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Psalms 127:4

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 127:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth.
Psalms 127:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 127

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain.
2It is vain for you to rise up early, To take rest late, To eat the bread of toil; [For] so he giveth unto his beloved sleep.
3Lo, children are a heritage of Jehovah; [And] the fruit of the womb is [his] reward.
4As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth.
5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: They shall not be put to shame, When they speak with their enemies in the gate. Psalm 128 A Song of Ascents.
← Psalms 127:3Psalms 127:5 →
← Full Chapter 127 Psalms Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“As arrows [are] in the hand of a mighty man, etc.] 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 enemies; (see <245009>Jeremiah 50:9); so [are] children of the youth: not young children, or children in their youth; but such who are born to their parents when they are in their youth; and which are generally healthful and strong, and their parents live to see them grown up; and who are useful to protect them, and defend their persons and properties from enemies when grown old and feeble, and unable to defend themselves: whereas children born to them in old age are generally unhealthy and…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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. 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. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Youth - These he prefers before other children, because they live longest with their parents, and to their comfort and support, whereas children born in old age seldom come to maturity before their parents death. Psalms 127:5”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“127:4-5 like arrows: God uses children to protect the reputation of his people against the wicked (cp. 120:4; 7:12-13).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“arrows: Jer 50:9 so are children: Pro 17:6, Pro 31:28 Psalms 127:5”
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Related study paths

Read Psalms 127 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification