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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/136-26.htm" title="Psalm 136:26">◄</a> Psalm 137:1 <a href="/psalms/137-2.htm" title="Psalm 137:2">►</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/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 />By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/137.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Beside the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept as we thought of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/137.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/137.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/137.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/137.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept When we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/137.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down and wept, When we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/137.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down and wept, When we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/137.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down and wept, When we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/137.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat and also wept, When we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/137.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon, There we [captives] sat down and wept, When we remembered Zion [the city God imprinted on our hearts].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/137.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon — there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/137.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon— there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/137.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept, When we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/137.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Beside the rivers of Babylon we thought about Jerusalem, and we sat down and cried. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/137.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/137.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon, we sat down and cried as we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/137.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon we sat down; there we wept when we remembered Zion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/137.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />There we sat down and cried— by the rivers of Babylon— as we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/137.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/137.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon we sit down and weep when we remember Zion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/137.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/137.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/137.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/137.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />By rivers of Babylon—There we sat, "" Indeed, we wept when we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/137.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> By rivers of Babylon -- There we did sit, Yea, we wept when we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/137.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babel, there we sat down: also we wept in our remembering Zion.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/137.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Upon the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and wept: when we remembered Sion: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/137.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 136:1>A Psalm of David: to Jeremiah. Above the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and wept, while we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/137.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon there we sat weeping when we remembered Zion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/137.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon— there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/137.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />BY the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/137.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babel, there we sat and we wept, when we remembered Zion.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/137.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept, When we remembered Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/137.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For David, <i>a Psalm</i> of Jeremias. By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat; and wept when we remembered Sion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/137-1.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=17073" 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">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">By</a> <a href="/hebrew/5104.htm" title="5104: na·hă·rō·wṯ (N-mpc) -- A stream, river. From nahar; a stream; figuratively, prosperity.">the rivers</a> <a href="/hebrew/894.htm" title="894: bā·ḇel (N-proper-fs) -- From balal; confusion; Babel, including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire.">of Babylon</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yā·šaḇ·nū (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">we sat</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/1058.htm" title="1058: bā·ḵî·nū (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- To weep, bewail. A primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan.">wept</a> <a href="/hebrew/2142.htm" title="2142: bə·zā·ḵə·rê·nū (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 1cp) -- Remember. A primitive root; properly, to mark, i.e. To remember; by implication, to mention; also to be male.">when we remembered</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></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.">Zion.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>There on the willows we hung our harps,…<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="/revelation/18-2.htm">Revelation 18:2</a></span><br />And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-50.htm">Jeremiah 51:50</a></span><br />You who have escaped the sword, depart and do not linger! Remember the LORD from far away, and let Jerusalem come to mind.”<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/14-4.htm">Isaiah 14:4</a></span><br />you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/1-1.htm">Ezekiel 1:1</a></span><br />In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the River Kebar, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/24-14.htm">2 Kings 24:14</a></span><br />He carried into exile all Jerusalem—all the commanders and mighty men of valor, all the craftsmen and metalsmiths—ten thousand captives in all. Only the poorest people of the land remained.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/1-1.htm">Daniel 1:1-2</a></span><br />In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. / And the Lord delivered into his hand Jehoiakim king of Judah, along with some of the articles from the house of God. He carried these off to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, where he put them in the treasury of his god.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-1.htm">Jeremiah 29:1</a></span><br />This is the text of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets, and all the others Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/47-1.htm">Isaiah 47:1</a></span><br />“Go down and sit in the dust, O Virgin Daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, O Daughter of the Chaldeans! For you will no longer be called tender or delicate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/36-20.htm">2 Chronicles 36:20</a></span><br />Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Nehemiah 1:3</a></span><br />And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/52-27.htm">Jeremiah 52:27-30</a></span><br />There at Riblah in the land of Hamath, the king of Babylon struck them down and put them to death. So Judah was taken into exile, away from its own land. / These are the people Nebuchadnezzar carried away: in the seventh year, 3,023 Jews; / in Nebuchadnezzar’s eighteenth year, 832 people from Jerusalem; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/2-9.htm">Lamentations 2:9</a></span><br />Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has destroyed and shattered their bars. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and even her prophets find no vision from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/43-14.htm">Isaiah 43:14</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake, I will send to Babylon and bring them all as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="hdg">the rivers</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/2-10.htm">Genesis 2:10-14</a></b></br> And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">Ezra 8:21,31</a></b></br> Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/1-1.htm">Ezekiel 1:1</a></b></br> Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth <i>month</i>, in the fifth <i>day</i> of the month, as I <i>was</i> among the captives by the river of Chebar, <i>that</i> the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.</p><p class="hdg">there sat</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Nehemiah 1:3,4</a></b></br> And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province <i>are</i> in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also <i>is</i> broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Nehemiah 2:3</a></b></br> And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, <i>lieth</i> waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/2-12.htm">Job 2:12,13</a></b></br> And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven… </p><p class="hdg">we wept</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/42-4.htm">Psalm 42:4</a></b></br> When I remember these <i>things</i>, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/102-9.htm">Psalm 102:9-14</a></b></br> For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/66-10.htm">Isaiah 66:10</a></b></br> Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/87-4.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/psalms/135-13.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/psalms/136-23.htm">Remembered</a> <a href="/psalms/119-136.htm">Rivers</a> <a href="/psalms/122-5.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/psalms/113-5.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/psalms/132-14.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/psalms/136-6.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/psalms/126-6.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/psalms/69-10.htm">Wept</a> <a href="/psalms/135-21.htm">Zion</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/137-8.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/psalms/137-5.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/psalms/143-5.htm">Remembered</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-16.htm">Rivers</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-14.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/psalms/139-2.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/psalms/139-2.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/psalms/140-10.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-3.htm">Wept</a> <a href="/psalms/137-3.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'; 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The rivers of Babylon, such as the Euphrates and Tigris, were significant geographical features in the region. The mention of rivers may also symbolize the abundance and fertility of Babylon, contrasting with the desolation of Jerusalem. The rivers were places where the exiles gathered, possibly for communal activities or reflection. This setting highlights the physical and emotional distance from their homeland.<p><b>we sat and wept</b><br>The act of sitting and weeping indicates a posture of mourning and lamentation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sitting was often associated with mourning rituals. The weeping reflects the deep sorrow and grief of the Israelites over their captivity and the loss of their homeland. This emotional response is consistent with other biblical expressions of lament, such as in the book of Lamentations, which also mourns the fall of Jerusalem.<p><b>when we remembered Zion</b><br>Zion is a term that refers to Jerusalem, particularly the hill where the Temple stood, symbolizing the spiritual and national identity of Israel. Remembering Zion signifies the longing for their homeland and the central place of worship. This remembrance is not just nostalgic but also a spiritual yearning for the presence of God, which was closely associated with the Temple. The memory of Zion serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, and the hope for restoration. This longing for Zion is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/isaiah/51-11.htm">Isaiah 51:11</a>, which speaks of the redeemed returning to Zion with joy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/r/rivers_of_babylon.htm">Rivers of Babylon</a></b><br>Refers to the waterways in the region of Babylon, where the Israelites were taken into captivity. This setting symbolizes a place of exile and longing for their homeland.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/we.htm">We</a></b><br>Represents the Israelites, specifically those who were exiled to Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem. They are the collective voice of the lament in this Psalm.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wept.htm">Wept</a></b><br>The act of weeping signifies deep sorrow and mourning, reflecting the emotional and spiritual pain of the Israelites in exile.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/z/zion.htm">Zion</a></b><br>Another name for Jerusalem, the spiritual and cultural center of the Israelites. Remembering Zion evokes a sense of loss and longing for their homeland and the presence of God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylonian_exile.htm">Babylonian Exile</a></b><br>A significant event in Jewish history where the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and took many Israelites captive, leading to a period of reflection and lamentation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pain_of_exile.htm">The Pain of Exile</a></b><br>Reflect on the emotional and spiritual pain of being separated from God’s presence and community. Consider how this applies to modern experiences of feeling distant from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_remembrance.htm">The Importance of Remembrance</a></b><br>Remembering Zion signifies the importance of recalling God’s past faithfulness and promises. Encourage believers to remember and hold onto God’s promises during difficult times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/longing_for_restoration.htm">Longing for Restoration</a></b><br>The Israelites’ longing for Zion reflects a deep desire for restoration and return to God. Encourage believers to cultivate a longing for spiritual renewal and deeper relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_lament_in_faith.htm">The Role of Lament in Faith</a></b><br>Lament is a valid and important expression of faith. Teach that bringing our sorrows and struggles before God is a way to deepen our trust and reliance on Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_exile.htm">Hope in Exile</a></b><br>Even in exile, there is hope for future restoration. Encourage believers to find hope in God’s promises and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.<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/does_psalm_137_align_with_divine_justice.htm">How does Psalm 137 align with divine justice, given that it appears to advocate collective punishment? </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/why_did_some_jews_thrive_in_babylon.htm">If the Babylonian Exile was as devastating as described, why do some records suggest many Jews prospered in Babylon?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_mourning.htm">What guidance does the Bible offer on mourning?</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>(1) <span class= "bld">By the rivers </span>. . .--Mentioned as the characteristic feature of the country, as we say "among the mountains of Wales." The canals which irrigated Babylonia made it what an ancient writer called it, the greatest of "cities of river places."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/137.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">By the rivers of Babylon</span> The Euphrates and the canals derived from it, which were many, and filled with running, not stagnant, water. These would present themselves to the exiles as "rivers." <span class="cmt_word">There we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.</span> The exiles had their leisure hours - they were not kept by their masters at hard work continually. During these leisure hours they <span class="accented">naturally</span> "sat down" by the rivers of Babylon, as the most pleasant and attractive places. They brought their harps with them (ver. 2), with some idea, perhaps, of indulging in mournful strains. Grief, however, overpowered them - Zion came to their recollection-and they could do nothing but weep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/137-1.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">By</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the rivers</span><br /><span class="heb">נַהֲר֨וֹת ׀</span> <span class="translit">(na·hă·rō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5104.htm">Strong's 5104: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stream, prosperity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Babylon</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּבֶ֗ל</span> <span class="translit">(bā·ḇel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_894.htm">Strong's 894: </a> </span><span class="str2">Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we sat</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֭שַׁבְנוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·šaḇ·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural<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">and</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">wept</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּכִ֑ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(bā·ḵî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1058.htm">Strong's 1058: </a> </span><span class="str2">To weep, to bemoan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when we remembered</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֝זָכְרֵ֗נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·zā·ḵə·rê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2142.htm">Strong's 2142: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male</span><br /><br /><span class="word">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/137-1.htm">Psalm 137:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/137-1.htm">Psalm 137:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/137-1.htm">Psalm 137:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/137-1.htm">Psalm 137:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/137-1.htm">Psalm 137:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/137-1.htm">Psalm 137:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/137-1.htm">Psalm 137:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/137-1.htm">Psalm 137:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/137-1.htm">Psalm 137:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/137-1.htm">Psalm 137:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/137-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 137:1 By the rivers of Babylon there we (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/136-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 136:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 136:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/137-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 137:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 137:2" /></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>