- Home
- Bible
- Psalms
- Chapter 127
- Verse 127
Psalms 127:3
Verse
Context
Children Are a Heritage from the LORD
2In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved. 3Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. 4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
With הנּה it goes on to refer to a specially striking example in support of the maxim that everything depends upon God's blessing. פּרי הבּטן (Gen 30:2; Deu 7:13) beside בּנים also admits of the including of daughters. It is with בּנים (recalling Gen 30:18) just as with נהלת. Just as the latter in this passage denotes an inheritance not according to hereditary right, but in accordance with the free-will of the giver, so the former denotes not a reward that is paid out as in duty bound, but a recompense that is bestowed according to one's free judgment, and in fact looked for in accordance with a promise given, but cannot by any means be demanded. Sons are a blessed gift from above. They are - especially when they are the offspring of a youthful marriage (opp. בּן־זקנים, Gen 37:3; Gen 44:20), and accordingly themselves strong and hearty (Gen 49:3), and at the time that the father is growing old are in the bloom of their years - like arrows in the hand of a warrior. This is a comparison which the circumstances of his time made natural to the poet, in which the sword was carried side by side with the trowel, and the work of national restoration had to be defended step by step against open enemies, envious neighbours, and false brethren. It was not sufficient then to have arrows in the quiver; one was obligated to have them not merely at hand, but in the hand (בּיד), in order to be able to discharge them and defend one's self. What a treasure, in such a time when it was needful to be constantly ready for fighting, defensive or offensive, was that which youthful sons afforded to the elderly father and weaker members of the family! Happy is the man - the poet exclaims - who has his quiver, i.e., his house, full of such arrows, in order to be able to deal out to the enemies as many arrows as may be needed. The father and such a host of sons surrounding him (this is the complex notion of the subject) form a phalanx not to be broken through. If they have to speak with enemies in the gate - i.e., candidly to upbraid them with their wrong, or to ward off their unjust accusation - they shall not be ashamed, i.e., not be overawed, disheartened, or disarmed. Gesenius in his Thesaurus, as Ibn-Jachja has already done, takes דּבּר here in the signification "to destroy;" but in Gen 34:13 this Piel signifies to deal behind one's back (deceitfully), and in Ch2 22:10 to get rid of by assassination. This shade of the notion, which proceeds from Arab. dbr, pone esse (vid., Psa 18:48; Psa 28:2), does not suit the passage before us, and the expression לא־יבשׁוּ is favourable to the idea of the gate as being the forum, which arises from taking ידברו in its ordinary signification. Unjust judges, malicious accusers, and false witnesses retire shy and faint-hearted before a family so capable of defending itself. We read the opposite of this in Job 5:4 of sons upon whom the curse of their fathers rests.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Posterity is often represented as a blessing from God (Gen 30:2, Gen 30:18; Sa1 1:19-20). Children are represented as the defenders (arrows) of their parents in war, and in litigation.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord,.... As all success, safety, and the blessings of life, depend on the providence of God; so this very great blessing is a gift of his; having children, and those good ones, as the Targum interprets it; for of such only can it be understood: so, in a spiritual sense, the children of Christ, the antitypical Solomon, are the gifts of his heavenly Father to him; his portion and inheritance, and a goodly heritage he esteems them; and the fruit of the womb is his reward; "fruit" (y) is the same with "children" in the preceding clause; see Luk 1:42; a reward he gives to good men, not of debt, but of grace; the Targum, "a reward of good works:'' so regenerate persons are a reward to Christ, of his sufferings and death, Isa 53:10. (y) "Nascitur ad fructum mulier", Claudian. in Eutrop. l. 1. v. 331.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
127:3-5 Children are one of God’s blessings. The words translated “children” (Hebrew banim) and “builders” (bonim, 127:1) form a wordplay. Having children builds a family.
Psalms 127:3
Children Are a Heritage from the LORD
2In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved. 3Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. 4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Godly Home) Part 1 - the Holy Art of Training Children
By Denny Kenaston11K38:33Godly Home SeriesPSA 127:3PRO 22:6ISA 59:19MAL 2:15MAL 4:5MAT 6:33EPH 6:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a green thumb and the art of polishing stones. He compares these skills to the art of preaching and teaching the word of God. The speaker also shares a personal experience in an African village, highlighting the need for godly families as a standard against the enemy. The sermon concludes with the speaker expressing gratitude for the journey they have been on and the impact it has had on their faith.
Rope Wanted
By William Booth8.0K02:14Classic RecordingsPSA 127:3PRO 31:8ISA 58:10MAT 6:33MAT 25:40LUK 10:25JAS 1:27In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Mary, a young woman who bravely risked her life to save others during a devastating tidal wave. Despite the warnings of her comrades, Mary was determined to rescue the children who were perishing. She went out into the storm with a coil of rope, but tragically, she did not return. The preacher uses this story to emphasize the importance of selfless sacrifice and the need for more resources to help those in need.
Children
By Charles Stanley6.4K06:00ChildrenDEU 6:6PSA 127:3PRO 1:8PRO 22:6EPH 6:4COL 3:21JAS 1:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that while parents have a responsibility to teach and guide their children in their faith, ultimately each child must develop their own belief system and relationship with God. The speaker highlights the importance of providing a loving and supportive environment for children to grow in their faith, tailoring their expressions of love to meet each child's unique needs. The speaker also addresses the guilt that parents may feel when their children do not turn out as expected, reminding them that children are individuals with their own struggles and challenges. The sermon concludes with the reminder that training a child in the way they should go requires individualized attention and patient listening.
1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 1
By Richard Wurmbrand5.6K09:46PSA 127:3PRO 18:21ECC 4:2MAT 18:3MRK 12:29JHN 1:1EPH 4:29HEB 4:12JAS 1:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God and each other, highlighting a personal story of enduring love and faithfulness through trials. It delves into the concept of innocence and the eternal destiny of unborn children, shedding light on the significance of love and understanding in relationships. The speaker also touches on the Hebrew language's unique perspective on faith and the real essence of God's word, encouraging a deeper spiritual enrichment.
(Godly Home) Part 3 - the Eternal Value of a Child
By Denny Kenaston4.3K39:45Godly Home SeriesDEU 6:6PSA 127:3PSA 139:13PRO 22:6MAT 28:19MRK 10:14EPH 6:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in the relationship between parents and their children. He shares a story of a couple seeking advice on child training, highlighting the need for parents to prioritize their children's spiritual well-being. The speaker then discusses the significance of having a vision for raising children and calls upon God to transform the hearts of parents. He concludes by urging parents to consider what they are willing to sacrifice for the sake of their children's souls.
(Godly Home) Part 10 - the Hearts of the Fathers Must Turn
By Denny Kenaston4.1K42:49Godly Home SeriesEXO 20:12PSA 127:3PRO 22:6MAL 4:5MAT 6:33EPH 6:4COL 3:21In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of relationships, particularly the relationship between fathers and their children. He shares a story about a father who neglects his child's desire for attention and approval, causing the child to turn to other influences. Brother Denny then references Malachi 4:5-6, which speaks of the coming of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and vice versa. He highlights the need for a heart change and repentance in order to truly nurture and raise children for God.
(Godly Home) Part 19 - Children - a Dwelling Place for the Living God
By Denny Kenaston3.4K41:46Godly Home SeriesPSA 127:3ISA 66:11CO 6:192CO 6:16EPH 2:10EPH 6:41TH 5:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of creating a nurturing environment for children in our homes. He encourages parents to be vigilant in monitoring what influences their children's minds, wills, emotions, and bodies. The speaker uses a diagram to explain that God created humans as tri-part beings, consisting of a physical body, a soul (mind, will, and emotions), and a spirit. He highlights the significance of parents guiding their children's minds, wills, and emotions, and shares examples of individuals who experienced a powerful transformation when the Holy Spirit entered their lives. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's wisdom in raising children.
Who Is Guarding the Front Door of Your Home?
By David Wilkerson3.1K1:02:51NEH 7:3PSA 127:3PRO 22:6ISA 44:3EPH 6:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of guarding our homes and families against the influences of the world, especially in raising children in a godly way. It addresses the challenges faced by parents, particularly single mothers, in protecting their children from negative influences and guiding them in the ways of the Lord. The message calls for a deep reliance on God's promises, prayer, and setting spiritual standards in the home to counter the worldly influences that seek to harm our families.
Who Is Guarding the Front Door of Your Home
By David Wilkerson2.1K1:02:51NEH 7:3PSA 127:3PRO 22:6ISA 44:3EPH 6:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of guarding our homes and families against the influences of the world, addressing issues like the spiritual battle for our children, the need for parents to be vigilant gatekeepers, and the power of prayer and faith in raising godly children. It also touches on the dangers of bitterness, the impact of media and music on our youth, and the call for parents to establish family altars and seek God's wisdom in guiding their children.
01 Welcome by Brother Denny and Sister Jackie Kenaston
By Denny Kenaston1.9K09:47PSA 127:3PRO 22:6EPH 6:4COL 3:201TI 5:8Brother Denny and his wife Jackie introduce the Godly Home series, sharing the unexpected journey of how it began and the impact it has had over the years. They highlight the importance of biblical teaching on the home, the wisdom gained through parenting and grandparenting, and the need to open hearts to God's voice for transformation. The sermon also includes a detailed introduction to their family, showcasing the diverse paths their children have taken in serving the Lord through missions and ministry.
Ravenhill Humor - Who's the Author
By Leonard Ravenhill1.8K00:56Ravenhill HumorGEN 2:18DEU 6:7PSA 127:3PRO 1:8PRO 22:6MAT 19:6EPH 6:4In the sermon, the speaker mentions the famous story of Rip Van Winkle, which is well-known around the world, including in Russia. However, the speaker asks the audience if they know who wrote the story, and reveals that it was written by Washington Irving. The speaker then expresses surprise at someone named Mike not knowing the author, suggesting that he needs to go to school instead of going to Australia. The speaker also mentions homeschooling and new students, implying that there is a connection between education and knowledge of literature.
Bridge of Hope Discussion, Part Two
By K.P. Yohannan1.8K25:59BenevolenceDEU 6:6PSA 127:3PRO 22:6MAT 19:14MRK 10:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of hearing the voice of Jesus and being reminded of the desire to find Him. The speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing and helping suffering children, as Jesus said that whatever is done for them is done for Him. The speaker highlights the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these children by treating them as if they were receiving Jesus into their homes. The sermon also mentions the story of a little beggar girl in India who had lost her parents and lived near a railway station, highlighting the desperate situation of many children in the country.
10. the Key to Obedience Is Blessing
By Denny Kenaston1.3K45:36GEN 27:27PSA 127:3PRO 22:6EPH 6:4COL 3:21This sermon emphasizes the importance of blessing our children with love and affirmation as a foundation for obedience and respect. It highlights the power of a continuous flow of blessings in a child's life, not just as a ritual but as a way of living. The speaker stresses the need for parents to spend quality time with their children, showering them with blessings throughout the day, and creating a nurturing atmosphere of love and acceptance.
Monogamatic Marriage
By John Alexander Dowie1.3K03:32EXO 20:14PSA 127:3MAL 4:6MAT 19:6ROM 13:41CO 6:18EPH 5:31In this sermon, the preacher strongly condemns the social system that pretends to be monogamous but is actually filled with mischief. He emphasizes the importance of fathers taking responsibility for their children and criticizes those who hunt for slaves and deceive women, showing no care for their offspring. The preacher calls for a change in society, urging people to turn their hearts towards these poor, wandering children. He advocates for monogamous marriage as God's original plan and calls for the enforcement of laws against polygamy and immorality.
04. the Eternal Value of a Child
By Denny Kenaston1.2K45:10PSA 127:3PSA 139:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of valuing and raising children as treasures from God, highlighting the eternal impact of parenting and the need for a vision to see children as God sees them. It challenges parents to prioritize their children, repent of neglect, and invest time and love in training them for God's kingdom.
Missions, Poverty and Children - Part 1
By K.P. Yohannan1.2K09:25PSA 127:3PRO 22:6ISA 1:17MAT 19:14MAT 25:40MRK 9:36MRK 10:13LUK 18:16JAS 1:27This sermon emphasizes the importance of valuing and caring for children, highlighting how Jesus welcomed and blessed them, showing their significance in the Kingdom of God. It shares personal experiences that led to a transformation in understanding the preciousness of children and the need to align our hearts with God's perspective on them. The message challenges listeners to consider how they view and respond to the vulnerable and needy, urging a shift towards compassion and action.
28. the Overtaking Blessing on the Second Generation by Daniel Kenaston
By Denny Kenaston1.2K1:03:06DEU 6:6PSA 127:3PRO 22:6EPH 6:4COL 3:20This sermon emphasizes the legacy of blessings that parents pass on to their children, focusing on the struggles, growth, and victories in various areas of life. It highlights the second generation's ability to walk in grace, minister effectively, and experience overwhelming blessings due to the foundation laid by their parents' commitment to God and godly living.
Deliverance From the Lions
By Merle Flory1.1K47:40DeliveranceDEU 6:7PSA 127:3PRO 22:6PRO 29:17MAT 19:14MRK 10:14EPH 6:4In this video, the speaker addresses the question of when a child cannot continue. The local community has been discussing this topic for a long time, with about 90% of the time being dedicated to it. The speaker expresses the importance of discussing this issue and wants to engage in a conversation about it. The video also highlights the speaker's desire to show what it's like to be part of a community and emphasizes the significance of community in the context of families.
Christian Missions to the Communist World International - Pt4
By Richard Wurmbrand1.1K1:04:52MissionsPSA 127:1PSA 127:3ISA 44:1ISA 44:3In this sermon, the preacher starts by asking for an extra 5 minutes to speak. He then describes a vision of radiant beings that will stand before people when they are judged by God. These beings are described as more beautiful than movie stars. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being like Jesus and being a Christian. He then reads from Isaiah 44, highlighting God's promise to pour out his spirit and blessings on those who are thirsty and in need. The sermon concludes with the preacher affirming his belief in Jesus and his identity as a believer.
11 the Hearts of the Fathers Must Turn
By Denny Kenaston1.0K46:57PSA 127:3PRO 22:6AMO 6:1MAL 4:5MAT 3:2LUK 15:20EPH 6:4COL 3:21This sermon emphasizes the importance of repairing and nurturing relationships within families, particularly focusing on the role of fathers in turning their hearts towards their children. It highlights the need for repentance, radical heart transformation, and the powerful impact of a father's love and involvement in the lives of their children. The message warns against the curse of disconnected fathers and the detrimental effects it has on families and society, urging a return to God's design for family relationships.
13 a Sacred Exercise
By Denny Kenaston97145:03DEU 6:6PSA 127:3PRO 13:24PRO 22:6PRO 22:15PRO 29:15EPH 6:4COL 3:21HEB 12:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of loving discipline in parenting, highlighting the need for parents to approach spanking as a sacred exercise done in love and compassion. It addresses the dangers of spanking in anger and the significance of instructing, affirming, and praying with the child during the discipline process. The speaker encourages parents to follow God's example of discipline, focusing on building a close relationship with their children through correction and guidance.
Chimham
By Jack Hyles94954:161SA 16:72SA 9:7PSA 127:3PRO 22:6MAT 6:33MRK 10:14LUK 9:23In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Barzillai and his request to King David. Barzillai asks that his reward be given to his son, showing his selflessness and love for his child. The preacher reflects on his own life and the sacrifices he has made for the youth, emphasizing the importance of staying close to God. He urges parents and adults to follow Barzillai's example and prioritize the spiritual well-being of the younger generation.
My Day Before God
By Basilea Schlink93304:35Radio ShowPSA 127:3PSA 141:3MAT 6:33ROM 8:18EPH 2:81TH 5:18JAS 1:17In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the tendency to complain and grumble about people and circumstances. They emphasize the importance of refraining from complaining and instead responding with gratitude and thanksgiving. The speaker encourages listeners to see every day as an opportunity to show love and gratitude to God as their Father. They also emphasize the need to recognize that all good gifts come from God's mercy and grace, and to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him through thanksgiving. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's guidance and the desire to enter into a richer fellowship with Him.
20. Children a Dwelling Place for God
By Denny Kenaston72945:50DEU 6:6PSA 127:3PRO 22:6EPH 6:4COL 3:21This sermon emphasizes the importance of raising children as vessels for the living God, focusing on nurturing their minds, wills, emotions, and bodies to prepare them for God's dwelling. It highlights the significance of guiding children in the right path, filling their minds with the Word of God, training their wills to yield, directing their emotions towards love for God, and disciplining their bodies to be in subjection. The ultimate goal is to raise children who, when converted, can walk with God, listen to His voice, and live as solid disciples of Jesus Christ.
Become Little Children to Love One Another
By Ian Robson66519:00PSA 127:3PRO 22:6MAT 18:3JHN 13:331CO 13:42CO 6:11EPH 5:33EPH 6:4COL 3:141JN 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of learning from children, particularly in their humility, love, and openness. It highlights Jesus' endearing words to his disciples as 'little children' and the commandment to love one another. The message stresses the significance of creating a loving and peaceful atmosphere in our homes, where children witness and experience genuine love and affection between parents, fostering a secure and nurturing environment for their growth.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
With הנּה it goes on to refer to a specially striking example in support of the maxim that everything depends upon God's blessing. פּרי הבּטן (Gen 30:2; Deu 7:13) beside בּנים also admits of the including of daughters. It is with בּנים (recalling Gen 30:18) just as with נהלת. Just as the latter in this passage denotes an inheritance not according to hereditary right, but in accordance with the free-will of the giver, so the former denotes not a reward that is paid out as in duty bound, but a recompense that is bestowed according to one's free judgment, and in fact looked for in accordance with a promise given, but cannot by any means be demanded. Sons are a blessed gift from above. They are - especially when they are the offspring of a youthful marriage (opp. בּן־זקנים, Gen 37:3; Gen 44:20), and accordingly themselves strong and hearty (Gen 49:3), and at the time that the father is growing old are in the bloom of their years - like arrows in the hand of a warrior. This is a comparison which the circumstances of his time made natural to the poet, in which the sword was carried side by side with the trowel, and the work of national restoration had to be defended step by step against open enemies, envious neighbours, and false brethren. It was not sufficient then to have arrows in the quiver; one was obligated to have them not merely at hand, but in the hand (בּיד), in order to be able to discharge them and defend one's self. What a treasure, in such a time when it was needful to be constantly ready for fighting, defensive or offensive, was that which youthful sons afforded to the elderly father and weaker members of the family! Happy is the man - the poet exclaims - who has his quiver, i.e., his house, full of such arrows, in order to be able to deal out to the enemies as many arrows as may be needed. The father and such a host of sons surrounding him (this is the complex notion of the subject) form a phalanx not to be broken through. If they have to speak with enemies in the gate - i.e., candidly to upbraid them with their wrong, or to ward off their unjust accusation - they shall not be ashamed, i.e., not be overawed, disheartened, or disarmed. Gesenius in his Thesaurus, as Ibn-Jachja has already done, takes דּבּר here in the signification "to destroy;" but in Gen 34:13 this Piel signifies to deal behind one's back (deceitfully), and in Ch2 22:10 to get rid of by assassination. This shade of the notion, which proceeds from Arab. dbr, pone esse (vid., Psa 18:48; Psa 28:2), does not suit the passage before us, and the expression לא־יבשׁוּ is favourable to the idea of the gate as being the forum, which arises from taking ידברו in its ordinary signification. Unjust judges, malicious accusers, and false witnesses retire shy and faint-hearted before a family so capable of defending itself. We read the opposite of this in Job 5:4 of sons upon whom the curse of their fathers rests.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Posterity is often represented as a blessing from God (Gen 30:2, Gen 30:18; Sa1 1:19-20). Children are represented as the defenders (arrows) of their parents in war, and in litigation.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord,.... As all success, safety, and the blessings of life, depend on the providence of God; so this very great blessing is a gift of his; having children, and those good ones, as the Targum interprets it; for of such only can it be understood: so, in a spiritual sense, the children of Christ, the antitypical Solomon, are the gifts of his heavenly Father to him; his portion and inheritance, and a goodly heritage he esteems them; and the fruit of the womb is his reward; "fruit" (y) is the same with "children" in the preceding clause; see Luk 1:42; a reward he gives to good men, not of debt, but of grace; the Targum, "a reward of good works:'' so regenerate persons are a reward to Christ, of his sufferings and death, Isa 53:10. (y) "Nascitur ad fructum mulier", Claudian. in Eutrop. l. 1. v. 331.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
127:3-5 Children are one of God’s blessings. The words translated “children” (Hebrew banim) and “builders” (bonim, 127:1) form a wordplay. Having children builds a family.