Psalms 120:7

“I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.”

Literary Context

The preceding line reads “My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.” The titled verse reads “I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.” The following line reads “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” Together, these lines place Psalms 120:7 within its immediate canonical and literary sequence.

Close Reading

The line uses the concentrated language of biblical poetry. Repetition, contrast, imagery, praise, lament, remembrance, or petition gains meaning from the movement of the whole psalm or song.

The verse first states “I am for peace:” It then adds “but when I speak, they are for war.” Both movements belong together.

Place in Scripture

Biblical poetry gives faithful language for speaking about God and responding to him. The surrounding lines clarify the speaker’s situation and whether the response is praise, trust, grief, warning, longing, or thanksgiving.

A Faithful Response

The verse may guide prayer and reflection when its actual wording remains central. Readers should notice what it says about God, the worshipping community, or human experience, then respond consistently with the whole poem.

Accordingly, the meaning of Psalms 120:7 should be drawn from the verse itself and the lines around it, keeping explanation and application faithful to the text.