Psalm 127 5

Psalm 127:5 kjv

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:5 nkjv

Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:5 niv

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

Psalm 127:5 esv

Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:5 nlt

How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.

Psalm 127 verses

Psalm 127 5 Meaning

Psalm 127:5 declares the blessedness of a man who is abundantly fruitful with children, likening his offspring to a full quiver of arrows, representing strength and readiness. Such a man will not suffer public humiliation when confronting adversaries in the city gate, a place of legal, commercial, and social dealings, because his many sons provide defense, support, and social standing. The verse highlights that true security, honor, and prosperity come from the Lord through the gift of children, in contrast to reliance on one's own efforts.

Psalm 127 5 Context

Psalm 127 is one of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), traditionally sung by pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. The first two verses set the foundation, declaring that all human endeavors—building a house, watching a city, or even working tirelessly—are futile "unless the Lord builds" or "unless the Lord watches." This foundational truth establishes that divine blessing is paramount over human effort. Verses 3-5 then extend this principle specifically to family and posterity, revealing that children are not merely products of human effort but a "heritage from the Lord." They are presented as a source of strength and honor, particularly in the socio-legal context of the ancient Near Eastern city gate, where public life and justice occurred. This particular verse, Psalm 127:5, serves as the concluding affirmation of the blessedness associated with God-given offspring, encapsulating the entire psalm's message: reliance on God yields true blessing, manifest both in a secure home and honorable progeny.

Psalm 127 5 Word analysis

• Happy (אֶשְׁרֵי - ashrei): More than a fleeting emotion, ashrei denotes a state of deep well-being, divine favor, and flourishing. It signifies "blessedness" or "fortunate." It suggests God's approval and the resulting prosperity in all areas of life, aligning with the "blessed" language in Psalms 1:1 and other Beatitudes in Scripture. It implies not self-made success but a condition bestowed by God.
• is the man (הַגֶּבֶר - ha-gever): While "man" is general, gever often carries the connotation of a strong man, a mighty man, or a warrior. This highlights that even those considered powerful or prominent in society still find their true strength and blessedness not in their own might but in the gift of God-given children.
• who has his quiver (אַשְׁפָּתוֹ - 'ashpato): A quiver is a portable container for arrows. This is a vivid metaphor, as "sons" were likened to "arrows" in the preceding verse. The presence of a quiver signifies readiness, weaponry, and the capacity for defense. It implies an ongoing supply of what is needed for battles of life.
• full (מָלֵא - maleh): Implies abundance and completeness. A full quiver is well-supplied, not lacking, signifying a large family providing ample support and influence. It speaks to divine provision beyond basic necessity.
• of them (from children in v.3-4): Explicitly links back to "children" (בָּנִים - banim) as a "heritage from the Lord" (נַחֲלַת יְהוָה - nachalat YHVH) and "arrows in the hand of a warrior" (כְּחִצִּים בְּיַד גִּבּוֹר - ke-hitzim be-yad gibbor). The abundance refers specifically to these offspring.
• they shall not be put to shame (לֹא יֵבֹשׁוּ - lo yevoshu): "Shame" (יֵבֹשׁ - yavosh) denotes disgrace, humiliation, or public embarrassment. In the ancient world, being put to shame meant losing face, honor, and social standing. The phrase promises public vindication and respect. This stands in direct contrast to the futility of human toil without God, which could lead to shame (Psa 127:1-2).
• when they speak (כִּי־יְדַבְּרוּ - ki-yedabberu): Implies pleading, arguing, or contending, especially in a legal or disputing context. It refers to engaging in discourse or legal proceedings, likely for their rights or on behalf of their family.
• with their enemies (אֶת־אוֹיְבִים - et-oyevim): Adversaries, legal opponents, or those who wish harm or discredit.
• in the gate (בַשָּׁעַר - ba-sha'ar): The city gate was not merely an entrance but the primary public space in ancient cities. It served as the place for legal judgments, commercial transactions, public assemblies, and community deliberations. A man's standing "in the gate" symbolized his honor, influence, and the protection he could command, supported by his strong lineage. The presence of adult sons added weight to one's arguments and provided physical backing.

• "Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them": This phrase beautifully consolidates the idea of children as a divine blessing and a source of strength. It implies not only numerical abundance but also the quality and usefulness of these "arrows" (well-trained and supportive children). This "happiness" is a direct result of God's favor.
• "they shall not be put to shame when they speak with their enemies in the gate": This phrase ties together the social and legal protection offered by numerous, capable offspring. In a society where family reputation and support were vital, a large and loyal family meant social clout, a strong defense against slander or false accusation, and influence in public life. The man with many sons is thus respected and secure, his honor preserved against challenges.

Psalm 127 5 Bonus section

The concept of "the gate" is foundational to understanding this verse's social and legal implications. It symbolizes the nucleus of ancient civic life, where legal cases were tried, property was bought and sold, and communal decisions were made. The "elders" and influential men gathered there to govern and resolve disputes. For a man to "speak with his enemies in the gate" refers to potential legal disputes or public challenges to his honor or property. In such scenarios, the presence and advocacy of a man's grown sons were invaluable. They could bear witness, provide physical deterrence against intimidation, or lend their collective voice, giving the father substantial weight and ensuring his vindication. This illustrates the protective and honorable aspect of God-given children, demonstrating their tangible value beyond mere procreation. This stands in contrast to common pagan views that often sought fertility through rituals to other gods, as this psalm explicitly attributes children as a "heritage from the Lord."

Psalm 127 5 Commentary

Psalm 127:5 concludes the psalm by affirming that a divinely blessed man, evidenced by a large family, finds true honor and security. Children, seen as "arrows" from the Lord, represent not just future lineage but also present strength and defense. In the strategic locale of the city gate—the heart of public life and justice—a father supported by numerous capable sons held undeniable social and legal influence. He would "not be put to shame" when advocating his case or engaging with adversaries, as his substantial family provided collective support, standing, and a deterrent to ill-will. This verse, like the rest of the psalm, shifts the source of true blessing from human endeavor or numerical power in itself to the providential hand of the Lord. The blessing of children enables not just familial continuity but public vindication and honor. This serves as a strong encouragement that divine provisions (like children) grant tangible strength and confidence for life's inevitable confrontations, far surpassing what human effort alone can secure.

Practical examples:

• Family Unity: A family where children honor and support their parents, speaking up for them in times of need.
• Community Standing: A person whose integrity and family are respected within their community, granting them a strong voice.
• Intergenerational Strength: When an older generation, supported by younger generations, can confidently face life's challenges because of combined wisdom and vigor.