Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
While the verse calls us to pray for Jerusalem's "peace," the original Hebrew word here is richer than just absence of conflict. It encompasses well-being, wholeness, and even security, suggesting a comprehensive flourishing that the original readers would have understood as a blessing from God. The promise that "they shall prosper" doesn't necessarily mean riches, but rather security and tranquility for those who genuinely love and desire God's city.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a joyful song of ascent, likely sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for worship. The preceding verses paint a picture of the city as a unified and beloved place, the seat of Israel's tribes and the dwelling of God's presence. Following this celebration of Jerusalem's significance, the psalmist shifts to a call to action, urging everyone to actively desire and pray for the city's well-being and security.
What does it really mean to pray for the 'peace' of a place? It’s more than just wishing for quiet.
The Hebrew word 'shalom' is rich with meaning, far beyond just the absence of conflict. It encompasses:
When the Psalmist calls to 'pray for the peace of Jerusalem,' he's not just asking for an end to war. He's invoking a deep desire for Jerusalem to be a place where God's people are secure, unified, and experiencing the fullness of life that comes from living in right relationship with Him and each other.
The verse shifts from a command to a beautiful promise. Who receives this blessing, and why?
The second part of the verse, 'they shall prosper that love you!' (or 'may they be secure who love you!'), links our well-being to our love for God's chosen place.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
sha’al · Hebrew Verb
To make a solemn request or petition to God; a fundamental expression of dependence on the Creator for divine intervention and blessing.
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A state of wholeness, harmony, welfare, and prosperity; it transcends mere absence of conflict, representing the flourishing of God's people under His presence and governance.
Yerushalayim · Hebrew Noun
A city of profound theological significance, serving as the place where God chose to place His name and where the temple resided; it represents the dwelling place of God and the heart of Israel’s worship.
shalah · Hebrew Noun
A state of being safe from harm or danger; frequently used in the Psalms to describe the confidence and protection found in trusting the Lord.
ahab · Hebrew Verb
An outward-looking attitude of devotion and commitment to the welfare of God's city, reflecting a heart that is aligned with God’s covenant purposes.
cheylah · Hebrew Noun
Physical fortifications protecting a city; metaphorically, they represent the boundaries and defenses established by God for the preservation and protection of His people.
armon · Hebrew Noun
High, defensive structures used for observation and protection; they represent the vigilant oversight and fortified security that God provides.
This Psalm, likely written during or after the return from Babylonian exile when the Second Temple was being rebuilt, calls for fervent prayer for Jerusalem's peace and security. It highlights that the city's well-being is tied to God's presence and the devotion of its people, urging followers to prioritize its welfare above personal gain.
c. 1000 BC
David Establishes Jerusalem
King David captures the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and makes it the capital of Israel, establishing it as the political and religious center.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Built
King Solomon builds the First Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, solidifying the city's status as the primary site of Israelite worship.
587-586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the First Temple, and deport many Judeans into exile, shattering the city's prominence.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allows the Judeans to return from Babylonian exile and begin rebuilding the Temple and the city of Jerusalem.
c. 516 BC— this verse
Second Temple Dedicated
The rebuilt Second Temple in Jerusalem is dedicated, marking a restoration of worship but a diminished political status for the city.
c. 167-142 BC
Maccabean Revolt
Judeans revolt against Seleucid rule to regain religious freedom and control over Jerusalem, eventually establishing the Hasmonean dynasty.
63 BC
Roman Conquest of Jerusalem
The Roman general Pompey conquers Jerusalem, bringing Judea under Roman influence and marking the end of Hasmonean independence.
This passage echoes the prayer for Jerusalem's peace, directly stating God's commitment to not staying silent until Jerusalem's righteousness and salvation shine forth, mirroring the desire for peace and prosperity found in Psalms 122.
Romans 8:28While not directly about Jerusalem, this verse assures believers that God works all things for good for those who love Him, which aligns with the promise in Psalms 122 that those who love Jerusalem will prosper.
John 14:27Jesus offers a different kind of peace – His own peace – which is distinct from the world's. This connects to the multifaceted concept of 'shalom' (peace and well-being) that Psalms 122 prays for, suggesting a deeper, internal peace that underpins external prosperity.
Galatians 6:10This verse instructs believers to do good to all, especially to those of the household of faith. This principle is directly illustrated in Psalms 122, where praying for Jerusalem's well-being is presented as a communal duty for the sake of brethren and neighbors.
ellicottPsalms 122:6: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee."
(6, 7) It is impossible in English to reproduce the effect of the original in these references to the usual greetings of the East, since at the same time they contain alliterations and a play on the name of Jerusalem. There is first the challenge to the body of pilgrims to give the customary salutation, and then it is taken up in a threefold wish, varied each time. Then follows the reason of this unanimous and h…
barnesPsalms 122:6: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee."
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem - The prosperity, the welfare of Jerusalem - for peace is everywhere the image of prosperity and happiness. Compare Psalm 51:18 . This is the language which those who were going up to the city - to the house of the Lord - addressed to each other, expressing the joyful feelings of their hearts at their own near approach to the city. It breathes the desire that all would pray for th…
While the verse calls us to pray for Jerusalem's "peace," the original Hebrew word here is richer than just absence of conflict. It encompasses well-being, wholeness, and even security, suggesting a comprehensive flourishing that the original readers would have understood as a blessing from God. The promise that "they shall prosper" doesn't necessarily mean riches, but rather security and tranquility for those who genuinely love and desire God's city.
This psalm is a joyful song of ascent, likely sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for worship. The preceding verses paint a picture of the city as a unified and beloved place, the seat of Israel's tribes and the dwelling of God's presence. Following this celebration of Jerusalem's significance, the psalmist shifts to a call to action, urging everyone to actively desire and pray for the city's well-being and security.
This psalm is a joyful song of ascent, likely sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for worship. The preceding verses paint a picture of the city as a unified and beloved place, the seat of Israel's tribes and the dwelling of God's presence. Following this celebration of Jerusalem's significance, the psalmist shifts to a call to action, urging everyone to actively desire and pray for the city's well-being and security.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!”" — While the verse calls us to pray for Jerusalem's "peace," the original Hebrew word here is richer than just absence of conflict. It encompasses well-being, wholeness, and even security, suggesting a…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026