Psalms 147:13
Psalms 147:13 in Multiple Translations
For He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses the children within you.
For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.
For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; He hath blessed thy children within thee.
He has made strong the iron bands of your doors; he has sent blessings on your children inside your walls.
He makes the bars on your city gates strong, and blesses your children around you.
For he hath made the barres of thy gates strong, and hath blessed thy children within thee.
For He did strengthen the bars of thy gates, He hath blessed thy sons in thy midst.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates. He has blessed your children within you.
For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.
He guards your city by keeping its gates strong. He blesses the people who live there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 147:13
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 147:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
חִ֭זַּק
בְּרִיחֵ֣י
שְׁעָרָ֑יִ/ךְ
בֵּרַ֖ךְ
בָּנַ֣יִ/ךְ
בְּ/קִרְבֵּֽ/ךְ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
חִ֭זַּק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
בְּרִיחֵ֣י
bᵉrîyach
H1280
bar
N-mp
שְׁעָרָ֑יִ/ךְ
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-mp | Suff
בֵּרַ֖ךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
בָּנַ֣יִ/ךְ
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
בְּ/קִרְבֵּֽ/ךְ
qereb
H7130
entrails
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 147:13
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
חִ֭זַּק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
בְּרִיחֵ֣י
bᵉrîyach
H1280
"bar"
N-mp
A bar or bolt, often made of wood, used to secure city gates or as a symbol of tribulation. It represents a fortress or a prison.
Definition: 1) bar 1a) of wood 1b) of city gates 2) of tribulation, a fortress, of the earth as a prison (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bar, fugitive. See also: Exodus 26:26; 2 Chronicles 14:6; Psalms 107:16.
שְׁעָרָ֑יִ/ךְ
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
בֵּרַ֖ךְ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
בָּנַ֣יִ/ךְ
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.
בְּ/קִרְבֵּֽ/ךְ
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 147:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 147:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 147:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 147:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:13
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:13
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:13
- Sermons on Psalms 147:13
Context — It Is Good to Sing Praises
11The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.
12Exalt the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion!
13For He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses the children within you.
14He makes peace at your borders; He fills you with the finest wheat. 15He sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 128:3–6 | Your wife will be like a fruitful vine flourishing within your house, your sons like olive shoots sitting around your table. In this way indeed shall blessing come to the man who fears the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion, that you may see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life, that you may see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel! |
| 2 | Psalms 115:14–15 | May the LORD give you increase, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. |
| 3 | Isaiah 44:3–5 | For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. They will sprout among the grass like willows by flowing streams. One will say, ‘I belong to the LORD,’ another will call himself by the name of Jacob, and still another will write on his hand, ‘The LORD’s,’ and will take the name of Israel.” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 30:19–20 | Thanksgiving will proceed from them, a sound of celebration. I will multiply them, and they will not be decreased; I will honor them, and they will not be belittled. Their children will be as in days of old, and their congregation will be established before Me; and I will punish all their oppressors. |
| 5 | Psalms 144:12 | Then our sons will be like plants nurtured in their youth, our daughters like corner pillars carved to adorn a palace. |
| 6 | Psalms 125:2 | As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 12:30 | After the priests and Levites had purified themselves, they purified the people, the gates, and the wall. |
| 8 | Lamentations 2:8–9 | The LORD determined to destroy the wall of the Daughter of Zion. He stretched out a measuring line and did not withdraw His hand from destroying. He made the ramparts and walls lament; together they waste away. Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has destroyed and shattered their bars. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and even her prophets find no vision from the LORD. |
| 9 | Psalms 48:11–14 | Mount Zion is glad, the daughters of Judah rejoice, on account of Your judgments. March around Zion, encircle her, count her towers, consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation. For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even till death. |
| 10 | Zechariah 8:3–5 | This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.” This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Old men and old women will again sit along the streets of Jerusalem, each with a staff in hand because of great age. And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing there.” |
Psalms 147:13 Summary
This verse means that God is our protector and provider, and He cares about every aspect of our lives, including our families and our communities. He wants to bless and protect us, just like a father would, as seen in Matthew 7:11. When we put our trust in Him, He strengthens us and gives us peace, as stated in Philippians 4:7, and He provides for our needs, as seen in Matthew 6:33. By trusting in God's care and provision, we can have confidence and security, knowing that He is always with us, as promised in Hebrews 13:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to strengthen the bars of our gates?
This phrase is a metaphor for God's protection and care over our lives, as seen in Psalms 147:13, similar to how He protected the Israelites in Exodus 14:20, providing a safe and secure environment for His people to thrive.
How does God bless the children within us?
God's blessing on children is a promise of provision, protection, and guidance, as seen in Psalms 127:3, where children are called a heritage from the Lord, and in Matthew 19:14, where Jesus welcomes and blesses the little children.
Is this verse only for Israelites or can it apply to believers today?
While the original context of Psalms 147:13 is addressed to Jerusalem and Zion, the principles of God's protection and blessing can be applied to believers today, as we are also called to be a holy nation and a royal priesthood, as stated in 1 Peter 2:9-10.
How can I experience God's strengthening and blessing in my life?
To experience God's strengthening and blessing, we must first put our trust in Him, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, and then obey His commands, as seen in John 14:15, and finally, we must pray and ask for His blessing, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I feel like God is strengthening the 'bars of my gates' in my life right now, and how can I trust Him more in this area?
- How can I be a blessing to the children in my life, whether they are my own or those in my community, and what does it mean to 'bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord' as stated in Ephesians 6:4?
- What are some areas of my life where I feel like I need God's protection and care, and how can I pray for His strengthening and blessing in those areas?
- How does this verse relate to my role as a parent or caregiver, and what does it mean to 'train up a child in the way he should go' as stated in Proverbs 22:6?
- In what ways can I 'exalt the Lord' and 'praise my God' as encouraged in Psalms 147:12, and how can I make worship a part of my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:13
For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates,.... Of Jerusalem, of Zion the church of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:13
Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion. Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem. For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates. The walls of Jerusalem had just been built, and the gates set up, under Nehemiah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 147:13
Thy strength consists not in thy walls, and gates, and bars, but in his protection.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:13
Psalms 147:13 For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.Ver. 13. For he hath strengthened the bars, &c.] So that the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. God hath promised to break in pieces those gates of brass, and cut in sunder those bars of iron (as Samson did the gates of Gaza), Isaiah 45:2, to perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle his saints, 1 Peter 5:10, to he a wall of fire round about them, &c. He hath blessed thy children within thee] Making them to be many, Isaiah 54:1, and all taught of God, Psalms 147:13, children that will not lie, Isaiah 63:8.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 147:13
(13) For he hath strengthened.—An allusion to the new fortifications of the restored city is probable, though the expression is plainly figurative of security and peace. With the second clause comp. Isaiah 60:17-18.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:13
Verse 13. He hath strengthened the bars of thy gates] He has enabled thee to complete the walls of Jerusalem. From the former part of the Psalm it appears the walls were then in progress; from this part, they appear to be completed, and provisions to be brought into the city, to support its inhabitants. The gates were set up and well secured by bars, so that the grain, &c., was in safety.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:13
13. he hath strengthened] The same word is used in Nehemiah 3:4 ff. of repairing or fortifying the wall and gates. All through Nehemiah’s narrative appears the conviction that “this work was wrought of our God.” the bars of thy gates] There may be a particular reference to Nehemiah 3:3; Nehemiah 3:6; Nehemiah 3:13-15. thy children] Zion is regarded as the mother of its inhabitants.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:13
For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates - He has made thee safe and secure - as if he had given additional strength to the fastenings of the gates of the city. Cities were surrounded by walls.
Sermons on Psalms 147:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 Challenge of Every Christian - Part 6 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians communicating Christ as the ultimate answer to the desperate needs of the world. They discuss the means of commu |
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Challenge of Every Christian - Part 1 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of revival in the church. He highlights the need for the Holy Spirit to bring life and vitality to the church and its ministr |
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Christian Growth - Part 6 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob had lived his life independently of God, making mistakes and facing the consequences. Eventually, Go |