Definition: A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 127:1. It's a really beautiful and insightful piece about God’s work and our role in it. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about how God works – He builds things – but he is the one who actually puts in the effort and does the hard work. It's a little bit about partnership and recognizing that our efforts don’t always have immediate, obvious results. Let’s unpack it word by word: “A Song of degrees for Solomon” : This refers to a story from the Old Testament, specifically the story of David and his many adventures. It's a poetic description of God’s plan and how He orchestrates events. It’s not about literal degrees, but about God’s deliberate design. “Except the LORD build the house…” : This is the core of the verse. The point is that God builds the house – a symbol of something important and significant. “…they labour in vain that build it” : This means that if God doesn’t actively work and build, the effort is wasted. It's like planting seeds without watering them or tending to them. The labor is not productive; it doesn't lead anywhere valuable. “except the LORD keep the city…” : This is where it gets really significant. The Lord (God) keeps the city – meaning He protects and guides things. “…the watchman waketh [but] in vain.” : This is the crucial part. “Waketh” means to watch over, to keep an eye on something. But "in vain" means it doesn’t work. God's effort isn't effective or fruitful; it's not accomplishing a good outcome. So, what does this verse mean in a broader sense? It essentially says: God works for us, but He needs to actively guide and protect things to make them successful. It’s about the importance of God’s leadership and care – it's not enough for God to simply create something; He needs to be involved in the process. In a nutshell: God builds, but He requires us to watch over and guide His work to ensure it has a worthwhile outcome. --- Here are some ways this verse might resonate with you: It emphasizes trust: It reminds us that we shouldn't always expect immediate results. It highlights the importance of guidance: God needs our help in bringing things to fruition. It acknowledges God’s role as a shepherd: He is the one who protects and cares for His flock. Would you like me to: Explain this verse further? Connect it to another Bible passage? Discuss its significance in a specific context (like faith or perseverance)?