Psalms 137:5 net — If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand be crippled!

NET Bible

"If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand be crippled!"

— Psalms 137:5, NET Bible

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Psalms 137:5 in Other Translations

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Psalms 137 — Context

2

On the poplars in her midst we hang our harps,

3

for there our captors ask us to compose songs; those who mock us demand that we be happy, saying:“Sing for us a song about Zion!”

4

How can we sing a song to the LORD in a foreign land?

5

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand be crippled!

6

May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, and do not give Jerusalem priority over whatever gives me the most joy.

7

Remember, O LORD, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. They said,“Tear it down, tear it down, right to its very foundation!”

8

O daughter Babylon, soon to be devastated! How blessed will be the one who repays you for what you dished out to us!

Psalms 137:5 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Psalms 137:5 say?
Psalms 137:5 in the NET Bible reads: “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand be crippled!”
Where is Psalms 137:5 in the Bible?
Psalms 137:5 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Psalms, chapter 137, verse 5.
Who wrote Psalms?
Psalms is traditionally attributed to Multiple authors (David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, others). Approximately 73 psalms are attributed to David; others to Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, Heman, and Ethan; the remainder are anonymous. It was written c. 1410–430 BC.
What is the book of Psalms about?
The Psalms are the prayer book and hymnal of God's people, gathering a thousand years of inspired song — praise, lament, thanksgiving, confession, and royal and messianic worship. Every emotion of the believing heart finds a voice here, and every voice finds its center in Christ.
What are the major themes of Psalms?
Psalms explores themes including Praise, Lament, Trust, Messiah, Refuge, Kingship. These themes shape the meaning and context of Psalms 137:5.
What translation should I read Psalms 137:5 in?
Psalms 137:5 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Psalms 137:5?
Psalms 137:5 reads (NET): “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand be crippled!” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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