Psalm 127:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one 's youth.

NIV: Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.

NASB: Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.

CSB: Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth.

NLT: Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.

KJV: As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

NKJV: Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.

This compares children born when someone is young to arrows in the hand of a strong man. The symbolism is that of defense. A warrior with arrows has a means to protect himself and engage in battle. In broad terms, having more children means having more support and family as one ages. In the ancient world, this was especially important. There was no government retirement plan, so a person's survival through old age depended on his or her children. The original Hebrew uses a term which is literally "masculine," implying sons, but in this context refers to children in general.

Combined with verse 5, this statement has been used to suggest that God wants people to have the maximum number of children. That is not the point of this verse, though. Rather, the point is simply that children are a positive blessing from God. They should not be seen as burdens or problems to be solved.

Another humorous statement recommends: "raise your child so if someone asks if he is your son, he will stick out his chest and not his tongue." Children who obey and honor their parents as Ephesians 6:1–2 commands will enjoy the Lord's blessing in return (Ephesians 6:3). A close-knit family will not unravel when evildoers attack it. They will stand strong together. When the Jews returned from captivity to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, they came under attack, but worked by clans—family groupings—to complete the task (Nehemiah 3—4). Nehemiah encouraged the people to, "Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes" (Nehemiah 4:14). Strong Christian families can contribute their gifts and talents to the task of building up the church. Those families can be strong, even if circumstances are not exactly according to the typical family unit.

This psalm insists any work, whether it is constructive or defensive, is pointless when it's not aligned with God. Anything not grounded in godly truth is bound to fail, eventually. Long days spent striving to get what the Lord has not willed are just stress leading to sleepless nights. Keeping the theme of building for the future, children are not a burden but a blessing. The Lord rewards parents with children who help them achieve victory over life's challenges. The father of many children is blessed. Children help provide protection against every enemy that threatens the family's security.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.