Psalms 133:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 133:2 mean?

Psalms 133:2 compares people living together in unity to the precious oil used on Aaron, Israel’s first high priest. The image gives unity a sense of beauty and worth by likening it to an oil associated with Aaron’s special role.

Following the praise of unity in verse 1, the picture moves from Aaron’s head to his beard and then to his clothing. The repeated downward movement draws attention to the abundant flow of oil.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 133:2

• “ointment” — שֶׁמֶן (shemen): The word means oil. Here the KJV’s “ointment” refers to oil poured on Aaron, rather than necessarily to a thick cream.
• “skirts” — פֶּה (peh): The word often means an opening or edge. Here it is commonly understood as the opening at the neck of Aaron’s garment; “skirts” need not mean the bottom hem.

Why Psalms 133:2 matters

• The comparison draws on a ceremony familiar from Israel’s story. Exodus 29:7 describes oil being poured on Aaron’s head when he was appointed as a priest.
• The oil was valuable and fragrant. Exodus 30:23–25 describes the mixture of spices and olive oil used for this purpose, giving readers a sensory picture behind “precious ointment.”
• Aaron’s clothing adds to the picture of his priestly role. Exodus 28 describes garments made for Aaron to wear as he served, so “his garments” would recall more than ordinary clothing.