Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.

PSALMS 129:7KJV
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Psalms 129:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 129:7 mean?

Psalms 129:7 describes a situation where the grass or crop is so sparse that the person who cuts it cannot fill his hand, and the one who gathers it cannot fill his arms or bosom. The verse uses this image to show how little remains or how unsuccessful the harvest is.

The psalmist is speaking about the enemies of Israel, comparing them to grass on a rooftop that withers before it can be harvested. The verse paints a picture of disappointment and emptiness, emphasizing that those who oppose God's people will not prosper or have anything to show for their efforts.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 129:7

  • mower (קָצַר, qatsar): This word refers to someone who cuts or reaps, usually in a harvest. Here, it highlights the act of trying to gather something valuable, but finding little to collect.
  • filleth (מָלֵא, male): This verb means to fill or make full. The verse stresses that the mower cannot even fill his hand, showing just how little there is to gather.
  • hand (כַּף, kaph): This word means the palm or hollow of the hand. The image is of someone expecting to gather a handful, but coming up empty.
  • sheaves (אֲלֻמָּה, alummah): Sheaves are bundles of harvested stalks. The verse says the one who binds sheaves cannot fill his bosom, reinforcing the idea of a failed harvest.
  • bosom (חֵיק, cheq): This is the fold or front of the garment, used for carrying things. The verse uses it to show that even the person who tries to gather up what is left finds nothing worth carrying.

Why Psalms 129:7 matters

  • This verse clears up the image by showing that the psalmist is not just talking about a poor harvest, but using it as a metaphor for the defeat and emptiness of Israel’s enemies.
  • The verse emphasizes the complete lack of success or blessing for those who oppose God’s people, connecting to the wider theme of the psalm about God’s protection and justice.
  • Understanding the concrete images of mowing, filling the hand, and binding sheaves helps the reader grasp the depth of the disappointment and futility being described.

Where else these words appear

“sheaves” Hebrew H6014 · used in 3 verses

  • Deuteronomy 21:14 And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her.
  • Deuteronomy 24:7 If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.

“mower” Hebrew H7114 · used in 46 verses

  • Leviticus 19:9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.
  • Ruth 2:9 Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.
  • Isaiah 17:5 And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.