Psalms 129:6 Meaning and Explanation
“Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Enemies are compared to worthless grass that withers before it can flourish.
The Context of Psalms 129:6
An image of enemies' swift and inevitable withering.
What Does Psalms 129:6 Mean?
The comparison to grass on housetops captures life that appears but has no real substance or staying power. Rooftop grass cannot take deep root; it withers quickly because it lacks soil and moisture. The phrase 'afore it groweth up' emphasizes that destruction comes swiftly, before any growth is possible—enemies will fail before gaining real strength or advantage.
This image reinforces the psalm's core confidence: opponents may seem threatening momentarily, but they lack true foundation and will not endure. Unlike Israel, sustained by covenant and God's faithfulness, enemies are inherently temporary and futile. The vivid botanical image makes the abstract promise concrete and memorable.
Psalms 129:6 in the Original Language
יִבְלוּ (yivlu), 'withereth' — dries up, fades. The root suggests not violent destruction but natural decay due to weakness and poor conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 129:6
What does Psalms 129:6 mean?
Enemies are compared to worthless grass that withers before it can flourish.
What is the context of Psalms 129:6?
An image of enemies' swift and inevitable withering.