1 When Jehovah turned back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was full of laughter, and our tongue gave a ringing cry of joy; then they said among the nations, Jehovah will work great things with these.
3 Jehovah did great things to work with us; we are glad.
4 Turn her captivity again, O Jehovah, like the south streams.
5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with a ringing cry of joy.
6 Walking he who walks and weeps, bearing a trail of seed, shall come again with a ringing cry of joy, bearing his sheaves.
Focus: Psalm 126:5โ6 (KJ3)
Those who sow in
tears shall
reap with a
ringing cry of joy.
Walking he who walks and weeps, bearing a
trail of seed,
shall come again with a ringing cry of joy,
bearing his sheaves.
Key Words Explained
SHEAVES
ืึฒืึปืึผืึนืชึธืื(alumotav)
English Definition:
Bundles of grain stalks tied together after harvest. The farmer would cut the wheat or barley, then gather the stalks and tie them into sheaves for easier transport and storage.
Why It Matters:
Sheaves represent the reward after hard work. The farmer plants tiny seeds with effort and tears, but returns carrying heavy bundles of grainโa visible, tangible harvest. This is the fruit of his labor.
RINGING CRY
ืจึดื ึธึผื(rinnah)
English Definition:
A loud, joyful shout or song. Not just quiet happiness, but an overflowing, public expression of celebration and triumph. This word contrasts sharply with tears and weeping, showing God's promise that present sorrow will become future celebration.
Why It Matters:
This word appears twice in these verses, contrasting sharply with tears and weeping. The transformation from weeping to ringing joy shows God's promise: present sorrow will become future celebration.
SPIRITUAL MEANING
For Christians:
Jesus "sowed in tears" through His suffering and death on the cross. But He "reaped with a ringing cry of joy" through His resurrection. We are His sheavesโthe fruit of His suffering!
For Our Lives:
When we share the Gospel, serve God, or endure hardship for Christ, we're sowing seeds. It may involve tears now, but we will return with joy, carrying spiritual sheavesโpeople who come to faith because of our faithfulness.
Related Passages (KJ3)
Genesis 37:7
"And, behold! We were binding sheaves in the middle of the field. And, behold, my sheaf rose up and even stood up. And, behold, your sheaves came around and bowed themselves to my sheaf."
Ruth 2:7
"And she said, Please let me glean, and I shall gather among the sheaves after the reapers. And she came and has remained since morning, even until now. She sat in the house a little while."
Job 24:10
"They make them go without clothing, and are hungry; they take up a sheaf."