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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 137:3 for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: "Sing us a song of Zion."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/137-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/19_Psa_137_003.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 137:3 - By the Rivers of Babylon" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: Sing us a song of Zion." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/137-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/137-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/137.htm">Chapter 137</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/137-2.htm" title="Psalm 137:2">◄</a> Psalm 137:3 <a href="/psalms/137-4.htm" title="Psalm 137:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/137.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/137.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, &#8220Sing us one of the songs of Zion!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/137.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For our captors demanded a song from us. Our tormentors insisted on a joyful hymn: “Sing us one of those songs of Jerusalem!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/137.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors, mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/137.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: “Sing us a song of Zion.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/137.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us <i>required of us</i> mirth, <i>saying</i>, Sing us <i>one</i> of the songs of Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/137.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, And those who plundered us <i>requested</i> mirth, <i>Saying,</i> “Sing us <i>one</i> of the songs of Zion!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/137.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For there our captors demanded of us songs, And our tormentors, jubilation, <i>saying,</i> “Sing for us one of the songs of Zion!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/137.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For there our captors demanded of us songs, And our tormentors mirth, saying, &#8220Sing us one of the songs of Zion.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/137.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For there our captors demanded of us songs, And our tormentors mirth, <i>saying</i>, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/137.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For there our captors asked us about the words of a song, And our tormentors <i>asked</i> joyfully, <i>saying</i>, “Sing for us one of the songs of Zion.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/137.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For there they who took us captive demanded of us a song with words, And our tormentors [who made a mockery of us demanded] amusement, <i>saying,</i> “Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/137.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for our captors there asked us for songs, and our tormentors, for rejoicing: “Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/137.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for our captors there asked us for songs, and our tormentors, for rejoicing:&#8221 Sing us one of the songs of Zion.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/137.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For there they that led us captive required of us songs, And they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/137.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Our enemies had brought us here as their prisoners; now they wanted us to sing and entertain them. They insulted us and shouted, "Sing about Zion!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/137.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For there they that led us captive required of us songs, and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/137.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />It was there that those who had captured us demanded that we sing. Those who guarded us wanted us to entertain them. [They said,] "Sing a song from Zion for us!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/137.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Those who captured us told us to sing; they told us to entertain them: "Sing us a song about Zion." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/137.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />for it was there that our captors asked us for songs and our torturers demanded joy from us, "Sing us one of the songs about Zion!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/137.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: ?Sing us a song of Zion.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/137.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />for there our captors ask us to compose songs; those who mock us demand that we be happy, saying: "Sing for us a song about Zion!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/137.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs. Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy: "Sing us one of the songs of Zion."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/137.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/137.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs. Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy: “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/137.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For there our captors asked us the words of a song, "" And our spoilers—joy: “Sing to us of a song of Zion.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/137.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For there our captors asked us the words of a song, And our spoilers -- joy: 'Sing ye to us of a song of Zion.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/137.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For there they carrying us away captive asked us the words of a song; and they heaping us up gladness; Sing to us from the song of Zion.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/137.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For there they that led us into captivity required of us the words of songs. And they that carried us away, said: Sing ye to us a hymn of the songs of Sion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/137.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 136:3>For, in that place, those who led us into captivity questioned us about the words of the songs. And those who carried us away said: “Sing us a hymn from the songs of Zion.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/137.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For there our captors asked us for the words of a song; Our tormentors, for joy: “Sing for us a song of Zion!” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/137.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/137.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and our captors said to us, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/137.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because there they asked and they wanted the words of songs, and those leading us said to us, "Sing to us of the songs of Zion.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/137.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For there they that led us captive asked of us words of song, And our tormentors asked of us mirth: 'Sing us one of the songs of Zion.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/137.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For there they that had taken us captive asked of us the words of a song; and they that had carried us away <i>asked</i> a hymn, <i>saying</i>, Sing us <i>one</i> of the songs of Sion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/137-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=17081" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/137.htm">By the Rivers of Babylon</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>There on the willows we hung our harps, <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there</a> <a href="/hebrew/7617.htm" title="7617: šō·w·ḇê·nū (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 1cp) -- To take captive. A primitive root; to transport into captivity.">our captors</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: diḇ·rê·ši- (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: šə·’ê·lū·nū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp:: 1cp) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">requested</a> <a href="/hebrew/7892.htm" title="7892: r (N-ms) -- A song, singing. Or feminine shiyrah; from shiyr; a song; abstractly, singing.">a song;</a> <a href="/hebrew/8437.htm" title="8437: wə·ṯō·w·lā·lê·nū (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Perhaps to be wasted. From yalal; causing to howl, i.e. An oppressor.">our tormentors demanded</a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: śim·ḥāh (N-fs) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">songs of joy:</a> <a href="/hebrew/7891.htm" title="7891: šî·rū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To sing. Or shuwr; a primitive root; to sing.">“Sing</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">us</a> <a href="/hebrew/7892.htm" title="7892: miš·šîr (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- A song, singing. Or feminine shiyrah; from shiyr; a song; abstractly, singing.">a song</a> <a href="/hebrew/6726.htm" title="6726: ṣî·yō·wn (N-proper-fs) -- A mountain in Jer., also a name for Jer. The same as tsiyuwn; Tsijon, a mountain of Jerusalem.">of Zion.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>How can we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/2-15.htm">Lamentations 2:15</a></span><br />All who pass by clap their hands at you in scorn. They hiss and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of all the earth?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/1-7.htm">Lamentations 1:7</a></span><br />In the days of her affliction and wandering Jerusalem remembers all the treasures that were hers in days of old. When her people fell into enemy hands she received no help. Her enemies looked upon her, laughing at her downfall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/24-8.htm">Isaiah 24:8-9</a></span><br />The joyful tambourines have ceased; the noise of revelers has stopped; the joyful harp is silent. / They no longer sing and drink wine; strong drink is bitter to those who consume it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Jeremiah 51:11</a></span><br />Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the vengeance of the LORD—vengeance for His temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/26-13.htm">Ezekiel 26:13</a></span><br />So I will silence the sound of your songs, and the music of your lyres will no longer be heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/30-9.htm">Job 30:9</a></span><br />And now they mock me in song; I have become a byword among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/4-2.htm">Nehemiah 4:2</a></span><br />before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-21.htm">2 Kings 19:21</a></span><br />This is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/47-6.htm">Isaiah 47:6</a></span><br />I was angry with My people; I profaned My heritage, and I placed them under your control. You showed them no mercy; even on the elderly you laid a most heavy yoke.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/4-11.htm">Micah 4:11</a></span><br />But now many nations have assembled against you, saying, “Let her be defiled, and let us feast our eyes on Zion.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-29.htm">Matthew 27:29-30</a></span><br />And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand, knelt down before Him, and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” / Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-36.htm">Luke 23:36-37</a></span><br />The soldiers also mocked Him and came up to offer Him sour wine. / “If You are the King of the Jews,” they said, “save Yourself!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-22.htm">Revelation 18:22</a></span><br />And the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will never ring out in you again. Nor will any craftsmen of any trade be found in you again, nor the sound of a millstone be heard in you again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Matthew 5:11-12</a></span><br />Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-36.htm">Hebrews 11:36</a></span><br />Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.</p><p class="hdg">for there</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/123-3.htm">Psalm 123:3,4</a></b></br> Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/lamentations/2-15.htm">Lamentations 2:15,16</a></b></br> All that pass by clap <i>their</i> hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, <i>saying, Is</i> this the city that <i>men</i> call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth? … </p><p class="hdg">a song.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/79-1.htm">Psalm 79:1</a></b></br> A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/4-2.htm">Nehemiah 4:2</a></b></br> And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/9-11.htm">Jeremiah 9:11</a></b></br> And I will make Jerusalem heaps, <i>and</i> a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant.</p><p class="hdg">the song of Zion</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/9-14.htm">Psalm 9:14</a></b></br> That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/65-1.htm">Psalm 65:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, A Psalm <i>and</i> Song of David. Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/15-27.htm">1 Chronicles 15:27</a></b></br> And David <i>was</i> clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also <i>had</i> upon him an ephod of linen.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/126-1.htm">Captive</a> <a href="/psalms/106-46.htm">Captors</a> <a href="/psalms/106-46.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Demanded</a> <a href="/psalms/132-16.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/psalms/136-16.htm">Led</a> <a href="/job/20-5.htm">Mirth</a> <a href="/psalms/133-3.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/psalms/107-10.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Required</a> <a href="/psalms/135-3.htm">Sing</a> <a href="/psalms/134-1.htm">Song</a> <a href="/psalms/126-6.htm">Songs</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-20.htm">Spoilers</a> <a href="/job/31-39.htm">Tormented</a> <a href="/matthew/18-34.htm">Tormentors</a> <a href="/psalms/119-123.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/psalms/119-163.htm">Words</a> <a href="/psalms/137-1.htm">Zion</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/11-6.htm">Captive</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-2.htm">Captors</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-11.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/daniel/2-27.htm">Demanded</a> <a href="/psalms/137-6.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-11.htm">Led</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-13.htm">Mirth</a> <a href="/psalms/147-15.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/psalms/146-7.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-7.htm">Required</a> <a href="/psalms/137-4.htm">Sing</a> <a href="/psalms/137-4.htm">Song</a> <a href="/psalms/137-4.htm">Songs</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-23.htm">Spoilers</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-17.htm">Tormented</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-23.htm">Tormentors</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-11.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/psalms/138-4.htm">Words</a> <a href="/psalms/146-10.htm">Zion</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 137</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/137-1.htm">The constancy of the Jews in captivity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/137-7.htm">The prophet curses Edom and Babel</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/137.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/137.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>for there our captors requested a song;</b><br>This phrase reflects the historical context of the Babylonian Exile, where the Israelites were taken captive after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The captors, likely Babylonians, requested songs from the Israelites, possibly as a form of mockery or to entertain themselves. The request for a song highlights the cultural practice of music and singing in ancient times, often used in worship and celebration. The captors' request can be seen as a way to further humiliate the Israelites by asking them to perform songs that were deeply tied to their identity and worship of God, now in a foreign land.<p><b>our tormentors demanded songs of joy:</b><br>The term "tormentors" suggests a relationship of oppression and cruelty. The demand for "songs of joy" is particularly ironic and painful, as the Israelites were in mourning over their lost homeland and temple. This demand underscores the insensitivity and cruelty of the captors, who were oblivious or indifferent to the Israelites' suffering. The phrase also highlights the deep connection between music and emotion in Hebrew culture, where songs of joy were typically associated with worship and celebration in the presence of God, now turned into a tool of torment.<p><b>“Sing us a song of Zion.”</b><br>Zion refers to Jerusalem, the spiritual and cultural heart of the Israelite people. The request for a "song of Zion" is significant because it points to the captors' awareness of the importance of Jerusalem to the Israelites. This request could be seen as a mockery of their faith and longing for their homeland. Zion is often used in the Bible as a symbol of God's presence and the ultimate hope for restoration and redemption. The captors' demand for a song of Zion can be seen as a foreshadowing of the eventual return and restoration of the Israelites, as prophesied in scriptures like <a href="/isaiah/52-8.htm">Isaiah 52:8-9</a>, where Zion is promised future joy and redemption.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/c/captors.htm">Captors</a></b><br>These are the Babylonians who took the Israelites into exile after the destruction of Jerusalem. They represent the oppressors who have power over the Israelites during this period.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/tormentors.htm">Tormentors</a></b><br>This term refers to the same Babylonians, emphasizing their role in mocking and ridiculing the Israelites by demanding joyful songs in a time of sorrow.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/songs_of_zion.htm">Songs of Zion</a></b><br>These are the sacred songs or psalms that were sung in Jerusalem, particularly in the temple. They are expressions of worship and joy, deeply connected to the Israelites' identity and faith.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/z/zion.htm">Zion</a></b><br>A term often used to refer to Jerusalem, the city of God, and by extension, the spiritual heart of the Israelite nation. It symbolizes God's presence and the place of His dwelling.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/exile.htm">Exile</a></b><br>The historical context of this psalm is the Babylonian Exile, a period of profound loss and longing for the Israelites, who were taken from their homeland and temple.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pain_of_mockery.htm">The Pain of Mockery</a></b><br>The Israelites' captors demanded songs of joy, highlighting the deep pain of being mocked in their suffering. This teaches us about the insensitivity of the world to the struggles of God's people and the importance of empathy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/identity_and_worship.htm">Identity and Worship</a></b><br>The request for "songs of Zion" underscores the connection between worship and identity. Even in exile, the Israelites' identity was tied to their worship of God. We are reminded to hold onto our faith and identity in Christ, even in challenging circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/longing_for_home.htm">Longing for Home</a></b><br>The psalm reflects a deep longing for Zion, symbolizing a yearning for God's presence and the restoration of what was lost. This encourages us to maintain hope and trust in God's promises of restoration and redemption.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_exile.htm">The Reality of Exile</a></b><br>The experience of exile is both physical and spiritual. It serves as a metaphor for the Christian journey, where believers are often in a world that is not their true home. We are called to live faithfully, anticipating our ultimate home with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_oppression.htm">Responding to Oppression</a></b><br>The Israelites' response to their captors' demands can teach us about maintaining integrity and faithfulness under pressure. We are encouraged to respond to oppression with grace and steadfastness in our faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_137.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 137</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_zionism.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on Zionism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_psalms_14_and_53_similar.htm">Why are Psalms 14 and 53 nearly identical?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_events_in_psalm_137.htm">What historical or archeological evidence supports the specific events described in Psalm 137, if any?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_psalm_133's_origins.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that specifically verifies the circumstances or authorship traditionally attributed to Psalm 133?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/137.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">A song.</span>--See margin. The expression is generally regarded as pleonastic, but may be explained as in <a href="/psalms/105-27.htm" title="They showed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.">Psalm 105:27</a>, where see Note. Perhaps "some lyric thing" would express the original. No doubt it is a Levite who is requested to sing.<p><span class= "bld">They that wasted us.</span>--A peculiar Hebrew word which the LXX. and Vulg. take as synonymous with the verb in the first clause. The modern explanation, "they that make us howl," is far preferable. Those whose oppression had raised the wild Oriental scream of lamentation, now asked for mirth.<p><span class= "bld">Songs of Zion</span>--or, as in the next verse, <span class= "ital">songs of Jehovah, </span>were of course the liturgical hymns. Nothing is more characteristic than this of the Hebrew feeling. The captors asked for a national song, as the Philistines asked for sport from Samson, to amuse them. The Hebrew can think only of one kind of song, that to which the genius of the race was dedicated.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/137.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song</span>; literally, <span class="accented">words of song</span>. The oppressors break into the retired gathering of their captives, and "require of them a song" - demand roughly and rudely to be entertained with the foreign music, which is perhaps sweeter than their own, or at any rate more of a novelty. <span class="cmt_word">And they that wasted us required us mirth</span>. Not only was "a song" wanted but a joyous song - one that would wake feelings of mirth and gladness in those who heard it. Saying, <span class="cmt_word">sing us one of the songs of Zion</span>; literally, <span class="accented">sing us frown a song of Zion</span>. The captives had, no doubt, spoken of the joyous strains which they had been wont to pour forth in their own city upon festive occasions. Their conquerors demand a specimen, but are repulsed with the words of the next verse. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/137-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֨ם</span> <span class="translit">(šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our captors</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁוֹבֵ֡ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(šō·w·ḇê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7617.htm">Strong's 7617: </a> </span><span class="str2">To transport into captivity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">requested</span><br /><span class="heb">שְֽׁאֵל֪וּנוּ</span> <span class="translit">(šə·’ê·lū·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a song,</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁ֭יר</span> <span class="translit">(r)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7892.htm">Strong's 7892: </a> </span><span class="str2">A song, singing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and our tormentors demanded</span><br /><span class="heb">וְתוֹלָלֵ֣ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṯō·w·lā·lê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8437.htm">Strong's 8437: </a> </span><span class="str2">Causing to howl, an oppressor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">songs of joy:</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂמְחָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(śim·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blithesomeness, glee</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Sing</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁ֥ירוּ</span> <span class="translit">(šî·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7891.htm">Strong's 7891: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">us</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֝֗נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(lā·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">a song</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשִּׁ֥יר</span> <span class="translit">(miš·šîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7892.htm">Strong's 7892: </a> </span><span class="str2">A song, singing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Zion.”</span><br /><span class="heb">צִיּֽוֹן׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṣî·yō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6726.htm">Strong's 6726: </a> </span><span class="str2">Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/137-3.htm">Psalm 137:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/137-3.htm">Psalm 137:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/137-3.htm">Psalm 137:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/137-3.htm">Psalm 137:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/137-3.htm">Psalm 137:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/137-3.htm">Psalm 137:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/137-3.htm">Psalm 137:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/137-3.htm">Psalm 137:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/137-3.htm">Psalm 137:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/137-3.htm">Psalm 137:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/137-3.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 137:3 For there those who led us captive (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/137-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 137:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 137:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/137-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 137:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 137:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>