Psalms 137:5

³ For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.

⁴ How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land?

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.

⁶ If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

⁷ Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand cease to function.
KJV: If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
WEB: If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.
ASV: If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, Let my right hand forget [her skill].
DARBY: If I forget thee, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget [its skill];
BLB: If I should forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget.

ÅB: Glemmer jeg deg, Jerusalem, da glemme meg[^1] min høyre hånd!
OTB: Hvis jeg glemmer deg, Jerusalem,
Må min høyre hånd miste sin dyktighet.
B1930: Glemmer jeg dig, Jerusalem, da glemme mig min høire hånd! / < nekte mig sin tjeneste.>

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

Daniel 6:10–11
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Read in context
Jeremiah 51:50
Ye that have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still: remember the LORD afar off, and let Jerusalem come into your mind.
Read in context
Psalms 122:5–9
For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
Read in context
Psalms 84:10
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Read in context
Zechariah 11:17
Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
Read in context
Isaiah 62:1
For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.
Read in context
Nehemiah 2:2–3
Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,
Read in context
Nehemiah 1:2–4
That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
Read in context