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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 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live in harmony!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/133-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/19_Psa_133_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 133:1 - How Pleasant to Live in Harmony" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live in harmony!" /><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/133-1.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/133-1.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/133.htm">Chapter 133</a> > Verse 1</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="/ad1.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/132-18.htm" title="Psalm 132:18">◄</a> Psalm 133:1 <a href="/psalms/133-2.htm" title="Psalm 133:2">►</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/133.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/133.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. How good and pleasant it is when God&#8217s people live together in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/133.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/133.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/133.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/133.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant <i>it is</i> for brethren to dwell together in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/133.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant <i>it is</i> For brethren to dwell together in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/133.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents, of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to live together in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/133.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents, of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/133.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/133.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/133.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/133.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/133.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A Davidic song of ascents. How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/133.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents; of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/133.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It is truly wonderful when the people of God live together in peace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/133.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents; of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/133.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[A song by David for going up to worship.] See how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in harmony!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/133.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />How wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God's people to live together in harmony! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/133.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Look how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/133.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/133.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents, by David. Look! How good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/133.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />[A Song of Ascents. By David.] See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/133.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/133.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. By David. See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/133.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A SONG OF THE ASCENTS. BY DAVID. Behold, how good and how pleasant "" The dwelling of brothers—even together!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/133.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A Song of the Ascents, by David. Lo, how good and how pleasant The dwelling of brethren -- even together!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/133.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Song of ascensions to David. Behold, how good and how pleasant the dwelling of brethren even together.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/133.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/133.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 132:1>A Canticle in steps: of David. Behold, how good and how pleasing it is for brothers to dwell in unity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/133.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. How good and how pleasant it is, when brothers dwell together as one! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/133.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/133.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />BEHOLD, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/133.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />How good and how beautiful for brothers when they dwell as one<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/133.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents; of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/133.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A Song of Degrees. See now! what is so good, or what so pleasant, as for brethren to dwell together?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/133-1.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=16692" 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/133.htm">How Pleasant to Live in Harmony</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7892.htm" title="7892: šîr (N-msc) -- A song, singing. Or feminine shiyrah; from shiyr; a song; abstractly, singing.">A song</a> <a href="/hebrew/4609.htm" title="4609: ham·ma·‘ă·lō·wṯ (Art:: N-fp) -- Feminine of ma'aleh; elevation, i.e. The act, or the condition; specifically a climactic progression.">of ascents.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: lə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">Of David.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"> Behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">how</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">good</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: ū·mah- (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/5273.htm" title="5273: nā·‘îm (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, delightful. From na'em; delightful.">pleasant it is</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">when</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’a·ḥîm (N-mp) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">brothers</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: še·ḇeṯ (V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">live</a> <a href="/hebrew/3162.htm" title="3162: yā·ḥaḏ (Adv) -- Unitedness. From yachad; properly, a unit, i.e. unitedly.">together in harmony!</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes.…<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="/john/17-21.htm">John 17:21-23</a></span><br />that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. / I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one— / I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-3.htm">Ephesians 4:3-6</a></span><br />and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. / There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; / one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">1 Corinthians 1:10</a></span><br />I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-14.htm">Colossians 3:14</a></span><br />And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Romans 12:10</a></span><br />Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm">1 Peter 3:8</a></span><br />Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-2.htm">Philippians 2:2</a></span><br />then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-12.htm">1 John 4:12</a></span><br />No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-32.htm">Acts 4:32</a></span><br />The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-1.htm">Hebrews 13:1</a></span><br />Continue in brotherly love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:9</a></span><br />Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a></span><br />There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-14.htm">1 John 3:14</a></span><br />We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-5.htm">Romans 15:5-6</a></span><br />Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus, / so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-7.htm">1 John 1:7</a></span><br />But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!</p><p class="hdg">A Song of Dregrees.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/122-1.htm">Psalm 122:1</a></b></br> A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/124-1.htm">Psalm 124:1</a></b></br> A Song of degrees of David. If <i>it had</i> not <i>been</i> the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/131-1.htm">Psalm 131:1</a></b></br> A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.</p><p class="hdg">how good</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/122-6.htm">Psalm 122:6-8</a></b></br> Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/13-8.htm">Genesis 13:8</a></b></br> And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we <i>be</i> brethren.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/45-24.htm">Genesis 45:24</a></b></br> So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.</p><p class="hdg">together.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/132-18.htm">Ascents</a> <a href="/psalms/132-18.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/132-1.htm">Degrees</a> <a href="/psalms/132-14.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/psalms/132-13.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/psalms/128-5.htm">Good</a> <a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Harmony</a> <a href="/psalms/132-14.htm">Live</a> <a href="/psalms/106-24.htm">Pleasant</a> <a href="/psalms/115-3.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/psalms/132-18.htm">Song</a> <a href="/psalms/122-3.htm">Together</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/30-12.htm">Unity</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/134-1.htm">Ascents</a> <a href="/psalms/137-9.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/134-1.htm">Degrees</a> <a href="/psalms/139-9.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-33.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/psalms/133-2.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-24.htm">Harmony</a> <a href="/psalms/140-13.htm">Live</a> <a href="/psalms/135-3.htm">Pleasant</a> <a href="/psalms/135-3.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/psalms/133-3.htm">Song</a> <a href="/psalms/139-13.htm">Together</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-14.htm">Unity</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 133</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/133-1.htm">The blessedness of unity among brothers</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/133.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/133.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A song of ascents.</b><br>This phrase indicates that <a href="/psalms/133.htm">Psalm 133</a> is part of the Songs of Ascents, a collection of Psalms (120-134) traditionally sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the three major feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The ascent is both a physical journey to the elevated city of Jerusalem and a spiritual journey towards God. The Songs of Ascents emphasize themes of unity, worship, and the anticipation of meeting God in His holy city.<p><b>Of David.</b><br>Attributed to King David, this Psalm reflects his experiences and desires for unity among the tribes of Israel. David, as a unifying king, brought together the northern and southern tribes, establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center. His authorship lends authority and historical context, as David himself experienced the challenges and blessings of unity among God's people.<p><b>Behold,</b><br>This word serves as a call to attention, inviting the reader or listener to consider the significance of what follows. It emphasizes the importance of the message and encourages reflection on the beauty and value of unity.<p><b>how good and pleasant it is</b><br>The terms "good" and "pleasant" suggest both moral and experiential benefits. "Good" aligns with God's creation, as seen in <a href="/genesis/1.htm">Genesis 1</a>, where God declares His creation "good." "Pleasant" indicates a sense of delight and satisfaction, suggesting that unity is not only right but also enjoyable. This duality underscores the holistic blessing of harmony among believers.<p><b>when brothers live together in harmony!</b><br>The term "brothers" refers to the Israelites, the twelve tribes descended from the sons of Jacob. In a broader sense, it applies to all believers as spiritual siblings in the family of God. The concept of living "together in harmony" implies more than mere coexistence; it suggests a deep, abiding peace and cooperation. This unity is a reflection of God's nature and His desire for His people, as seen in the New Testament call for unity in the body of Christ (<a href="/ephesians/4-3.htm">Ephesians 4:3</a>). The imagery of harmonious living also points to the future Messianic kingdom, where perfect unity will be realized under the reign of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of this Psalm, King David, was a central figure in the history of Israel. He was known for uniting the tribes of Israel and establishing Jerusalem as the nation's capital.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation of Israel, consisting of twelve tribes, often experienced division and conflict. This Psalm reflects the ideal of unity among the tribes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>As the city of David, Jerusalem symbolizes the spiritual and political center of Israel, where unity among the people was crucial.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_beauty_of_unity.htm">The Beauty of Unity</a></b><br>Unity among believers is both "good" and "pleasant," reflecting God's design for His people. It is a testimony to the world of God's love and peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_challenge_of_harmony.htm">The Challenge of Harmony</a></b><br>Living in harmony requires effort, humility, and a willingness to put others before oneself. It is a call to live out the fruit of the Spirit in community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_blessing_of_togetherness.htm">The Blessing of Togetherness</a></b><br>When believers dwell in unity, it brings blessings and anointing, much like the oil running down Aaron's beard, symbolizing God's favor and presence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a></b><br>Just as David led Israel towards unity, spiritual leaders today are called to foster harmony within the church, guiding believers towards mutual love and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_as_a_witness.htm">Unity as a Witness</a></b><br>The unity of believers serves as a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel and the reality of God's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_133.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 133</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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_133's_unity_fit_ot_conflicts.htm">How does Psalm 133’s ideal of unity reconcile with the frequent internal conflicts depicted elsewhere in the Old Testament? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_it_for_brethren_to_unite.htm">How is it for brethren to dwell together in unity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_pleasant_is_unity_among_brethren.htm">How good and pleasant is unity among brethren?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/133.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">In unity.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">altogether. </span>The Hebrew particle <span class= "ital">gam, </span>here used with the word "together," is in our version sometimes rendered "yea," when it plainly should be taken with the adjective to intensify it exactly like our "all." (See, for instance, <a href="/psalms/25-3.htm" title="Yes, let none that wait on you be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.">Psalm 25:3</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/19-30.htm" title="And Mephibosheth said to the king, Yes, let him take all, for as much as my lord the king is come again in peace to his own house.">2Samuel 19:30</a>.) The common idiom, <span class= "ital">gam shenayim, "</span>all two" (i.e., both), exactly like the French <span class= "ital">tous deux, </span>and the German <span class= "ital">alle beide, </span>decides this. Many commentators, rendering <span class= "ital">also together, </span>see an emphasis on the gathering for the yearly feasts: "How good and pleasant for those who are by race and religion brothers to unite for a sacred purpose" The allusion may be there, but the conjecture and purpose of the psalm, and not the form of the expression, suggest it. To a Hebrew, political and religious sentiment were always combined; and Jerusalem was the centre towards which their thoughts and eyes always turned. The translation of the LXX., "to the same place," though not exactly rendering the Hebrew, perhaps brings out the thought, for the poet was plainly thinking of "unity at Zion." This verse was quoted by the Roman legate at the meeting of Anselm and William II. at Windsor, Whitsunday, 1095. It was read at the reception of a new member into the brotherhood of the Knights Templars, and is by St. Augustine quoted as the Divine authority for monastic life.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/133.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity</span>! The unity described appears to be existent, and to present itself to the psalmist's vision. Hence the opening, "Behold!" All may see it, and see how blessed and pleasant a thing it is. "Brethren" is used in the wide sense of descendants of a common ancestor (<a href="/genesis/13-8.htm">Genesis 13:8</a>; <a href="/exodus/2-11.htm">Exodus 2:11</a>; <a href="/acts/7-26.htm">Acts 7:26</a>, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/133-1.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">A Song</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁ֥יר</span> <span class="translit">(šîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">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 Ascents.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמַּעֲל֗וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ham·ma·‘ă·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4609.htm">Strong's 4609: </a> </span><span class="str2">Elevation, the act, the condition, a climactic progression</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Of David.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדָ֫וִ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Behold,</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">how</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good</span><br /><span class="heb">טּ֭וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and how</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמַה־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pleasant it is</span><br /><span class="heb">נָּעִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(nā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5273.htm">Strong's 5273: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, delightful</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּם־</span> <span class="translit">(gam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brothers</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">live</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֖בֶת</span> <span class="translit">(še·ḇeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in harmony!</span><br /><span class="heb">יָֽחַד׃</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḥaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3162.htm">Strong's 3162: </a> </span><span class="str2">A unit, unitedly</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/133-1.htm">Psalm 133:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/133-1.htm">Psalm 133:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/133-1.htm">Psalm 133:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/133-1.htm">Psalm 133:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/133-1.htm">Psalm 133:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/133-1.htm">Psalm 133:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/133-1.htm">Psalm 133:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/133-1.htm">Psalm 133:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/133-1.htm">Psalm 133:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/133-1.htm">Psalm 133:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/133-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 133:1 A Song of Ascents (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/132-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 132:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 132:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/133-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 133:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 133:2" /></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>