Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 133:1
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
NIV · New International Version
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
WEB · World English Bible
A Song of Ascents. By David. See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!
What does Psalms 133:1 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is,.... Aben Ezra thinks the word thing should be supplied; the thing is what follows; for brethren to dwell together in unity: which the Targum interprets of Zion and Jerusalem, as two brethren; Aben Ezra of the priests; Kimchi of the King Messiah and the priest; and Jarchi, and Kimchi's father, of the Israelites; which is best of all, especially of those who are Israelites indeed; for this is not to be understood of all mankind, who are in some sense brethren, being all of one blood, and among whom peace is to be cultivated; nor merely of those of the same nation, under one and the same government, who should endeavour to live peaceably and quietly…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Psalms 133:1–3
How commendable it is: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is! It is good in itself, agreeable to the will of God, the conformity of earth to heaven. It is good for us, for our honour and comfort. It is pleasant and pleasing to God and all good men; it brings constant delight to those who do thus live in unity.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 133:1–3
1. Behold how good, etc. I have no doubt that David in this Psalm renders thanks to God for the peace and harmony which had succeeded a long and melancholy state of confusion and division in the kingdom, and that he would exhort all individually to study the maintenance of peace. This is the subject enlarged upon, at least so far as the shortness of the Psalm admits of it.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 133:1–3 (WEB)
1A Song of Ascents. By David. See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity! 2It 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, 3like the dew of Hermon, that comes down on the hills of Zion; for there the LORD gives the blessing, even life forever more.
Cross references
- 1 Corinthians 1:10
Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
- 1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you be like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous,
- John 13:35
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
- Hebrews 13:1
Let brotherly love continue.
- Philippians 2:2–5
make my joy full by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;
- Ephesians 4:3–6
being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
- John 17:21
that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me.
- Jeremiah 32:39
I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their good and the good of their children after them.