It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
It's pointless for you to get up early and stay up late, working so hard that you eat your meals in anxiety and stress. God gives his beloved ones peaceful rest.
This verse is saying that anxious, exhausting work is futile because God provides for those he loves through peaceful rest rather than frantic effort.
📚 Historical Context
Psalms 127 is part of the Songs of Ascents, a collection of psalms likely sung by ancient Israelites as they traveled to Jerusalem for religious festivals, emphasizing themes of dependence on God in daily life. This verse, attributed to Solomon, warns against the futility of overworking and striving without faith, reflecting a cultural context where hard labor was common but often led to exhaustion if not balanced with trust in divine provision. In that era, people faced the pressures of survival and community responsibilities, making this reminder a call to recognize God's role in granting true rest.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.