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if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/137.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If I do not remember you, Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth— If I do not exalt Jerusalem Above my chief joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/137.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth If I do not remember you, If I do not exalt Jerusalem Above my chief joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/137.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth If I do not remember you, If I do not exalt Jerusalem Above my chief joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/137.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />May my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, If I do not remember you, If I do not exalt Jerusalem Above my chief joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/137.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth If I do not remember you, If I do not exalt Jerusalem Above my chief joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/137.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth If I do not remember you, If I do not prefer Jerusalem Above my chief joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/137.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/137.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/137.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, If I remember thee not; If I prefer not Jerusalem Above my chief joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/137.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I don't think about you above all else. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/137.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I remember thee not; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/137.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don't remember you, if I don't consider Jerusalem my highest joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/137.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />May I never be able to sing again if I do not remember you, if I do not think of you as my greatest joy! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/137.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don't remember you, if I don't consider Jerusalem to be more important than my highest joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/137.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/137.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, and do not give Jerusalem priority over whatever gives me the most joy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/137.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you; if I do not prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/137.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/137.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don’t remember you, if I don’t prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/137.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />My tongue cleaves to my palate, "" If I do not remember you, "" If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/137.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> My tongue doth cleave to my palate, If I do not remember thee, If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/137.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />My tongue shall cleave to in palate, if I remember thee not; if I bring not up Jerusalem upon the head of my joy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/137.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Let my tongue cleave to my jaws, if I do not remember thee: If I make not Jerusalem the beginning of my joy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/137.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 136:6>May my tongue adhere to my jaws, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem first, as the beginning of my joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/137.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />May my tongue stick to my palate if I do not remember you, If I do not exalt Jerusalem beyond all my delights. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/137.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/137.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If I do not remember you, let my tongue cleave to my palate, if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/137.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And let my tongue cleave to the roof of my palate, unless I remember you, unless I shall go up to Jerusalem, my chief joy!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/137.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, If I remember thee not; If I set not Jerusalem Above my chiefest joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/137.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />May my tongue cleave to my throat, if I do not remember thee; if I do not prefer Jerusalem as the chief of my joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/137-6.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=17101" 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">5</span>If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand cease to function. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: lə·šō·w·nî (N-csc:: 1cs) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">May my tongue</a> <a href="/hebrew/1692.htm" title="1692: tiḏ·baq- (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To cling, cleave, keep close. A primitive root; properly, to impinge, i.e. Cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit.">cling</a> <a href="/hebrew/2441.htm" title="2441: lə·ḥik·kî (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Probably from chanak in the sense of tasting; properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself.">to the roof of my mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2142.htm" title="2142: ’ez·kə·rê·ḵî (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs:: 2fs) -- Remember. A primitive root; properly, to mark, i.e. To remember; by implication, to mention; also to be male.">remember you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ’a·‘ă·leh (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">exalt</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/3389.htm" title="3389: yə·rū·šā·lim (N-proper-fs) -- Probably foundation of peace, capital city of all Isr. ">Jerusalem</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.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rōš (N-msc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">my greatest</a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: śim·ḥā·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">joy!</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: “Destroy it,” they said, “tear it down to its foundations!”…<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="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4-11</a></span><br />When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. / Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments, / let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/62-6.htm">Isaiah 62:6-7</a></span><br />On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves, / nor give Him any rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.<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/5-1.htm">Lamentations 5:1-22</a></span><br />Remember, O LORD, what has happened to us. Look and see our disgrace! / Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our houses to foreigners. / We have become fatherless orphans; our mothers are widows. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17</a></span><br />“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/6-6.htm">2 Chronicles 6:6</a></span><br />But now I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-36.htm">1 Kings 11:36</a></span><br />I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/8-3.htm">Zechariah 8:3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-14.htm">Isaiah 49:14-16</a></span><br />But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me; the Lord has forgotten me!” / “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you! / Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/122-6.htm">Psalm 122:6</a></span><br />Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/102-13.htm">Psalm 102:13-14</a></span><br />You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show her favor—the appointed time has come. / For Your servants delight in her stones and take pity on her dust.<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!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-41.htm">Luke 19:41-44</a></span><br />As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it / and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. / For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-20.htm">John 4:20-24</a></span><br />Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.” / “Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. / You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a></span><br />But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If I do not remember you, let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.</p><p class="hdg">let my tongue</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/22-15.htm">Psalm 22:15</a></b></br> My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Isaiah 41:17</a></b></br> <i>When</i> the poor and needy seek water, and <i>there is</i> none, <i>and</i> their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, <i>I</i> the God of Israel will not forsake them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/lamentations/4-4.htm">Lamentations 4:4</a></b></br> The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, <i>and</i> no man breaketh <i>it</i> unto them.</p><p class="hdg">if I prefer</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/84-10.htm">Psalm 84:10</a></b></br> For a day in thy courts <i>is</i> better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a></b></br> But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Acts 20:24</a></b></br> But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.</p><p class="hdg">my chief joy.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-33.htm">Chiefest</a> <a href="/psalms/119-31.htm">Cleave</a> <a href="/psalms/119-31.htm">Cling</a> <a href="/psalms/119-159.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/psalms/118-28.htm">Exalt</a> <a href="/psalms/132-13.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/job/1-3.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/psalms/115-16.htm">Highest</a> <a href="/psalms/137-5.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/psalms/137-3.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/psalms/135-17.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/job/36-21.htm">Prefer</a> <a href="/psalms/132-1.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/psalms/129-6.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/psalms/102-5.htm">Stick</a> <a href="/psalms/119-118.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/psalms/126-2.htm">Tongue</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/138-8.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/songs/5-10.htm">Chiefest</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-1.htm">Cleave</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-5.htm">Cling</a> <a href="/psalms/143-5.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/psalms/140-8.htm">Exalt</a> <a href="/psalms/141-8.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-13.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/psalms/148-4.htm">Highest</a> <a href="/psalms/137-7.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/psalms/149-2.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/psalms/138-4.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-32.htm">Prefer</a> <a href="/psalms/137-7.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-9.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-5.htm">Stick</a> <a href="/psalms/139-2.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/psalms/139-4.htm">Tongue</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 137</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/137-1.htm">The constancy of the Jews in captivity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/137-7.htm">The prophet curses Edom and Babel</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/137.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/137.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth</b><br>This phrase is a self-imposed curse, reflecting the seriousness of the vow. In ancient Near Eastern culture, oaths and curses were common ways to express deep commitment or to invoke divine witness. The imagery of the tongue clinging to the roof of the mouth suggests an inability to speak, symbolizing the psalmist's desire to be rendered mute if they fail to remember Jerusalem. This reflects the importance of speech in worship and the proclamation of God's deeds, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/34.htm">Psalm 34:1</a>, where continual praise is emphasized.<p><b>if I do not remember you</b><br>The act of remembering here is not merely cognitive but involves active commemoration and prioritization. In the biblical context, remembering often implies a call to action or faithfulness, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/8-18.htm">Deuteronomy 8:18</a>, where Israel is commanded to remember the Lord by keeping His commandments. The psalmist's vow underscores the centrality of Jerusalem in the spiritual life of the Israelites, serving as a reminder of God's promises and the covenant relationship.<p><b>if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy!</b><br>Jerusalem holds a unique place in biblical theology as the city chosen by God, the site of the Temple, and the center of Jewish worship. The psalmist's commitment to exalt Jerusalem reflects its significance as a symbol of God's presence and the hope of restoration. This longing for Jerusalem is echoed in prophecies like <a href="/isaiah/2-2.htm">Isaiah 2:2-3</a>, which envision a future where all nations will stream to the city to learn God's ways. The phrase also foreshadows the New Jerusalem in <a href="/revelation/21.htm">Revelation 21</a>, representing the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The emphasis on joy highlights the deep emotional and spiritual connection to Jerusalem, akin to the joy found in God's salvation (<a href="/psalms/51-12.htm">Psalm 51:12</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a></b><br>The place of exile for the Israelites, representing a time of sorrow and longing for their homeland.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The holy city, central to Jewish identity and worship, symbolizing spiritual and cultural heritage.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_exile.htm">The Exile</a></b><br>The period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, a significant event in Jewish history that led to deep reflection and longing for return.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist.htm">The Psalmist</a></b><br>The author of the psalm, expressing deep emotional and spiritual longing for Jerusalem.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/z/zion.htm">Zion</a></b><br>Another name for Jerusalem, often used to denote the spiritual and eternal city of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_remembrance.htm">The Importance of Remembrance</a></b><br>Remembering God's past works and promises is crucial for maintaining faith and hope during difficult times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_centrality_of_jerusalem.htm">The Centrality of Jerusalem</a></b><br>For the Israelites, Jerusalem was not just a physical city but a symbol of God's presence and promises. In our lives, we should identify and cherish what represents God's presence to us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_worship.htm">The Power of Worship</a></b><br>Exalting God and His purposes should be our greatest joy, even amidst trials and exile-like experiences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_speech.htm">Guarding Our Speech</a></b><br>The psalmist's vow about his tongue highlights the importance of aligning our words with our faith and values.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/longing_for_restoration.htm">Longing for Restoration</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites longed for Jerusalem, we should cultivate a longing for spiritual renewal and the fulfillment of God's promises.<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/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/how_does_turmoil_align_with_'pray_for_peace'.htm">Psalm 122:6: How do centuries of turmoil and conflict align with the instruction to 'pray for the peace of Jerusalem'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_psalm_28_2's_temple_timeline.htm">In Psalm 28:2, which references the 'most holy sanctuary,' how do we reconcile questions about the historicity or exact timeline of the temple's existence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_god_aware_of_future_events.htm">Is God aware of future events?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/137.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth.</span> Let me be deprived of the power of song. What was wished in the preceding verso with respect to the power of instrumental performance is here wished with respect to the vocal organs. <span class="cmt_word">If I prefer not Jerusalem</span> <span class="cmt_word">above my chief joy.</span> This seems to be the true sense, and is equivalent to "If I prefer not Jerusalem above aught else." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/137-6.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">May my tongue</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשׁוֹנִ֨י ׀</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šō·w·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cling</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּדְבַּ֥ק־</span> <span class="translit">(tiḏ·baq-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1692.htm">Strong's 1692: </a> </span><span class="str2">To impinge, cling, adhere, to catch by pursuit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the roof of my mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">לְחִכִּי֮</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḥik·kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2441.htm">Strong's 2441: </a> </span><span class="str2">Palate, roof of the mouth, gums</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֪א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">remember you,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶ֫זְכְּרֵ֥כִי</span> <span class="translit">(’ez·kə·rê·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person feminine singular<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">if</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">exalt</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֭עֲלֶה</span> <span class="translit">(’a·‘ă·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jerusalem</span><br /><span class="heb">יְרוּשָׁלִַ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(yə·rū·šā·lim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3389.htm">Strong's 3389: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֝֗ל</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">my greatest</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹ֣אשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">joy!</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂמְחָתִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(śim·ḥā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blithesomeness, glee</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/137-6.htm">Psalm 137:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/137-6.htm">Psalm 137:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/137-6.htm">Psalm 137:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/137-6.htm">Psalm 137:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/137-6.htm">Psalm 137:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/137-6.htm">Psalm 137:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/137-6.htm">Psalm 137:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/137-6.htm">Psalm 137:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/137-6.htm">Psalm 137:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/137-6.htm">Psalm 137:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/137-6.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 137:6 Let my tongue stick to the roof (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/137-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 137:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 137:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/137-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 137:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 137:7" /></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>