Psalms 127:4

Psalms 127:4 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
• New International Version (NIV)Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.

Context of Psalms 127:4

2It is vain for you to rise early, come home late, and work so hard for your food. Yes, he can provide for those whom he loves even when they sleep. 3Yes, sons are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Sons born during one’s youth are like arrows in a warrior’s hand. 5How blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! They will not be put to shame when they confront enemies at the city gate.

Psalms 127:4 word by word

כְּחִצִּ֥ים בְּיַד־גִּבּ֑וֹר כֵּ֝֗ן בְּנֵ֣י הַנְּעוּרִֽים׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• As arrowsחֵץchêts · arrowH2671
• in the handיָדyâd · handH3027
• of a mighty manגִּבּוֹרgibbôr gibbôr · mighty manH1368
• childrenבֵּןbên · son: childH1121
• of the youthנְעוּרִיםnâ‛ûr nâ‛ûr ne‛ûrâh · youthH5271

Cross-references for Psalms 127:4

• Jeremiah 50:9For I will rouse into action and bring against Babylon a host of mighty nations from the land of the north. They will set up their battle lines against her. They will come from the north and capture her. Their arrows will be like a skilled soldier who does not return from the battle empty-handed.
• Proverbs 17:6Grandchildren are like a crown to the elderly, and the glory of children is their parents.
• Proverbs 31:28Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also praises her:

Commentaries on Psalms 127:4

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man - Each child will, in the process of time, be a defense and support to the family, as arrows in the quiver of a skillful 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…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 4As 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. So are children of the youth - Sons in their youth; in their prime and vigor. The comparison of sons with arrows or spears is common in Arabic poetry. See Rosenmuller, Com. in loc. Also Morgenland, in loc.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 4-5Like arrows: The image compares children to arrows in a warrior’s hand. Children strengthen and support the family and help defend its honor when others accuse or oppose them (compare Psalms 120:4; 7:12–13).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 3-53-5. Posterity is often represented as a blessing from God (Ge 30:2, 18; 1Sa 1:19, 20). Children are represented as the defenders (arrows) of their parents in war, and in litigation.Read the comment

Topics related to Psalms 127:4

• Blessing
• Children

In the dictionaries

• Degrees, Song of
• Hallel
• Psalms
• Wake
• Archery
• Crime; Crimes
• Degree
• Degrees, Songs of
• Dial of Ahaz
• Hallelujah

Commentaries on Psalms 127

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• The Treasury of David
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings