Psalms 137:8 Meaning and Explanation
“O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist declares that Babylon's fall will come, and those who retaliate for her cruelty will be blessed.
The Context of Psalms 137:8
The psalm shifts from lament to judgment, declaring that divine justice will overtake Babylon.
What Does Psalms 137:8 Mean?
'Daughter of Babylon' is poetic language for Babylon itself and its people. The declaration 'who art to be destroyed' is not a wish but a prophetic statement: Babylon's downfall is coming. Historically, Babylon fell to the Persians in 539 BCE, just decades after the destruction of Jerusalem. The psalmist voices confidence that God has not forgotten Babylon's arrogance.
'Happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us'—blessed is the one who repays Babylon's cruelty in kind. The 'as thou hast served us' measures justice by what Babylon did to the exiles: enslaved, mocked, and humiliated. The psalmist looks forward to the reversal where the oppressor becomes the oppressed.
Psalms 137:8 in the Original Language
daughter (בַּת), 'daughter of Babylon' — a poetic personification of the city and civilization, treating it as a single entity or woman.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 137:8
What does Psalms 137:8 mean?
The psalmist declares that Babylon's fall will come, and those who retaliate for her cruelty will be blessed.
What is the context of Psalms 137:8?
The psalm shifts from lament to judgment, declaring that divine justice will overtake Babylon.