Psalms 127:4
Psalms 127:4 in Multiple Translations
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth.
Like arrows in the hand of a man of war, are the children of the young.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of a young man.
As are the arrowes in the hand of ye strong man: so are the children of youth.
As arrows in the hand of a mighty one, So [are] the sons of the young men.
As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man: so are children of the youth.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.
If a man has sons while he is still young, when they grow up, they will be able to help him defend his family like [SIM] a soldier can defend himself if he has a bow and arrows in his hand.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 127:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 127:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ/חִצִּ֥ים
בְּ/יַד
גִּבּ֑וֹר
כֵּ֝֗ן
בְּנֵ֣י
הַ/נְּעוּרִֽים
כְּ/חִצִּ֥ים
chêts
H2671
arrow
Prep | N-mp
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
גִּבּ֑וֹר
gibbôwr
H1368
mighty man
Adj
כֵּ֝֗ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
הַ/נְּעוּרִֽים
nâʻûwr
H5271
youth
Art | N-cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 127:4
כְּ/חִצִּ֥ים
chêts
H2671
"arrow"
Prep | N-mp
An arrow is a sharp object shot from a bow, used for hunting or battle, like those used by archers in the book of Judges. It can also symbolize God's powerful judgment.
Definition: arrow
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, wound. See also: Genesis 49:23; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 7:14.
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
גִּבּ֑וֹר
gibbôwr
H1368
"mighty man"
Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
כֵּ֝֗ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הַ/נְּעוּרִֽים
nâʻûwr
H5271
"youth"
Art | N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the state of being young or a group of young people, as seen in Isaiah 47:12. It describes a stage of life, like childhood or adolescence. This concept is also mentioned in Jeremiah 31:19.
Definition: youth, early life Also means: na.ur (נְעוּרוֹת "youth" H5271B)
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: childhood, youth. See also: Genesis 8:21; Isaiah 54:6; Psalms 25:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 127:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 127:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 127:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 127:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 127:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 127:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 127:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 127:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 127:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 127:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 127:4
- Sermons on Psalms 127:4
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.
5Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 17:6 | Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of a son is his father. |
| 2 | Proverbs 31:28 | Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well: |
| 3 | Jeremiah 50:9 | For behold, I stir up and bring against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the land of the north. They will line up against her; from the north she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed. |
| 4 | Psalms 120:4 | Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree! |
Psalms 127:4 Summary
[Psalms 127:4 says that children are like arrows in the hand of a warrior, meaning they are a powerful tool and a blessing from God, as also stated in Psalms 127:3 and Psalms 128:1-6. This verse reminds us that children are a gift from God, and we should raise them to know and love Him, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Proverbs 22:6. By trusting in God's plan for our families, we can find joy and purpose in raising our children, as seen in Psalms 37:5 and Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for children to be like arrows in the hand of a warrior?
This metaphor suggests that children are a powerful tool in the hands of their parents, just as arrows are a vital part of a warrior's arsenal, as seen in Psalms 127:4, and are used for protection and provision, as referenced in Psalms 144:1 and Proverbs 22:6
Is this verse saying that having children is the most important thing in life?
While Psalms 127:4 does emphasize the importance of children, it is not saying that they are the only thing that matters, but rather that they are a blessing from God, as stated in Psalms 127:3, and should be valued and nurtured as such, in line with Deuteronomy 6:6-7
How does this verse relate to the idea of family and legacy?
This verse highlights the significance of children in carrying on a family's legacy and faith, as seen in Psalms 78:4, and emphasizes the importance of raising them to know and love God, as commanded in Deuteronomy 4:9-10 and Ephesians 6:4
What does it mean to have children 'born in one's youth'?
This phrase likely refers to having children at a relatively young age, when one has the energy and vitality to care for and raise them, as implied in Timothy 5:14 and Titus 2:4-5
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to view my children as 'arrows in the hand of a warrior', and how does that impact my parenting?
- In what ways can I, as a parent, use my children to make a positive impact on the world around me, as inspired by Matthew 5:16 and Acts 2:39?
- How can I balance the idea of children being a blessing from God with the challenges and stresses that come with raising them, as discussed in Matthew 11:28-30 and Hebrews 12:11?
- What legacy do I want to leave for my children, and how can I start building that legacy now, as guided by Psalms 37:37 and Proverbs 13:22?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 127:4
As arrows [are] in the hand of a mighty man,.... Are shot out with great strength; come with much force, and do execution, and do not return in vain; with which men defend themselves, and annoy their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 127:4
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 127:4
In the hand of a mighty man; when they are shot out of a bow by a man of great strength against his enemy, which are of great use and power, both to offend the enemy, and to defend himself. Children of the youth; children begotten in youth, as a husband or wife married in their youth are called a husband or wife of youth, , and as a son begotten in old age is called a son of old age, . And these he prefers before other children in this point, partly because such are commonly more strong and vigorous than others; and partly because they live longest with their parents, and to their comfort and support, whereas children born in old age seldom come to any maturity of years before their parents’ death.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 127:4
Psalms 127:4 As arrows [are] in the hand of a mighty man; so [are] children of the youth.Ver. 4. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man] Heb. of a giant, who shooteth them with a courage, and is cunning at it. As clean and well kept arrows. This similitude importeth that children must have more in them than nature; for arrows are no arrows by growth, but by art; so they must be such children, the knottiness of whose nature is refined and reformed, and made smooth by grace; and then they are cared for. As, if they prove otherwise, they are a singular heartbreak to their poor parents, who are seen to sit under Elijah’ s juniper, wishing for death, and saying, with Moses, Numbers 11:14-15, I am not able to bear all this sore affliction, "because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness." So are children of the youth] Or, young sons, or lads, springlings, striplings, vegetous and vigorous, able to be a guard to their aged parents against the children of violence, who seek to press in upon them at the door, as the Sodomites dealt by righteous Lot, besides the service they may do to the commonwealth (as did the Horatii and Curiatii) by their impetus heroici, valour and virtue.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 127:4
(4) Children of the youth—i.e., the offspring of an early marriage. Aquila, “sons of young and vigorous parents.” The young man, with his numerous family around him, is like the vigorous warrior with his quiver full of arrows.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 127:4
Verse 4. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man] Each child will, in the process of time, be a defence and support to the family, as arrows in the quiver of a skilful and strong archer; the more he has, the more enemies he may slay, and consequently the more redoubted shall he be. Children of the youth.] The children of young people are always more strong and vigorous, more healthy, and generally longer lived than those of elderly, or comparatively elderly persons. Youth is the time for marriage; I do not mean infancy or a comparative childhood, in which several fools join in marriage who are scarcely fit to leave the nursery or school. Such couples generally disagree; they cannot bear the boyish and girlish petulancies and caprices of each other; their own growth is hindered, and their offspring, (if any,) have never much better than an embryo existence. On the other hand age produces only a dwarfish or rickety offspring, that seldom live to procreate; and when they do, it is only to perpetuate deformity and disease. It would be easy to assign reasons for all this; but the interpretation of Scripture will seldom admit of physiological details. It is enough that God has said, Children of the youth are strong and active, like arrows in the hands of the mighty.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 127:4
4. children of the youth] The sons of youth; sons born while their parents are young and vigorous (Genesis 49:3; contrast ‘the son of his old age,’ Genesis 37:3), not only as being themselves more vigorous, but because they grow up in time to be the defence and succour of their parents’ old age. The figure of the arrows in the hand of the warrior was a natural one when the restoration of the state had to be carried on in face of opposition from within and from without.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 127:4
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man - They are what a parent may rely on for defense in danger, or for help in securing provision for himself and family - as the warrior or the hunter relies on his arrows.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 127:4
4. Children of the youth—Children born while their parents are young.
Sermons on Psalms 127:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Raising Missionaries for God by Merle Flory | In this sermon, the preacher begins by leading the congregation in singing the song "Jesus Loves Me" in both English and Spanish. He then asks the children to think of themselves a |
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(Godly Home) Part 5 - a Godly Heritage Today by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a godly home and raising children for God. He shares a personal experience of meeting a family that had a powerful h |
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Old Men Shall Dream Dreams by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Acts chapter 2 emphasizes the power of older individuals to dream divine dreams and speak into the lives of the next generation. It highlights the importance of gr |
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Understanding Spiritual Authority (Part 3): The Greatest Faith in Israel by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Passover in Egypt and draws parallels to the present generation. He emphasizes the importance of obeying God's instructions |
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A Woman Who Fears the Lord Is to Be Praised by John Piper | In this sermon, the preacher uses a personal anecdote to illustrate the fear of God. He describes a situation where a dog chases after someone who runs away from it, comparing it t |
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Motherhood by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday emphasizes the profound impact of motherhood through the story of Moses' mother, who defied Pharaoh's decree to save her child. He illustrates her unwavering faith and |