Log inSign up

Psalm 126 · a question people ask

"When the LORD brought back those who returned to Zion" (126:1). Is it people who returned, or a restoring?

In the text

Those who returned is one Hebrew word, shivat, from shivah (tap returned), and this is its only use in the Hebrew Bible. The WEB gives it as those who returned. Brown-Driver-Briggs gives it, with its own question mark, as "restoration (?)". Strong's gives "a return (of property)", and says it comes "by permutation from 7725", that is, from shuv, the verb of brought back. Psalm 14:7 has the same two words, beshuv and the divine name, and then the word of 126:4: "When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people" (Psalm 14:7) (tap fortunes). The WEB and the lexicons take the rare word of 126:1 differently, and these notes don't choose between them. On any reading, 126:1 says the LORD did it.

The verses

“A Song of Ascents. When the LORD brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream.”
Psalm 126:1 · World English Bible
“Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.”
Psalm 14:7 · World English Bible
“Restore our fortunes again, LORD, like the streams in the Negev.”
Psalm 126:4 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Psalm 126

Psalm 126: Those who sow in tears

Psalm 126 remembers the LORD bringing back those who returned to Zion, then prays with the same Hebrew verb, "Restore our fortunes again, LORD" (126:4). "The LORD has done great things" was said first among the nations, and the psalm took up the words (126:2-3). And one Hebrew word is both the singing of 126:2 and the joy of 126:5-6.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekPsalm 126 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Psalm 126

All questions about Psalms →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions