Psalm 127 · KJV
Psalm 127
Except the Lord Build the House
Psalm 127 teaches that all our efforts are empty without God: "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it" — and celebrates children as "an heritage of the LORD."
Psalm 127 (KJV)
1Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
2It 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.
3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
What Psalm 127 means
"Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it." The psalm warns against striving without God — building, guarding, and rising early to toil are all in vain unless He is in it. Rest, not anxious effort, marks those He loves.
It then turns to family: "lo, children are an heritage of the LORD… Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them." A short psalm treasured for both work and home — trusting God with our labour and our families.
Key verses
“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”
Psalm 127:1 · KJV — "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain."
“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
Psalm 127:3 · KJV — "Children are an heritage of the LORD."
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A prayer from Psalm 127
Lord, unless You build my house, I labour in vain. Build my work and my family Your way, and help me receive children and home as a heritage from You. Amen.
Themes in this passage
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Frequently asked
What does Psalm 127 mean?
Psalm 127 teaches that all our efforts are empty without God: "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it" — and celebrates children as "an heritage of the LORD."
What is Psalm 127 about?
"Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it." The psalm warns against striving without God — building, guarding, and rising early to toil are all in vain unless He is in it. Rest, not anxious effort, marks those He loves.
What is the key verse in Psalm 127?
Psalm 127:1 — “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”
Is Psalm 127 in the King James Version?
Yes. The full text of Psalm 127 on this page is the King James Version (KJV), which is in the public domain.