1 This statement refers to the extended family structure of ancient Israel, where brothers would often live in proximity to one another (Deut 25:5), giving the family greater social prominence and security. However, in its later application in the Israelite cult it probably envisions unity within the covenant community. See L. C. Allen, Psalms 101–150 (), .
2 Heb “[it is] like the good oil on the head, going down on the beard.”
3 Heb “which goes down in accordance with his measured things.” The Hebrew phrase מִדּוֹתָיו (middotayv, “his measured things”) refers here to the robes worn by Aaron. *מַד derives the form from מַד (midah, “robe”) rather than מִדָּה (middah, “measured thing”). Ugaritic md means “robe” and is pluralized mdt.

In other versions

Behold, how good and pleasant it is

when brothers dwell in unity!

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!

How good and pleasant it is

when God’s people live together in unity!

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.

How delightfully good

when brothers live together in harmony!

It is like fine oil on the head,

running down on the beard,

running down Aaron’s beard

onto his robes.

How wonderful and pleasant it is

when brothers live together in harmony!

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.

Look, how good and how pleasant it is

when brothers dwell together in unity.

It is like the fragrant oil upon the head,

running down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron,

that runs down upon the edges of his robes.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brethren to dwell together in unity!

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;

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