Old Testament
Psalms 137:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yes, we wept when we remembered Zion.
Compare translations
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
What Psalms 137:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse captures the deep sorrow of the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. They sat by the rivers, a place that should have been peaceful, but instead, it became a site of mourning. The mention of weeping signifies their profound grief and longing for Zion, which represents their homeland, Jerusalem. Zion is not just a physical place; it symbolizes their identity, culture, and relationship with God. The act of remembering Zion highlights the emotional and spiritual connection they had with their homeland. This verse reflects the pain of separation and the desire to return to a place of worship and community. It serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by those in exile, emphasizing the importance of home and the heartache that comes with displacement. The imagery of rivers, often associated with life and sustenance, contrasts sharply with their feelings of loss and despair, illustrating the depth of their sorrow as they yearn for restoration and hope.
How to apply Psalms 137:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own experiences of loss and longing. It reminds us to acknowledge our feelings and the importance of our roots. In times of sorrow, we can find comfort in remembering what truly matters to us and seek ways to reconnect with our spiritual and emotional foundations.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 137:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 137:1
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 137:1 mean?
Psalms 137:1 expresses the sorrow of the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. They weep by the rivers, mourning their lost homeland, Zion, which symbolizes their identity and connection to God.
What is the significance of Zion in Psalms 137:1?
In Psalms 137:1, Zion represents Jerusalem and the Israelites' cultural and spiritual identity. Remembering Zion highlights their deep longing for their homeland and the pain of separation from it.
Why do the Israelites weep in Psalms 137:1?
The Israelites weep in Psalms 137:1 because they are in exile and feel a profound sense of loss for their homeland, Zion. Their tears reflect their grief and longing for a place that holds deep emotional and spiritual significance.
What themes are present in Psalms 137:1?
Psalms 137:1 encompasses themes of exile, sorrow, longing, identity, and spiritual connection. It illustrates the pain of displacement and the yearning for home and community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.