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Psalm 133 - New English Translation (NET)

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Psalm 133[a]

A song of ascents;[b] by David.

133 Look! How good and how pleasant it is
when brothers truly live in unity.[c]
2 It is like fine oil poured on the head,
which flows down the beard[d]—
Aaron’s beard,
and then flows down his garments.[e]
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,[f]
which flows down upon the hills of Zion.[g]
Indeed,[h] that is where the Lord has decreed
a blessing will be available—eternal life.[i]

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 133:1 sn Psalm 133. The psalmist affirms the benefits of family unity.
  2. Psalm 133:1 sn The precise significance of this title, which appears in Pss 120-134, is unclear. Perhaps worshipers recited these psalms when they ascended the road to Jerusalem to celebrate annual religious festivals. For a discussion of their background see L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 219-21.
  3. Psalm 133:1 sn This statement refers to the extended family structure of ancient Israel, where brothers would often live in proximity to one another (Deut 25:5), giving the family greater social prominence and security. However, in its later application in the nation of Israel it probably envisions unity within the covenant community. See L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 212-15.
  4. Psalm 133:2 tn Heb “[it is] like the good oil on the head, going down on the beard.”
  5. Psalm 133:2 tn Heb “which goes down in accordance with his measured things.” The Hebrew phrase מִדּוֹתָיו (middotayv, “his measured things”) refers here to the robes worn by Aaron. HALOT 546 s.v. *מַד derives the term from מַד (mad, “robe”) rather than מִדָּה (middah, “measured thing”). Ugaritic md means “robe” and is pluralized mdt.
  6. Psalm 133:3 sn Hermon refers to Mount Hermon, located north of Israel.
  7. Psalm 133:3 sn The hills of Zion are those surrounding Zion (see Pss 87:1; 125:2). The psalmist does not intend to suggest that the dew from Mt. Hermon in the distant north actually flows down upon Zion. His point is that the same kind of heavy dew that replenishes Hermon may also be seen on Zion’s hills. See A. Cohen, Psalms (SoBB), 439. “Dew” here symbolizes divine blessing, as the next line suggests.
  8. Psalm 133:3 tn Or “for.”
  9. Psalm 133:3 tn Heb “there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forever.”

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133 A Song of the Ascents, by David. Lo, how good and how pleasant The dwelling of brethren -- even together! 2 As the good oil on the head, Coming down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, That cometh down on the skirt of his robes, 3 As dew of Hermon -- That cometh down on hills of Zion, For there Je...
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133 The song of degrees. Lo! how good and how merry it is; that brethren dwell together. (Lo! how good and how pleasant it is; for brothers, or God’s people, to live together in unity, or in harmony.) 2 As ointment in the head; that goeth down into the beard, into the beard of Aaron. That goeth down...
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Psalm 133 - World English Bible (WEB)

A Song of Ascents. By David.133 See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!2 It is like the precious oil on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron’s beard, that came down on the edge of his robes,3 like the dew of Hermon, that comes down on the hills of Zion...
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Psalm 133 - The Voice (VOICE)

Psalm 133A song of David for those journeying to worship.1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in peace!2 It is like the finest oils poured on the head, sweet-smelling oils flowing down to cover the beard,Flowing down the beard of Aaron, flowing down the collar of his...
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Psalm 133 - Tree of Life Version (TLV)

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Psalm 133 - Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

The Blessedness of UnityA Song of Ascents.133 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down upon the beard,upon the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the ...
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Psalm 133 - Revised Standard Version (RSV)

The Blessedness of UnityA Song of Ascents.133 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down upon the beard,upon the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the ...
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Psalm 133 - New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA)

Psalm 133The Blessedness of UnityA Song of Ascents.1 How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard,on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which fall...
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Psalm 133 - New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

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Psalm 133 - New Living Translation (NLT)

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Psalm 133 - New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

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Psalm 133 - New Century Version (NCV)

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