Psalms 127:4

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one's youth.

Psalms 127:4 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 127:4

As arrows [are] in the hand of a mighty man
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 ( 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 weak; and besides, their parents rarely live to see them brought up, or to be helpful to them. So Christ's spiritual seed and offspring, who are the dew of his youth, are strong, and overcome the evil one; and are serviceable in the defence of his cause and interest.

Psalms 127:4 In-Context

1 Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.

2 In vain you get up early and stay up late, eating food earned by hard work; certainly He gives sleep to the one He loves.

3 Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, children, a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one's youth.

5 Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them. Such men will never be put to shame when they speak with [their] enemies at the city gate.