New International Version It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. New Living Translation For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. English Standard Version It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! Berean Standard Bible It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes. Berean Literal Bible It is good like oil upon the head, running down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, which is running down upon the mouth of his garments; King James Bible It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; New King James Version It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. New American Standard Bible It is like the precious oil on the head, Running down upon the beard, As on Aaron’s beard, The oil which ran down upon the edge of his robes. NASB 1995 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. NASB 1977 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. Legacy Standard Bible It is like the good oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. Amplified Bible It is like the precious oil [of consecration] poured on the head, Coming down on the beard, Even the beard of Aaron, Coming down upon the edge of his [priestly] robes [consecrating the whole body]. Berean Annotated Bible It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s (light bringer) beard over the collar of his robes. Christian Standard Bible It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard onto his robes. Holman Christian Standard Bible It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard onto his robes. American Standard Version It is like the precious oil upon the head, That ran down upon the beard, Even Aaron's beard; That came down upon the skirt of his garments; Contemporary English Version It is as beautiful as olive oil poured on Aaron's head and running down his beard and the collar of his robe. English Revised Version It is like the precious oil upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that came down upon the skirt of his garments; GOD'S WORD® Translation It is like fine, scented oil on the head, running down the beard-down Aaron's beard- running over the collar of his robes. Good News Translation It is like the precious anointing oil running down from Aaron's head and beard, down to the collar of his robes. International Standard Version It is like precious oil on the head, descending to the beard— even to Aaron's beard— and flowing down to the edge of his robes. NET Bible It is like fine oil poured on the head which flows down the beard--Aaron's beard, and then flows down his garments. New Heart English Bible It is like the precious oil on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron's beard; that came down on the edge of his robes; Webster's Bible Translation It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garment; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIt is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes. World English Bible It is like the precious oil on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron’s beard, that came down on the edge of his robes, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAs the good oil on the head, "" Coming down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, "" That comes down on the skirt of his robes, Berean Literal Bible It is good like oil upon the head, running down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, which is running down upon the mouth of his garments; Young's Literal Translation As the good oil on the head, Coming down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, That cometh down on the skirt of his robes, Smith's Literal Translation As good oil upon the head, going down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron: coming down upon the mouth of his garments: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLike the precious ointment on the head, that ran down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, Which ran down to the skirt of his garment: Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Like fine oil on the head, running down upon the beard, Upon the beard of Aaron, upon the collar of his robe. New Revised Standard Version It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIt is like the precious ointment upon the head and upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the collar of his robe; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated It is like oil that descends upon the head and upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, that descends upon the collar of his garment OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard; Even Aaron's beard, That cometh down upon the collar of his garments; Brenton Septuagint Translation It is as ointment on the head, that ran down to the beard, even the beard of Aaron; that ran down to the fringe of his clothing. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context How Pleasant to Live in Harmony1A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! 2It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes. 3It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD has bestowed the blessing of life forevermore.… Cross References It is like fine oil on the head, Leviticus 8:12 He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him. Exodus 29:7 Then take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head. Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. running down on the beard, 1 Samuel 21:13 So he changed his behavior before them and feigned madness in their hands; he scratched on the doors of the gate and let his saliva run down his beard. Leviticus 21:5 Priests must not make bald spots on their heads, shave off the edges of their beards, or make cuts in their bodies. running down Aaron’s beard Leviticus 8:30 Next, Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood that was on the altar and sprinkled them on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and their garments. So he consecrated Aaron and his garments, as well as Aaron’s sons and their garments. Exodus 30:30 Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests. Leviticus 21:12 He must not leave or desecrate the sanctuary of his God, for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him. I am the LORD. over the collar of his robes. Exodus 28:31-32 You are to make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, / with an opening at its top in the center. Around the opening shall be a woven collar with an opening like that of a garment, so that it will not tear. Exodus 39:22-23 They made the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, the work of a weaver, / with an opening in the center of the robe like that of a garment, with a collar around the opening so that it would not tear. Exodus 30:25 Prepare from these a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil. Leviticus 21:10 The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments. Exodus 28:41 After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests. 1 Samuel 10:1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance? 1 Kings 1:39 Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!” 1 Samuel 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. Treasury of Scripture It is like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; it is like Psalm 141:5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities. Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. Song of Solomon 1:3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. that ran down Exodus 30:25-30 And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil… Leviticus 8:12 And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him. Jump to Previous Aaron Aaron's Beard Collar Edge Face Flowing Garment Garments Good Great Head Oil Ointment Poured Precious Price Ran Robes Running Skirt SkirtsJump to Next Aaron Aaron's Beard Collar Edge Face Flowing Garment Garments Good Great Head Oil Ointment Poured Precious Price Ran Robes Running Skirt SkirtsPsalm 133 1. The blessedness of unity among brothersIt is like fine oil on the head, Precious oil was used in Israel’s sacred anointing rites to set apart those appointed for God’s service. The holy anointing oil prepared for the tabernacle was unique and not to be used casually, marking its recipient as consecrated to the Lord (Exodus 30:22–33). Its richness portrays God’s favor as holy, costly, and life-giving. Lev 8:12 He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head… running down on the beard, The oil did not rest in a small amount upon Aaron’s head but flowed freely, portraying abundant blessing. In a culture where a beard represented honor and maturity, the flowing oil displays the dignity God bestowed on His appointed servant. The unity celebrated in Psalm 133 is therefore not manufactured agreement but a gracious blessing poured out by God. 1Sa 21:13 So he changed his behavior before them and feigned madness… running down Aaron’s beard Aaron was Israel’s first high priest, consecrated by Moses according to God’s command (Leviticus 8:12). As high priest, he represented the people before the Lord and served in the sacrifices and worship of the tabernacle. His anointing anticipates Jesus Christ, the perfect and eternal High Priest, who brings His people into fellowship with God (Hebrews 4:14–16). Lev 8:30 Next, Moses took some of the anointing oil… over the collar of his robes. Aaron’s priestly garments were made for glory and beauty and bore reminders of his responsibility to represent Israel before God (Exodus 28). Oil flowing from his head onto his garments shows an anointing that covered his whole person and ministry. In the same way, God’s blessing upon His people is meant to extend through the whole community, joining them in holy worship and faithful service. Exo 28:31-32 You are to make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth… Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. His anointing with oil symbolizes his consecration and the unity of the priesthood. 2. Anointing Oil A sacred mixture used in the consecration of priests and sacred objects, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and divine blessing. 3. Beard of Aaron Represents the priesthood and the flow of blessing from God through His appointed leaders. 4. Collar of Aaron's Robes Symbolizes the covering and authority of the priesthood, as well as the spread of blessing and unity. 5. Mount Hermon Although not directly mentioned in verse 2, it is referenced in verse 3 and symbolizes abundant blessing and unity, as the dew of Hermon is life-giving. Teaching Points Symbol of UnityThe anointing oil represents the unity among God's people, as it flows from the head to the beard and robes, signifying a harmonious community. Divine Blessing Just as the oil was precious and sacred, unity among believers is a divine blessing that should be cherished and protected. Role of Leadership Aaron's anointing underscores the importance of godly leadership in fostering unity and guiding the community in faith. Consecration and Holiness The anointing oil signifies consecration, reminding believers of their call to holiness and dedication to God's purposes. Spiritual Overflow The imagery of oil running down suggests that true unity and blessing overflow from a heart aligned with God's will, impacting the broader community. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 133:2?2. How does Psalm 133:2 illustrate the importance of unity among believers today? 3. What does the anointing oil in Psalm 133:2 symbolize in Christian fellowship? 4. How can we apply the harmony of Aaron's anointing to church relationships? 5. In what ways does Psalm 133:2 connect to New Testament teachings on unity? 6. How can leaders emulate Aaron's anointing to foster unity in their communities? 7. What does Psalm 133:2 symbolize in the context of unity among believers? 8. How does the imagery of oil in Psalm 133:2 relate to anointing and consecration? 9. Why is Aaron specifically mentioned in Psalm 133:2, and what is his significance? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 133? What Does Psalm 133:2 Mean It is like fine oil on the head• The “it” is the unity of God’s people celebrated in Psalm 133:1. • Fine oil points to the holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:25), set apart for sacred use. • Anointing signals consecration and blessing; when Samuel anointed David, “from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David” (1 Samuel 16:13). • Oil placed on the head begins at the highest point, picturing God’s blessing originating with Him and flowing downward. • Psalm 23:5 echoes this image: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows,” showing that God’s favor is generous, not stingy. running down on the beard • The oil does not stay put; it moves. Unity is active, spreading, and visible, not merely a private feeling. • A beard in Scripture signifies maturity and dignity (2 Samuel 10:4–5 notes the shame of a shaved beard), so the oil’s movement onto the beard shows honor being bestowed. • Abundant flow underscores abundance of blessing. “Pressed down, shaken together, and running over” (Luke 6:38) mirrors the same overflowing picture. running down Aaron’s beard • By naming Aaron, the psalm links unity to the high priest’s ministry of mediation and atonement (Leviticus 8:12). • Aaron carried the names of all Israel on his breastpiece (Exodus 28:29); as the oil covered him, every tribe was symbolically included. • Hebrews 4:14 identifies Jesus as “a great high priest,” fulfilling Aaron’s role. When believers dwell in unity, they live out what their High Priest accomplished—making them one body (Ephesians 2:14–16). over the collar of his robes • The oil soaks down to the priestly garments, representing the entire community. Consecration is not partial; it reaches “the fringes” (cf. Exodus 28:33–35 where even the hem of the robe is detailed). • The collar (or edges) frames the heart, suggesting that true unity affects attitudes and actions, not just words. • Colossians 3:14 urges, “And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity,” echoing the robe imagery—unity is something we “wear” before others. summary Psalm 133:2 paints unity as sacred anointing oil: precious, God-given, overflowing, and all-embracing. Just as the consecrating oil starts at Aaron’s head and saturates every part of him, so genuine brotherly unity originates in God, descends through our High Priest Jesus, and covers every believer, bringing honor, holiness, and blessing to the whole family of faith. (2) It is like.—The italics of the Authorised Version are wrongly inserted. Unity could not be said to flow down. The other term of the simile is implied in Psalm 133:3. (See Note.) Literally, Like the oil, the good oil, on the head descending upon the beard, Aaron’s beard, which (was) descending to the mouth of his robes. Oil meets us as the standing symbol of joy and festivity. (See Psalm 45:7, Note; Isaiah 61:3.) It is also brought closely into connection with love (Song of Solomon 1:3). But while this association, as also the pleasure derived from the fragrance of the oil, would be present here as always in the truly Oriental image, its elaboration in this passage points to a further purpose. It is the holy oil, that whose composition is described in Exodus 30:22-23, that the poet alludes to. This, while the garments of all the priests were sprinkled with it (Exodus 29:21...Verse 2. - It is like the precious ointment upon the head. The anointing oil of the sanctuary was an ointment composed of many "precious" ingredients, as myrrh, cinnamon, sweet calamus, and cassia, besides oil olive, which was its basis (Exodus 30:23, 24). Not only Aaron (Leviticus 8:12), but all later high priests, were anointed with it (Exodus 30:30). That ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard. This would be the natural result of a copious "pouring" of the oil upon the top of the head. Though not mentioned historically in Leviticus, it presents itself to the eye of the poet, on whose mental vision the whole scene rises. That went down to the skirts of his garments. Streamed even to the lower fringe of his long vesture (Kay). The high priest at his consecration was a type and symbol of unity. He bore on his breastplate the names of the twelve tribes, so that the holy oil, typical of the grace of God, when it was poured upon him, flowed down on all the tribes, diffusing everywhere an odor of fragrance.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew It is like fineהַטּ֨וֹב ׀ (haṭ·ṭō·wḇ) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good oil כַּשֶּׁ֤מֶן (kaš·še·men) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the head, הָרֹ֗אשׁ (hā·rōš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7218: The head running down יֹרֵ֗ד (yō·rêḏ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend on עַֽל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the beard, הַזָּקָ֥ן (haz·zā·qān) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 2206: Beard, chin running down שֶׁ֝יֹּרֵ֗ד (yō·rêḏ) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend Aaron’s אַהֲרֹ֑ן (’a·hă·rōn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses beard זְקַֽן־ (zə·qan-) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 2206: Beard, chin over עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the collar פִּ֥י (pî) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to of his robes. מִדּוֹתָֽיו׃ (mid·dō·w·ṯāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4060: Extension, height, breadth, a measure, a portion, a vestment, tribute Additonal Resources Psalm 133:2 Blue Letter BiblePsalm 133:2 Bible Gateway Psalm 133:2 Bible.com Psalm 133:2 NIV |
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