Psalms 126:5 — Word Study
WLCהַזֹּרְעִ֥ים בְּדִמְעָ֗ה בְּרִנָּ֥ה יִקְצֹֽרוּ׃
BSAThose who sowzâraʻ [sowing seeds of faith, planting with weeping] in tearsdimʻâh [of sorrow, with heartfelt crying] will reapqâtsar▸ [harvest, gather in] with shouts of joyrinnâh [loud ringing cries, joyful triumph, happiness, jubilation]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| הַזֹּרְעִ֥ים | those [who] sow | Particle, verb qal participle (active) masculine plural |
| בְּדִמְעָ֗ה | with tear[s] | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| בְּרִנָּ֥ה | with a shout of joy | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| יִקְצֹֽרוּ׃ | they will reap | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. |
| KJV | They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. |
| ASV | They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. |
| YLT | Those sowing in tears, with singing do reap, |
| WEB | Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. |
| BBE | Those who put in seed with weeping will get in the grain with cries of joy. |
Where they part company is not applicable; all translations agree.
The structure includes a main clause and several phrases that elaborate on the manner of sowing and reaping.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbקָצַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 126:5
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Song of Ascentsgenerated
Psalm 126:5 reflects on the cycle of sorrow and joy in the life of those who trust in God. This verse emphasizes that while the act of sowing may involve tears, it is followed by a joyful harvest. The psalmist assures that God restores His people, bringing them back from captivity and filling their hearts with joy, as seen in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 137:1 | By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | 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.” |
| 4 | Joel 2:17–23 | 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?’” |
| 5 | Matthew 5:4 | Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — זָרַע, ha.zo.re.'Imgenerated
The verb זָרַע (zara`) means to sow or plant seed, encompassing both literal agricultural actions and figurative meanings, such as spreading ideas or producing spiritual fruit. The parsing as a participle indicates an ongoing action, suggesting that those who sow are actively engaged in the process.
This word appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, often in contexts that highlight the importance of planting for future growth. The figurative sense of sowing can also imply the investment of effort and emotion, as in the case of sowing with tears.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In the Berean Standard Bible, the verse reads sow in tears and reap with shouts of joy, which aligns closely with the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verbs זֹּרְעִ֥ים (those who sow) and יִקְצֹֽרוּ (they will reap) govern the structure of the verse. The first part describes the action of sowing, while the second part describes the outcome of that action.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the subjects of the verbs, highlighting the connection between the act of sowing in tears and the resultant joy in reaping.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates זָרַע as σπείροντες (speirontes), which carries the same meaning of sowing. This choice reflects a direct correspondence to the agricultural imagery found in the Hebrew text.
The use of ἀγαλλιάσει (agalhiasē) for joy indicates a focus on the exuberance of the harvest, aligning with the joyful outcome of the sowing process.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 126:5 tells us that those who sow with tears will reap with joy. This verse highlights the connection between sorrow and future joy, assuring us that our efforts, even when painful, can lead to a joyful outcome.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Sowing in tears refers to investing effort and emotion, often in a context of sorrow or hardship, with the hope of a future reward.
The verse emphasizes that despite current struggles, God promises restoration and joy, as seen in the overall context of Psalm 126.
Reaping with joy signifies the fulfillment of hope and the blessings that come after enduring trials.
This verse encourages us to persevere through difficult times, trusting that our efforts will lead to joy and fulfillment in the future.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some personal experiences where you have sown in tears and later reaped joy?
- How can you apply the principle of sowing and reaping in your daily life?
- In what ways can you support others who are currently sowing in tears?
- What does this verse teach you about the relationship between sorrow and joy?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss themes of sorrow and joy in the context of spiritual growth and repentance.
Concerning food. Let the body have its victuals, that it may live and render its services unimpeded, but not so as to be given to daintiness. Let these be your rules regarding food, since many trip up over meat.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 126 →
“Blessed are they who weep, for they shall laugh.” They, therefore, who spend the days of their life, which is already at its consummation and declining toward its setting, in weeping for their sins,Early Church Fathers on Psalms 126 →
For the next words are, "They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy" [Psalms 126:5]. In this life, which is full of tears, let us sow. What shall we sow? Good works.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 126 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 126:5 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThey 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.
Read John Gill on Psalms 126 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThey 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).
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 126 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThis 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…
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 126 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 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…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 126 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(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.”
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 126 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 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.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 126 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges5. 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…
Read Cambridge on Psalms 126 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThey 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.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 126 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.
Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.
Those who shed tears as they plant will shout for joy when they reap the harvest.
Tyndale line
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
They that sowe in teares, shall reape in ioy.
Strictly literal
They that sow in tears shall reap with rejoicing:
Those sowing in tears, with singing do reap,
Those sowing in tears, reap with singing,
Those that sow in tears shall reap with joyful song.
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.
From the Latin
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.
Simplified
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy!
Those who put in seed with weeping will get in the grain with cries of joy.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads הַזֹּרְעִ֥ים בְּדִמְעָ֗ה בְּרִנָּ֥ה יִקְצֹֽרוּ׃, which is matched in the Septuagint. The Dead Sea Scrolls provide partial readings, with some words supplied by an editor, but they agree with the Masoretic Text in essence.
הַזֹּרְעִ֥ים בְּדִמְעָ֗ה בְּרִנָּ֥ה יִקְצֹֽרוּ׃
4 of the 4 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
הזורעים בדמעה [ברנה] [יקצרו]
2 words on the leather — 2 supplied entire by an editor.
הזורעים [בדמעה] [ברנה] יקצורו
2 words on the leather — 2 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 126:5
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
זָרַע (zara`) is a Hebrew verb meaning to sow or scatter seed. It covers various aspects of planting and yielding, including the figurative sense of producing or conceiving. The root can denote actions in different forms, such as being sown or becoming pregnant. The entries indicate a range of uses, from agricultural to reproductive contexts.
זָרַע vb. sow, scatter seed
Qal
lit. sow
of shrub and tree producing, yielding seed
fig.
Niph. be sown, fructified
be sown
be fructified, made pregnant
Pu. of princes and judges under fig. of trees
Hiph.
produce seed
of a woman, = bear a child
base
H2232 זָרַע sow, scatter seed .. lit. sow
2232 zara` zaw-rah'
a primitive root; to sow; figuratively, to disseminate,
plant, fructify:--bear, conceive seed, set with sow(-er),
yield.
זָרַע (za.ra) — to sow.
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
Art | V-Qal — Particle · verb qal participle (active) masculine pluralHTd/Vqrmpa
sou.
See SWINE.
[SWINE]
דִּמְעָה (dim`ah) refers to 'tears' and is primarily used in a poetic context, with frequent occurrences in the book of Jeremiah and contemporary literature. It is a feminine noun derived from the root word for 'weeping' (דִּמְעָה is noted as a collective term for tears). The entries consistently emphasize its poetic nature.
דִּמְעָה n.f. coll. tears (chiefly poet. and late; freq. in Je. and contemp.)
base
H1832 דִּמְעָה coll. tears (chiefly poet. and late; freq. in Je. and contemp.)
1832 dim`ah dim-aw'
feminine of 1831; weeping:--tears.
see HEBREW for 01831
דִּמְעָה (dim.ah) — tears.
tears
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHR/Ncfsa
רִנָּה (rinnah) refers to a ringing cry, often associated with joy, grief, or proclamation. It is derived from the root meaning to creak or make a shrill sound. The term encompasses various expressions of emotion, including gladness and triumph, and can denote both joyful singing and cries of supplication.
רִנָּה n.f. ringing cry
base
H7440 רִנָּה ringing cry
7440 rinnah rin-naw'
from 7442; properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e. shout
(of joy or grief):--cry, gladness, joy, proclamation,
rejoicing, shouting, sing(-ing), triumph.
see HEBREW for 07442
רִנָּה (rin.nah) — cry.
1) ringing cry
1a) of entreaty, supplication
1b) in proclamation, joy, praise
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHR/Ncfsa
joi (simchah; chara):
1. Terms:
The idea of joy is expressed in the Old Testament by a wealth of synonymous terms that cannot easily be differentiated. The commonest is simchah (1Sa 18:6, etc.), variously translated in English Versions of the Bible "joy," "gladness," "mirth"; from sameah, properly "to be bright," "to shine" (Pr 13:9, "The light of the righteous rejoiceth," literally, "is bright"), but generally used figuratively "to rejoice," "be glad" (Le 23:40 and very frequent).
Other nouns are masos and sason, both from sus, properly "to spring," "leap," hence, "exult," "rejoice"; rinnah, "shouting." "joy"; gil, from verb gil or gul, "to go in a circle," hence, "be excited" (dancing round for joy), "rejoice." In the New…
קָצֵר (qatsar) is a Hebrew word that primarily means 'to be short' or 'to reap.' It is built from a primitive root that conveys the idea of curtailing or harvesting, applicable in both literal and figurative contexts. The entries indicate that it can express feelings of impatience or grief, as well as the act of harvesting crops.
[קָצֵר], I. קָצַר vb. be short
Qal be short
Pi. shorten
Hiph. id.
base
[קָצַר] vb. reap, harvest
H7114a קָצֵר, קָצַר be short H7114b קָצַר reap, harvest
7114 qatsar kaw-tsar'
a primitive root; to dock off, i.e. curtail (transitive or
intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest
(grass or grain):--X at all, cut down, much discouraged,
grieve, harvestman, lothe, mourn, reap(-er), (be, wax)
short(-en, -er), straiten, trouble, vex.
קָצֵר (qa.tser) — be short.
1) to be short, be impatient, be vexed, be grieved
1a) (Qal) to be short
1b) (Piel) to shorten
1c) (Hiphil) to shorten
קָצַר (qa.tsar) — to reap.
1) to reap, harvest
1a) (Qal) to reap, harvest
1b) (Hiphil) to reap, harvest
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVqi3mp