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Psalm 126:5
Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.
Notice
Tears fall at sowing time, and the promised harvest raises the hard question of how sorrow and hope can share the same field.
Questions to write on. Each one opens a new entry with this verse already attached.
What might sowing in tears look like in one part of your life today?
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Where else Scripture says this
12 passages readers most often link with this verse, and the thread each one shares with it.
This verse's connections, by chapterThe Bible's strongest chapter linksHover or tap a book to trace it
Galatians 6:9Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.Both passages use reaping to describe a hoped-for outcome, with Galatians urging perseverance in doing good and the psalm promising joy.
Isaiah 35:10Then the LORD’s ransomed ones will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and …Both passages anticipate joy beyond sorrow, with Isaiah describing the LORD’s ransomed people returning to Zion.
John 16:20–22Most certainly I tell you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.Jesus promises that his hearers’ sorrow will turn into joy, echoing the psalm’s movement from tearful sowing to joyful reaping.
Joel 2:23“Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD, your God; for he gives you the early rain in just measure, and he causes the rain to come down …Both passages connect joy with the life of the fields: the psalm names harvest, and Joel names rain from God.
Matthew 5:4Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.Both passages promise relief to people in sorrow: comfort for those who mourn and joy for those sowing in tears.
2 Kings 20:5“Turn back, and tell Hezekiah the prince of my people, ‘The LORD, the God of David your father, says, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. …Tears appear in both passages: the psalm anticipates joy, while Hezekiah receives God’s promise of healing.
Jeremiah 31:9–13They will come with weeping. I will lead them with petitions. I will cause them to walk by rivers of waters, in a straight way in which they won’t stumble; for …Both passages portray people weeping as they move forward: sowers carry seed, and Israel returns under God’s care.
Isaiah 12:1–3In that day you will say, “I will give thanks to you, the LORD; for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you comfort me.Both passages describe a change toward gladness: tearful sowing leads to joy, and Isaiah’s speaker gives thanks for God’s comfort.
Psalm 137:1By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.Both psalms name weeping, though Psalm 137’s supplied verse remains with loss while Psalm 126:5 anticipates joy.
Joel 2:17Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, “Spare your people, LORD, and don’t give your heritage to …Both passages include tears within an appeal for God’s help: Psalm 126 seeks restoration, and Joel’s priests plead for their people.
2 Corinthians 7:8–11For though I grieved you with my letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret it. For I see that my letter made you grieve, though just for a while.The shared thread is sorrow with a limit: Paul describes grief lasting a while, and the psalm anticipates joyful reaping.
Mark 9:24Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!”Both texts include tears; the psalm looks toward joy, while the father cries for help with unbelief.
Where this verse fits
Grief. waiting. serving and tired.
One step
Something small to carry out of this verse
Encouragement
You do not have to stop weeping before you sow. Within this prayer for God’s restoration, no date is given, yet the promised harvest is joy.
Now put it in your words.
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Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).