4 How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?

Other Translations of Psalm 137:4

King James Version

4 How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange strange...: Heb. land of a stranger? land?

English Standard Version

4 How shall we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?

The Message

4 Oh, how could we ever sing God's song in this wasteland?

New King James Version

4 How shall we sing the Lord's song In a foreign land?

New Living Translation

4 But how can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a pagan land?

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 137:4

Commentary on Psalm 137:1-4

(Read Psalm 137:1-4)

Their enemies had carried the Jews captive from their own land. To complete their woes, they insulted over them; they required of them mirth and a song. This was very barbarous; also profane, for no songs would serve but the songs of Zion. Scoffers are not to be compiled with. They do not say, How shall we sing, when we are so much in sorrow? but, It is the Lord's song, therefore we dare not sing it among idolaters.