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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 133:2 It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron's beard over the collar of his robes.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/133-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/19_Psa_133_002.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 133:2 - How Pleasant to Live in Harmony" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron's beard over the collar of his robes." /><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'; 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<a href="/nkjv/psalms/133.htm">New King James Version</a> It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. <a href="/nasb_/psalms/133.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> It is like the precious oil on the head, Running down upon the beard, As on Aaron’s beard, The oil which ran down upon the edge of his robes. <a href="/nasb/psalms/133.htm">NASB 1995</a> It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron&#8217s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. <a href="/nasb77/psalms/133.htm">NASB 1977 </a> It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. <a href="/lsb/psalms/133.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> It is like the good oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. <a href="/amp/psalms/133.htm">Amplified Bible</a> It is like the precious oil [of consecration] poured on the head, Coming down on the beard, Even the beard of Aaron, Coming down upon the edge of his [priestly] robes [consecrating the whole body]. <a href="/csb/psalms/133.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard onto his robes. <a href="/hcsb/psalms/133.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron&#8217s beard onto his robes. <a href="/asv/psalms/133.htm">American Standard Version</a> It is like the precious oil upon the head, That ran down upon the beard, Even Aaron's beard; That came down upon the skirt of his garments; <a href="/cev/psalms/133.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> It is as beautiful as olive oil poured on Aaron's head and running down his beard and the collar of his robe. <a href="/erv/psalms/133.htm">English Revised Version</a> It is like the precious oil upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that came down upon the skirt of his garments; <a href="/gwt/psalms/133.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> It is like fine, scented oil on the head, running down the beard-down Aaron's beard- running over the collar of his robes. <a href="/gnt/psalms/133.htm">Good News Translation</a> It is like the precious anointing oil running down from Aaron's head and beard, down to the collar of his robes. <a href="/isv/psalms/133.htm">International Standard Version</a> It is like precious oil on the head, descending to the beard— even to Aaron's beard— and flowing down to the edge of his robes. <a href="/msb/psalms/133.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron?s beard over the collar of his robes. <a href="/net/psalms/133.htm">NET Bible</a> It is like fine oil poured on the head which flows down the beard--Aaron's beard, and then flows down his garments. <a href="/nheb/psalms/133.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It is like the precious oil on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron's beard; that came down on the edge of his robes; <a href="/wbt/psalms/133.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garment; <a href="/web/psalms/133.htm">World English Bible</a> It is like the precious oil on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron’s beard, that came down on the edge of his robes, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/psalms/133.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> As the good oil on the head, "" Coming down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, "" That comes down on the skirt of his robes, <a href="/ylt/psalms/133.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> As the good oil on the head, Coming down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, That cometh down on the skirt of his robes, <a href="/slt/psalms/133.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> As good oil upon the head, going down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron: coming down upon the mouth of his garments:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/psalms/133.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, Which ran down to the skirt of his garment: <a href="/cpdv/psalms/133.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 132:2>It is like the ointment on the head that descended to the beard, the beard of Aaron, which descended to the hem of his garment. <a href="/nabre/psalms/133.htm">New American Bible</a> Like fine oil on the head, running down upon the beard, Upon the beard of Aaron, upon the collar of his robe. <a href="/nrsvce/psalms/133.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/psalms/133.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> It is like the precious ointment upon the head and upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the collar of his robe; <a href="/hpbt/psalms/133.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> It is like oil that descends upon the head and upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, that descends upon the collar of his garment<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/psalms/133.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard; Even Aaron's beard, That cometh down upon the collar of his garments; <a href="/sep/psalms/133.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> It is as ointment on the head, that ran down to the beard, even the beard of Aaron; that ran down to the fringe of his clothing. <a href="/parallel/psalms/133-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=16703" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/psalms/133.htm">How Pleasant to Live in Harmony</a> 1A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! 2<a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: haṭ·ṭō·wḇ (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">It is like fine</a> <a href="/hebrew/8081.htm" title="8081: kaš·še·men (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- Fat, oil. From shaman; grease, especially liquid; figuratively, richness.">oil</a> <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.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: hā·rōš (Art:: N-ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">the head,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: yō·rêḏ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">running down</a> <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.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/2206.htm" title="2206: haz·zā·qān (Art:: N-cs) -- Beard, chin. From zaqen; the beard.">the beard,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: yō·rêḏ (Pro-r:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">running down</a> <a href="/hebrew/175.htm" title="175: ’a·hă·rōn (N-proper-ms) -- An elder brother of Moses. Of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses.">Aaron’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/2206.htm" title="2206: zə·qan- (N-csc) -- Beard, chin. From zaqen; the beard.">beard</a> <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.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî (N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">the collar</a> <a href="/hebrew/4060.htm" title="4060: mid·dō·w·ṯāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Feminine of mad; properly, extension, i.e. Height or breadth; also a measure; hence a portion or a vestment; specifically, tribute.">of his robes.</a> 3It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD has bestowed the blessing of life forevermore.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/30-25.htm">Exodus 30:25</a> Prepare from these a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil. <a href="/exodus/29-7.htm">Exodus 29:7</a> Then take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head. <a href="/leviticus/8-12.htm">Leviticus 8:12</a> He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him. <a href="/exodus/30-30.htm">Exodus 30:30</a> Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests. <a href="/leviticus/21-10.htm">Leviticus 21:10</a> The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments. <a href="/exodus/28-41.htm">Exodus 28:41</a> After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests. <a href="/1_samuel/10-1.htm">1 Samuel 10:1</a> Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance? <a href="/1_kings/1-39.htm">1 Kings 1:39</a> Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!” <a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13</a> So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. <a href="/exodus/40-15.htm">Exodus 40:15</a> Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations.” <a href="/1_kings/19-16.htm">1 Kings 19:16</a> You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet. <a href="/2_kings/9-3.htm">2 Kings 9:3</a> Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!” <a href="/2_kings/9-6.htm">2 Kings 9:6</a> So Jehu got up and went into the house, where the young prophet poured the oil on his head and declared, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel. <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a> The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, <a href="/acts/10-38.htm">Acts 10:38</a> how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>It is like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;it is like<a href="/psalms/141-5.htm">Psalm 141:5</a> Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.<a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Proverbs 27:9</a> Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.<a href="/songs/1-3.htm">Song of Solomon 1:3</a> Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.that ran down<a href="/exodus/30-25.htm">Exodus 30:25-30</a> And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil… <a href="/leviticus/8-12.htm">Leviticus 8:12</a> And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/118-3.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-28.htm">Aaron's</a> <a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Beard</a> <a href="/psalms/105-18.htm">Collar</a> <a href="/psalms/89-43.htm">Edge</a> <a href="/psalms/132-10.htm">Face</a> <a href="/psalms/119-171.htm">Flowing</a> <a href="/psalms/109-19.htm">Garment</a> <a href="/psalms/45-14.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/psalms/133-1.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/132-5.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/132-18.htm">Head</a> <a href="/psalms/109-18.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/job/41-31.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/psalms/106-38.htm">Poured</a> <a href="/psalms/126-6.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/psalms/105-17.htm">Price</a> <a href="/psalms/105-41.htm">Ran</a> <a href="/psalms/96-9.htm">Robes</a> <a href="/psalms/62-3.htm">Running</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm">Skirt</a> <a href="/job/38-13.htm">Skirts</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/135-19.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Aaron's</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-20.htm">Beard</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-26.htm">Collar</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm">Edge</a> <a href="/psalms/139-7.htm">Face</a> <a href="/psalms/147-18.htm">Flowing</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-16.htm">Garment</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-27.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/psalms/135-3.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/135-5.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/140-7.htm">Head</a> <a href="/psalms/141-5.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/psalms/142-2.htm">Poured</a> <a href="/psalms/139-17.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-13.htm">Price</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-21.htm">Ran</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-24.htm">Robes</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-16.htm">Running</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-2.htm">Skirt</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-22.htm">Skirts</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 133</div>1. <a href="/psalms/133-1.htm">The blessedness of unity among brothers</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>It is like fine oil on the head The imagery of oil in the Bible often symbolizes blessing, consecration, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. In ancient Israel, anointing with oil was a significant ritual, especially for priests and kings, signifying their divine appointment and empowerment. The "fine oil" suggests purity and richness, indicating a special and sacred anointing. This phrase evokes the anointing of priests, particularly Aaron, the first high priest, as described in <a href="/exodus/30-22.htm">Exodus 30:22-30</a>, where God commands Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons with a specially prepared holy anointing oil.running down on the beard The oil running down the beard signifies abundance and overflow, suggesting that the blessings of God are not just sufficient but plentiful. The beard, particularly in ancient Near Eastern culture, was a symbol of maturity and dignity. The image of oil flowing down the beard emphasizes the thoroughness of the anointing, covering the individual completely. This can be seen as a metaphor for the unity and harmony among God's people, as the blessings of God flow from the head (leadership) to the rest of the body (community).running down Aaron’s beard Aaron, as the first high priest, represents the priesthood and the mediatory role between God and His people. The mention of Aaron specifically ties this anointing to the priestly office, highlighting the sacredness and divine approval of his role. This connection to Aaron also points to the idea of unity among the people of Israel, as the priesthood was central to their worship and communal identity. The anointing of Aaron is a type of Christ, who is our High Priest, anointed by God to mediate a new covenant (<a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a>).over the collar of his robes The oil flowing over the collar of Aaron's robes signifies the completeness of the anointing, covering him from head to toe. The robes of the high priest were intricately designed and held great significance, as described in <a href="/exodus/28.htm">Exodus 28</a>. They symbolized holiness, service, and the beauty of God's presence. The oil covering the robes indicates that the anointing affects not just the individual but also their role and function within the community. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the anointing of believers in Christ, who are called to be a royal priesthood (<a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a>), living lives that reflect God's holiness and unity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a> The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. His anointing with oil symbolizes his consecration and the unity of the priesthood. 2. <a href="/topical/a/anointing_oil.htm">Anointing Oil</a> A sacred mixture used in the consecration of priests and sacred objects, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and divine blessing. 3. <a href="/topical/b/beard_of_aaron.htm">Beard of Aaron</a> Represents the priesthood and the flow of blessing from God through His appointed leaders. 4. <a href="/topical/c/collar_of_aaron's_robes.htm">Collar of Aaron's Robes</a> Symbolizes the covering and authority of the priesthood, as well as the spread of blessing and unity. 5. <a href="/topical/m/mount_hermon.htm">Mount Hermon</a> Although not directly mentioned in verse 2, it is referenced in verse 3 and symbolizes abundant blessing and unity, as the dew of Hermon is life-giving.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/symbol_of_unity.htm">Symbol of Unity</a> The anointing oil represents the unity among God's people, as it flows from the head to the beard and robes, signifying a harmonious community. <a href="/topical/d/divine_blessing.htm">Divine Blessing</a> Just as the oil was precious and sacred, unity among believers is a divine blessing that should be cherished and protected. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_leadership.htm">Role of Leadership</a> Aaron's anointing underscores the importance of godly leadership in fostering unity and guiding the community in faith. <a href="/topical/c/consecration_and_holiness.htm">Consecration and Holiness</a> The anointing oil signifies consecration, reminding believers of their call to holiness and dedication to God's purposes. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_overflow.htm">Spiritual Overflow</a> The imagery of oil running down suggests that true unity and blessing overflow from a heart aligned with God's will, impacting the broader community.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_133.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 133</a> <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 href="/q/how_is_it_for_brethren_to_unite.htm">How is it for brethren to dwell together in unity?</a> <a href="/q/how_pleasant_is_unity_among_brethren.htm">How good and pleasant is unity among brethren?</a> <a href="/q/is_psalm_133_2's_oil_literal_or_symbolic.htm">In Psalm 133:2, does the image of oil running down Aaron’s beard have literal historic authenticity or is it purely symbolic? </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>(2) It is like.--The italics of the Authorised Version are wrongly inserted. Unity could not be said to flow down. The other term of the simile is implied in <a href="/psalms/133-3.htm" title="As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended on the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for ever more.">Psalm 133:3</a>. (See Note.) Literally, Like the oil, the good oil, on the head descending upon the beard, Aaron's beard, which (was) descending to the mouth of his robes. Oil meets us as the standing symbol of joy and festivity. (See <a href="/psalms/45-7.htm" title="You love righteousness, and hate wickedness: therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.">Psalm 45:7</a>, Note; <a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm" title="To appoint to them that mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.">Isaiah 61:3</a>.) It is also brought closely into connection with love (<a href="/songs/1-3.htm" title="Because of the smell of your good ointments your name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love you.">Song of Solomon 1:3</a>). But while this association, as also the pleasure derived from the fragrance of the oil, would be present here as always in the truly Oriental image, its elaboration in this passage points to a further purpose. It is the holy oil, that whose composition is described in <a href="/context/exodus/30-22.htm" title="Moreover the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,">Exodus 30:22-23</a>, that the poet alludes to. This, while the garments of all the priests were sprinkled with it (<a href="/exodus/29-21.htm" title="And you shall take of the blood that is on the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron, and on his garments, and on his sons, and on the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.">Exodus 29:21</a>; <a href="/leviticus/8-30.htm" title="And Moses took of the anointing oil, and of the blood which was on the altar, and sprinkled it on Aaron, and on his garments, and on his sons, and on his sons' garments with him; and sanctified Aaron, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.">Leviticus 8:30</a>), was poured on the head of Aaron (<a href="/exodus/29-7.htm" title="Then shall you take the anointing oil, and pour it on his head, and anoint him.">Exodus 29:7</a>; <a href="/leviticus/8-12.htm" title="And he poured of the anointing oil on Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.">Leviticus 8:12</a>; <a href="/leviticus/21-10.htm" title="And he that is the high priest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;">Leviticus 21:10</a>), so that the description of the psalm, unpleasing as it is to Western ideas, of the saturation, not only of his head, but of face and beard, was actually true. It would run down his neck to the collar of the priestly robe. That this is the meaning of "mouth" here is plain from the actual description of the sacerdotal garments (<a href="/context/exodus/28-31.htm" title="And you shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue.">Exodus 28:31-32</a>): "And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue. And there shall be a mouth in the top of it, in the midst thereof: and it shall have a binding of woven work round about the mouth of it, as it were the mouth of a habergeon, that it be not rent." (Comp. <a href="/exodus/39-23.htm" title="And there was an hole in the middle of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.">Exodus 39:23</a>; and <a href="/job/30-18.htm" title="By the great force of my disease is my garment changed: it binds me about as the collar of my coat.">Job 30:18</a>, where Authorised Version has "collar.") To the ideas of "joy" and "fragrance," therefore, must also be added that of "consecration." But the point of the comparison does not lie even here; nor is it in the freshness of the dew, in the next verse, or its abundance, though dew suggests both of these (see Note, <a href="/psalms/110-3.htm" title="Your people shall be willing in the day of your power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: you have the dew of your youth.">Psalm 110:3</a>), but in the word three times repeated--descending. Our version unfortunately obscures this point, by rendering this recurrent participle each time by a different word, missing, at the same time, the marked peculiarity of the rhythm of these psalms. The oil descends from Aaron's head over his face and beard; the dew of Hermon descends on Zion--low in actual measurement, but exalted by the Divine favour above the loftiest hills. It is not unity, then, in itself which is the subject of the poem, but the unity of the covenant under which all blessings flowed down from above, rested on Mount Zion, and took outward shape and form there in the political and religious constitution. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/133.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - It is like the precious ointment upon the head. The anointing oil of the sanctuary was an ointment composed of many "precious" ingredients, as myrrh, cinnamon, sweet calamus, and cassia, besides oil olive, which was its basis (<a href="/exodus/30-23.htm">Exodus 30:23, 24</a>). Not only Aaron (<a href="/leviticus/8-12.htm">Leviticus 8:12</a>), but all later high priests, were anointed with it (<a href="/exodus/30-30.htm">Exodus 30:30</a>). That ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard. This would be the natural result of a copious "pouring" of the oil upon the top of the head. Though not mentioned historically in Leviticus, it presents itself to the eye of the poet, on whose mental vision the whole scene rises. That went down to the skirts of his garments. Streamed even to the lower fringe of his long vesture (Kay). The high priest at his consecration was a type and symbol of unity. He bore on his breastplate the names of the twelve tribes, so that the holy oil, typical of the grace of God, when it was poured upon him, flowed down on all the tribes, diffusing everywhere an odor of fragrance. <a href="/commentaries/psalms/133-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>It is like fine הַטּ֨וֹב ׀ (haṭ·ṭō·wḇ) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good oil כַּשֶּׁ֤מֶן (kaš·še·men) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8081.htm">Strong's 8081: </a> Grease, liquid, richness on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the head, הָרֹ֗אשׁ (hā·rōš) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head running down יֹרֵ֗ד (yō·rêḏ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend on עַֽל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the beard, הַזָּקָ֥ן (haz·zā·qān) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2206.htm">Strong's 2206: </a> Beard, chin running down שֶׁ֝יֹּרֵ֗ד (yō·rêḏ) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend Aaron’s אַהֲרֹ֑ן (’a·hă·rōn) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_175.htm">Strong's 175: </a> Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses beard זְקַֽן־ (zə·qan-) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2206.htm">Strong's 2206: </a> Beard, chin over עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the collar פִּ֥י (pî) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to of his robes. מִדּוֹתָֽיו׃ (mid·dō·w·ṯāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4060.htm">Strong's 4060: </a> Extension, height, breadth, a measure, a portion, a vestment, tribute <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/133-2.htm">Psalm 133:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/psalms/133-2.htm">Psalm 133:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/psalms/133-2.htm">Psalm 133:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/psalms/133-2.htm">Psalm 133:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/psalms/133-2.htm">Psalm 133:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/133-2.htm">Psalm 133:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/133-2.htm">Psalm 133:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/133-2.htm">Psalm 133:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/133-2.htm">Psalm 133:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/psalms/133-2.htm">Psalm 133:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/psalms/133-2.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 133:2 It is like the precious oil (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/133-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 133:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 133:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/133-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 133:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 133:3" /></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>