Skip to main content

    Psalms 129 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 129 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 129

    Explore Topics Related to Psalms 129

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Bible Quiz

    Psalms Quiz

    Hymns, prayers, and praises from Israel's songbook.

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Comfort in Psalms

    10 curated KJV verses

    Commentary

    Psalm 66:16 Commentary

    In-depth study • Personal Testimony

    Commentary

    Psalm 8:3 Commentary

    In-depth study • Major Psalms

    Q&A

    Why Are the Psalms Important?

    Prayer & Worship

    Q&A

    What Are the Psalms in the Bible?

    History & Origins

    Psalms 129 Summary

    Psalm 129 is Israel's testimony of resilience despite centuries of persecution. From their youth (in Egypt), they have been greatly oppressed, yet their enemies have never prevailed against them.

    The psalmist describes the enemies plowing on their backs—deep, cruel wounds—but God has cut the cords of the wicked. The psalm ends with a prayer that those who hate Zion will wither like grass on a rooftop.

    Key Themes

    Resilience under persecutionGod cuts the cords of oppressionWithering of enemiesNational testimony

    Key Verses in Psalms 129

    "They have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me."

    — Psalms 129:2

    A defiant declaration that persecution cannot ultimately defeat God's people.

    Life Application

    No matter how deep the wounds of persecution, God's people endure. Your enemies may plow furrows on your back, but they cannot write the final chapter of your story.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does 'plowing on my back' mean?

    It vividly describes the cruel, deep wounds of prolonged oppression—like a plow cutting deep furrows into flesh.

    Psalm 129 Commentary & Reflection

    Lament
    Resilient, defiant

    Best read for: Overcoming long hardship, resilience

    Overview of Psalm 129: They Have Afflicted Me from My Youth

    Psalm 129 acknowledges Israel's long history of suffering — 'many a time have they afflicted me from my youth' — yet declares triumphantly that they have not prevailed. The plowers plowed long furrows on their back, but God cut the cords of the wicked. The psalm prays that enemies of Zion be like grass on housetops that withers before it grows.

    Key Themes

    Perseverance
    Affliction
    God Prevails
    Enemies Wither

    Key Verses to Remember

    “Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say: Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.”
    — Psalm 129:1-2 (KJV)
    “The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.”
    — Psalm 129:4 (KJV)

    Reflection

    Long suffering doesn't mean defeat. Israel was afflicted from youth but never destroyed. Your history of pain is real, but so is God's history of preservation.

    Historical Context

    Israel looks back on centuries of oppression: 'Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth.' The vivid image of plowers making 'long furrows' on Israel's back depicts the scars of slavery, exile, and persecution. Yet the refrain rings out: 'They have not prevailed against me.'

    How to Apply Psalm 129 Today

    Your scars tell a story of survival, not defeat. Every wound you've endured is evidence that your enemies did NOT prevail. Wear your spiritual scars with the confidence of this psalm: afflicted many times, but never destroyed. The One who cut the cords of the wicked is still fighting for you.

    A Prayer from Psalm 129

    Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me. The Lord is righteous; He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked. Let all those who hate Zion be put to shame and turned back. Amen.

    Read the full Psalm 129 devotional →
    Read the full summary of Psalms

    Free Bible widgets and more ways to read