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.
4 Hermon refers to Mount Hermon, located north of Israel.
5 The hills of Zion are those surrounding Zion (see Pss 87:1; 125:2). The psalmist does not intend to suggest that the dew from Mt. Hermon in the distant north actually flows down upon Zion. His point is that the same kind of heavy dew that replenishes Hermon may also be seen on Zion’s hills. See A. Cohen, Psalms (), 439. “Dew” here symbolizes divine blessing, as the next line suggests.
6 Or “for.”
7 Heb “there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forever.”

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

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!

It is like the dew of Hermon,

which falls on the mountains of Zion!

For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,

life forevermore.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

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.

It is as if the dew of Hermon

were falling on Mount Zion.

For there the Lord bestows his blessing,

even life forevermore.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

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.

It is like the dew of Hermon

falling on the mountains of Zion.

For there the Lord has appointed the blessing—

life forevermore.

NLTNew Living Translation

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.

Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon

that falls on the mountains of Zion.

And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing,

even life everlasting.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

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.

It is like the dew of Hermon that runs down

upon the mountains of Zion,

because there Yahweh commanded the blessing—

life forever.

KJV 1900King James Version

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;

As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion:

For there the Lord commanded the blessing,

Even life for evermore.

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