Psalms 128:3
Psalms 128:3 in Multiple Translations
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine flourishing within your house, your sons like olive shoots sitting around your table.
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine, In the innermost parts of thy house; Thy children like olive plants, Round about thy table.
Your wife will be like a fertile vine in the inmost parts of your house: your children will be like olive plants round your table.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine growing in your home. Your children will be like the shoots of an olive tree around your table.
Thy wife shalbe as the fruitfull vine on the sides of thine house, and thy children like the oliue plantes round about thy table.
Thy wife [is] as a fruitful vine in the sides of thy house, Thy sons as olive plants around thy table.
Your wife will be as a fruitful vine in the innermost parts of your house, your children like olive shoots around your table.
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thy house: thy children like olive plants around thy table.
The wicked have wrought upon my back: they have lengthened their iniquity.
Your wife will be like a grapevine that bears many grapes [SIM]; she will give birth to many children. Your children who sit around your table will be like a strong olive tree that has many shoots growing up around it [SIM].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 128:3
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 128:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶשְׁתְּ/ךָ֤
כְּ/גֶ֥פֶן
פֹּרִיָּה֮
בְּ/יַרְכְּתֵ֪י
בֵ֫יתֶ֥/ךָ
בָּ֭נֶי/ךָ
כִּ/שְׁתִלֵ֣י
זֵיתִ֑ים
סָ֝בִ֗יב
לְ/שֻׁלְחָנֶֽ/ךָ
אֶשְׁתְּ/ךָ֤
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs | Suff
כְּ/גֶ֥פֶן
gephen
H1612
vine
Prep | N-cs
פֹּרִיָּה֮
pârâh
H6509
be fruitful
V-Qal
בְּ/יַרְכְּתֵ֪י
yᵉrêkâh
H3411
flank
Prep | N-fd
בֵ֫יתֶ֥/ךָ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
בָּ֭נֶי/ךָ
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
כִּ/שְׁתִלֵ֣י
shᵉthil
H8363
shoot
Prep | N-mp
זֵיתִ֑ים
zayith
H2132
olive
N-mp
סָ֝בִ֗יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
לְ/שֻׁלְחָנֶֽ/ךָ
shulchân
H7979
table
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 128:3
אֶשְׁתְּ/ךָ֤
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
כְּ/גֶ֥פֶן
gephen
H1612
"vine"
Prep | N-cs
The Hebrew word for vine, often referring to Israel or prosperity, appears in the Bible as a symbol of God's people. It is also used to describe a grapevine. In the Bible, vines are often associated with abundance and fruitfulness.
Definition: 1) vine, vine tree 1a) of Israel (fig.) 1b) of stars fading at Jehovah's judgment (metaph.) 1c) of prosperity
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: vine, tree. See also: Genesis 40:9; Isaiah 24:7; Psalms 78:47.
פֹּרִיָּה֮
pârâh
H6509
"be fruitful"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be fruitful or produce something, like a tree bearing fruit. It is used in a literal sense, but also figuratively, like in Genesis where God tells humans to be fruitful and multiply. It emphasizes growth and increase.
Definition: 1) to bear fruit, be fruitful, branch off 1a) (Qal) to bear fruit, be fruitful 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to bear fruit 1b2) to make fruitful 1b3) to show fruitfulness, bear fruit Also means: pa.ra (פָּרָא "be fruitful" H6500)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bear, bring forth (fruit), (be, cause to be, make) fruitful, grow, increase. See also: Genesis 1:22; Exodus 1:7; Psalms 105:24.
בְּ/יַרְכְּתֵ֪י
yᵉrêkâh
H3411
"flank"
Prep | N-fd
This word refers to the flank or side of something, and can also mean the rear or recess. It is used in the Bible to describe borders, coasts, or the sides of objects.
Definition: 1) flank, side, extreme parts, recesses 1a) side 1b) sides, recesses (dual) Aramaic equivalent: yar.kah (יַרְכָא "thigh" H3410)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: border, coast, part, quarter, side. See also: Genesis 49:13; Isaiah 14:13; Psalms 48:3.
בֵ֫יתֶ֥/ךָ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
בָּ֭נֶי/ךָ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
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.
כִּ/שְׁתִלֵ֣י
shᵉthil
H8363
"shoot"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word means a small plant or sprig, like a cutting from a larger plant. It refers to a new growth, as seen in Psalm 128:3. In the Bible, it symbolizes new life.
Definition: plant, cutting, transplanted shoot, slip
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: plant. See also: Psalms 128:3.
זֵיתִ֑ים
zayith
H2132
"olive"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for olive tree or olive berry, often associated with oil and light. In Deuteronomy 8:8, the olive tree is listed as one of the blessings of the Promised Land, and in Matthew 24:3, Jesus teaches on the Mount of Olives.
Definition: 1) olive, olive tree 1a) olive tree 1b) olives 2) mountain facing Jerusalem on the east side
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: olive (tree, -yard), Olivet. See also: Genesis 8:11; Nehemiah 5:11; Psalms 52:10.
סָ֝בִ֗יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
לְ/שֻׁלְחָנֶֽ/ךָ
shulchân
H7979
"table"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A shulchan refers to a table, often used for meals or sacred purposes, like a king's table. It symbolizes a place of community and sharing.
Definition: 1) table 1a) table 1a1) of king's table, private use, sacred uses
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: table. See also: Exodus 25:23; 1 Kings 13:20; Psalms 23:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 128:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 128:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 128:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 128:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 128:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 128:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 128:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 128:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 128:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 128:3
- Sermons on Psalms 128:3
Context — The Blessed Fear of the LORD
1Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways!
2For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine flourishing within your house, your sons like olive shoots sitting around your table.
4In this way indeed shall blessing come to the man who fears the LORD. 5May the LORD bless you from Zion, that you may see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 19:10 | Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard, planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of the abundant waters. |
| 2 | Psalms 52:8 | But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in the loving devotion of God forever and ever. |
| 3 | Romans 11:24 | For if you were cut from a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into one that is cultivated, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree! |
| 4 | Genesis 49:22 | Joseph is a fruitful vine— a fruitful vine by a spring, whose branches scale the wall. |
| 5 | Proverbs 5:15–18 | Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well. Why should your springs flow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth: |
| 6 | Jeremiah 11:16 | The LORD once called you a flourishing olive tree, beautiful with well-formed fruit. But with a mighty roar He will set it on fire, and its branches will be consumed. |
| 7 | Hosea 14:6–7 | His shoots will sprout, and his splendor will be like the olive tree, his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon. They will return and dwell in his shade; they will grow grain and blossom like the vine. His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon. |
| 8 | Psalms 144:12 | Then our sons will be like plants nurtured in their youth, our daughters like corner pillars carved to adorn a palace. |
| 9 | Psalms 127:5 | Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate. |
Psalms 128:3 Summary
This verse paints a beautiful picture of a blessed family, where the wife is like a fruitful vine and the sons are like olive shoots, thriving and prosperous. To experience this kind of blessing, we must fear the Lord and walk in His ways, as stated in Psalms 128:1, and trust in His goodness, as seen in Psalms 100:5. By prioritizing our relationship with God and nurturing our family relationships, we can create a home environment that is peaceful, prosperous, and flourishing, much like the garden described in Song of Solomon 4:16. As we trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can expect to see His blessing and prosperity in our lives, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a wife to be like a fruitful vine within the home?
This phrase suggests a wife who is productive, nurturing, and flourishing in her role, much like the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31, bringing joy and blessing to her family.
Why are sons compared to olive shoots in this verse?
The comparison of sons to olive shoots indicates they are strong, healthy, and thriving, much like the olive tree described in Judges 9:8-15, which symbolizes peace and prosperity, and is a blessing from the Lord as seen in Deuteronomy 28:4.
Is this verse only applicable to families with both a wife and sons?
While this verse specifically mentions a wife and sons, the principles it conveys about a blessed and flourishing family can be applied to all types of families, as seen in Psalms 113:9, where God sets the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home.
How can I, as a believer, experience the blessing described in this verse?
To experience this blessing, one must fear the Lord and walk in His ways, as stated in Psalms 128:1, and trust in His sovereignty and goodness, as expressed in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can nurture and support my spouse to help them flourish like a fruitful vine?
- How can I create an environment in my home where my children can thrive and grow like olive shoots?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my fear of the Lord and walk in His ways to experience the blessings described in this verse?
- What are some practical steps I can take to prioritize family and cultivate a sense of community and togetherness around the table?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 128:3
Thy wife [shall be] as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house,.... The vine being a weak and tender tree, which needs propping and supporting; and often is fastened to the sides of a house, to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 128:3
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 128:3
As a fruitful vine; like the vine for fruitfulness; or like that sort of vines known by this name for its eminent fruitfulness, as some trees amongst us are for the same reason called the great bearers. By the sides of thine house, where the vines are commonly planted for support and other advantages; which being applied to the wife, may signify either, 1. The wife’ s duty to abide at home, , as the harlot is deciphered by her gadding abroad, ,12. Or rather, 2. The legitimateness of the children, which are begotten at home by the husband, and not abroad by strangers. Like olive plants, numerous, growing and flourishing, good both for ornament and manifold uses, as olive trees are. Round about thy table; where they shall sit at meat with thee, for thy comfort and safety.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 128:3
Psalms 128:3 Thy wife [shall be] as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.Ver. 3. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine] Full of bunches and clusters of rich ripe grapes; so she of children, and those virtuous; the little ones hanging on her breasts, as grapes on the vine; the elder as olive plants, straight, green, fresh, and flourishing, Psalms 52:8, legitimate also; as the olive admitteth no other graft. Indeed, the olive set into the vine yieldeth both grapes and olives, whereby is represented the natural affection that is between the mother and her children. The vine and the olive are two of the best fruits; the one for cheering the heart, the other for clearing the face, Psalms 104:15; the one for sweetness, the other for fatness, Judges 9:13, both together implying that a great part of a man’ s temporal happiness consisteth in having a good wife and children. It is said of Sulla that he had been happy had he never been so married, Si non habuissem uxorem; and Augustus’ wish was (but all too late), Utinam aut caelebs vixissem, aut orbus periissem, Oh that I had either lived single or died childless (Suetonius). By the sides of thine house] Where vines are usually planted, that they may have the benefit of the sun. The modest wife is domiporta, found at home, as Sarah in the tent; not so the harlot, Proverbs 7:12. Thy children like olive plants] See the note before on this verse. Round about thy table] Making a most delectable enclosure.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 128:3
(3) By the sides—No doubt the inner part of the house is meant (see Psalms 48:2)—the gynecœum or woman’s quarter—or perhaps the sides of the inner court or quadrangle. This is no more out of keeping with the figure of the vine than the table is with that of olive plants. Though the Hebrews had not yet developed the fatal habit of secluding their women, as later Orientals have done, still there was a strict custom which allotted a more private tent (Genesis 18:9) or part of a house to them. And doubtless we are here also to think of the good housewife who is engaged within at the household duties, and is not like the idle gossip, sitting “at the door of her house on a seat in the high places of the city” (Proverbs 9:14). The vine and olive are in Hebrew poetry frequent symbols of fruitfulness and of a happy, flourishing state. (See Psalms 52:8; Jeremiah 11:16.) The comparison of children to the healthy young shoots of a tree is, of course, common to all poetry, being indeed latent in such expressions as “scion of a noble house.” (Comp. Euripides, Medea 1,098: “a sweet young shoot of children.”)
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 128:3
3. as a fruitful vine] The fruitfulness, gracefulness, and preciousness of the vine are obvious points of comparison: its dependence and need of support may also be alluded to. by the sides of thine house] Rather, in the innermost chambers of thy house (Jer. in penetralibus domus tuae), to be connected with thy wife, as in the next line round about thy table obviously belongs to thy children. The women’s apartments were at the back of the tent or house, furthest from the entrance. thy sons like olive plants] The picture is that of the young olive trees springing up round the parent stem, fresh and full of promise. Cp. Thomson, Land and Book, p. 57. The evergreen olive is an emblem of vitality and vigour (Psalms 52:8; Jeremiah 11:16, &c.). round about thy table] Cp. 1 Samuel 16:11, “We will not sit round till he come hither.”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 128:3
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house - It is not uncommon in the East, as elsewhere, to train a vine along the sides of a house - partly to save ground; partly because it
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 128:3
3. By the sides of thine house—Literally. In the sides; supposed to denote “the background, or privacy of the house, where the housewife, who is not to be seen much out of doors, leads a quiet life,
Sermons on Psalms 128:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
07. Pictures of Promise in the Bible by Denny Kenaston | This sermon delves into Psalms 144, exploring the unique combination of war and a burden for the home that David expressed in his writing. It emphasizes the importance of God's inv |
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Hannah - an Epoch Making Vessel by Stephen Kaung | This sermon focuses on the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel, highlighting the power of travailing prayer and the importance of being a vessel for God's purposes. It emphasizes the nee |
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Homily 3 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of understanding the blessings and power available to believers through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the need for spi |
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Pentecostal Homes by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp preaches about the importance of Pentecostal influences in molding faithful, loving, harmonious, believing, fruitful, obedient, kind, and hospitable homes. He emphasiz |
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The Power of Staying Green by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of remaining spiritually healthy and flourishing in faith, using the metaphor of being 'green' as a sign of trust in God. He draws from Re |
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On Trusting in the Mercy of God by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the profound nature of trusting in God's mercy, distinguishing it from mere goodness and justice. He explains that true trust in mercy requires a deep con |
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Trusting in God's Mercy by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the profound nature of God's mercy, distinguishing it from mere goodness and justice. He explains that true trust in God's mercy requires a deep convictio |