The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 134
In brief
Psalm 134 is the last of the songs of ascents (Psalms 120 to 134), sung by the pilgrims who went up to Jerusalem. In three verses, it first calls the servants of the Lord who stand by night in his house to bless him and to lift their hands toward the sanctuary. Then comes the answer, like a blessing spoken over them: may the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth. It is often prayed in the evening or at night.
The chapter in 3 parts
1Look! Praise Yahweh, all you servants of Yahweh, who stand by night in Yahweh’s house!
2Lift up your hands in the sanctuary. Praise Yahweh!
3May Yahweh bless you from Zion, even he who made heaven and earth.
Key verses
Look! Praise Yahweh, all you servants of Yahweh, who stand by night in Yahweh’s house!
The call is addressed to those who serve by night in the house of God. Even a discreet service, with no audience, is a chance to bless the Lord.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary. Praise Yahweh!
Lifting the hands is a biblical gesture of prayer and worship. It turns the whole person toward God.
May Yahweh bless you from Zion, even he who made heaven and earth.
The blessing comes from Zion, but it comes from a God who made heaven and earth. He is the Creator of everything, not the God of a single place.
Test your knowledge
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 134
What does Psalm 134 mean?
It is a short call to praise. The servants who keep watch by night in the temple are invited to bless the Lord and to lift their hands to him, then they receive God's blessing. The psalm shows that prayer is an exchange: we bless God, and he blesses in return.
What is a song of ascents?
Psalms 120 to 134 carry this title. They were probably sung by the pilgrims going up to Jerusalem for the feasts. Psalm 134 is the last of the series: arriving at the temple ends with the blessing.
How can I pray Psalm 134 in the evening?
Read the three verses slowly before going to sleep. Lift your hands if you wish, and bless the Lord in your own words for who he is and for what he did during the day. Finish by receiving the blessing of verse 3 for the night.
World English Bible translation — public domain.