fruit of your womb will be blessed, as well as the produce of your land and the offspring of your livestock— the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 28:11 | The LORD will make you prosper abundantly—in the fruit of your womb, the offspring of your livestock, and the produce of your land—in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers to give you. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 15:58 | Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 8:12 | Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence. |
| 9 | Ephesians 6:3 | “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” |
| 10 | Isaiah 65:13 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. |
Psalms 128:2 Summary
This verse means that when we work hard and trust in God, we can enjoy the good things that come from our labor, like a farmer who gets to eat the fruit from his trees. It's not just about getting rich or successful, but about being able to take care of our families and communities, and trusting God to provide for us, as seen in Philippians 4:19, where God promises to supply all our needs. By fearing the LORD and walking in His ways, we can experience blessings and prosperity in our lives, and we can trust Him to give us what we need to glorify Him and serve others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'eat the fruit of your labor'?
This phrase means to enjoy the benefits and rewards of your hard work, as seen in Proverbs 31:31, where a virtuous woman's works praise her, and in Psalms 128:2, where eating the fruit of your labor brings blessings and prosperity.
How do blessings and prosperity come to those who fear the LORD?
According to Psalms 128:1-4, blessings and prosperity come to those who fear the LORD and walk in His ways, as they trust in His goodness and provision, like in Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises to prosper those who trust in Him.
Is this verse promising wealth and success to all believers?
While this verse does promise blessings and prosperity, it's essential to understand that these are not limited to material wealth, as seen in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches us to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be added to us.
How does this verse relate to our daily work and responsibilities?
This verse encourages us to view our work as a way to glorify God and provide for our families, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24, where we are called to work heartily as for the Lord, knowing that we will receive an inheritance from Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you can 'eat the fruit of your labor' in your daily life, and how can you trust God to provide for your needs?
- How does fearing the LORD and walking in His ways bring blessings and prosperity to your life, and what are some areas where you need to trust Him more?
- In what ways can you seek to glorify God in your work and responsibilities, and how can you view your labor as a way to provide for your family and community?
- What are some things that can hinder your ability to 'eat the fruit of your labor', and how can you overcome them through prayer and trust in God's provision?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 128:2
For thou shall eat the labour of thine hands,.... That is, thou that fearest the Lord, and walkest in his ways.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 128:2
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 128:2
Thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands; thy labour shall not be vain and fruitless, and the fruit of thy labours shall not be taken away from thee, and possessed by others, as God threatened to the disobedient, Deuteronomy 28, but enjoyed by thyself with comfort and satisfaction. Well with thee, both in this world and in the world to come, as even the Chaldee paraphrast explains these words.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 128:2
Psalms 128:2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with thee.Ver. 2. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands] That is, thou shalt reap and receive the sweet of thy sweat, whether it be of the brow or of the brain, according to the kind of thy calling. And although thou be forced to live by the labour of thine hands (whence man’ s life is called the life of his hands, Isaiah 57:10), yet that shall be no hindrance to thy happiness, but a furtherance of thine account. Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee] The Chaldee thus expoundeth it, Happy thou in this world; and good shall it be unto thee in the world to come.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 128:2
(2) For thou.—The Hebrew by the position of the particle is more emphatic: “For it is the labour of thine hands thou shalt eat.” (See Note, Psalms 116:10.) This picture of a successful and peaceful husbandry, which itself throws a whole flood of light on the condition of Palestine and of the people, now not nomadic but agricultural, is rendered still more emphatic by references to the numerous passages where it is foretold that enemies would devour the harvests (Deuteronomy 28:30-33; Leviticus 26:16). Happy.—The same word translated blessed in Psalms 128:1.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 128:2
Verse 2. Those shalt eat the labour of thine hands] Thou shalt not be exempted from labour. Thou shalt work: But God will bless and prosper that work, and thou and thy family shall eat of it. Ye shall all live on the produce of your own labour, and the hand of violence shall not be permitted to deprive you of it. Thus, Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.] Thou shalt have prosperity. Verse 3. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine] Thy children, in every corner and apartment of thy house, shall be the evidences of the fruitfulness of thy wife, as bunches of grapes on every bough of the vine are the proofs of its being in a healthy thriving state. Being about the house sides, or apartments, is spoken of the wife, not the vine; being around the table is spoken of the children, not of the olive-plants. It does not appear that there were any vines planted against the walls of the houses in Jerusalem, nor any olive-trees in pots or tubs in the inside of their houses; as may be found in different parts of Europe.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 128:2
2. A personal application of the general principle of Psa 128:1, addressed to any God-fearing father of a family. For thou shalt eat &c.] Or, The labour of thine hands shalt thou surely eat. His industry will not be baffled by bad seasons or other drawbacks, but will produce good results (Haggai 1:11; Haggai 2:17), and instead of their being carried off by enemies he will enjoy them himself. Cp. Isaiah 65:21-22 : and contrast the warnings of Lev 26:16; Deuteronomy 28:30 ff.; Amos 5:11; Micah 6:15; Job 31:8.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 128:2
For thou shalt eat the labor of thine hands - Thou shalt enjoy the avails of thy labor; thou shalt be secure in thy rights. See the notes at Isaiah 3:10. This is a general promise respecting the prosperity which religion affords.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 128:2
2. Thou shall eat—Literally, Thou shalt surely eat the labour of thy hands. The clause is strongly asseverating.
Sermons on Psalms 128:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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De Vitis Patrum, Book Iii by Heribert Rosweyde | Rufinus of Aquileia, Presbyter, in De Vitis Patrum, Book III, emphasizes the importance of asceticism and spiritual discipline as demonstrated by the lives of the desert fathers. T |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 3:10 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck discusses the contrasting themes of judgment and hope found in the book of Isaiah. He highlights the corruption and oppression of the leaders of Israel |
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Say Ye to the Righteous, That It Shall Be Well With Him by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that it is always well with the righteous, regardless of their circumstances, whether in prosperity or persecution. He reassures believers that God's promi |
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When the Wicked Shall Have Filled Up the Measure of Their Sin, Wrath Will Come Upon Them to the Uttermost by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the consequences of continuing in sin and filling up the measure of one's sins, leading to the ultimate wrath of God coming upon them to the uttermo |
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The Inspiration of the Bible, and Its Requirements by B.A. Cundiff | B.A. Cundiff discusses the inspiration behind the Bible, arguing that it could not have been written by wicked men due to its condemnation of wickedness, nor by good men without di |
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Hold Fast Your Title Deed of Faith by Allan Halton | Allan Halton preaches about the day of recompense and vengeance, emphasizing that vengeance belongs to God alone and we must not take it into our own hands. He highlights the impor |
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The Certainty of Death by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon on the certainty of death, emphasizing that all individuals, whether righteous or wicked, will face physical death. He highlights the disti |