Psalms 128:3
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
Original Language Analysis
פֹּרִיָּה֮
shall be as a fruitful
H6509
פֹּרִיָּה֮
shall be as a fruitful
Strong's:
H6509
Word #:
3 of 10
to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)
בְּיַרְכְּתֵ֪י
by the sides
H3411
בְּיַרְכְּתֵ֪י
by the sides
Strong's:
H3411
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess
בֵ֫יתֶ֥ךָ
of thine house
H1004
בֵ֫יתֶ֥ךָ
of thine house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 10
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
בָּ֭נֶיךָ
thy children
H1121
בָּ֭נֶיךָ
thy children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
זֵיתִ֑ים
like olive
H2132
זֵיתִ֑ים
like olive
Strong's:
H2132
Word #:
8 of 10
an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry
Cross References
Ezekiel 19:10Thy mother is like a vine in thy blood, planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters.Psalms 52:8But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.Romans 11:24For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?Genesis 49:22Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:Jeremiah 11:16The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.Psalms 144:12That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:Psalms 127:5Happy 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.
Historical Context
In ancient agrarian society, family was the basic economic and social unit. Children provided labor, continuity, and care in old age. Fertility was highly valued and seen as divine blessing (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 127:3-5). The imagery of vine and olive would resonate powerfully with people dependent on these crops. The verse reflects Israelite family values where multi-generational households gathered for meals.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the agricultural images (vine, olive plants) communicate blessing more effectively than abstract descriptions?
- What does comparing wife to a 'fruitful vine' suggest about her role and value in the household?
- How should modern readers apply this verse's celebration of family in contexts of singleness, infertility, or small families?
- What is the relationship between fearing God (v. 1) and experiencing family blessing (v. 3)?
- How does the image of children 'round about thy table' picture covenant continuity across generations?
Analysis & Commentary
Domestic blessing is described: 'Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house; thy children like olive plants round about thy table.' The imagery draws from agriculture - vine and olive plants were crucial to Israelite economy and symbolized abundance. Comparing wife to 'fruitful vine' emphasizes fertility, productivity, and life-giving qualities. Vines require care but produce abundantly. The location 'by the sides of thine house' suggests close intimacy - the wife is central to household life and flourishing. The phrase 'thy children like olive plants' continues agricultural imagery. Olive trees were long-lived, valuable, and productive - symbolizing children who bring lasting benefit. The phrase 'round about thy table' pictures family meals with multiple children gathered - a sign of blessing and covenant continuity. This verse celebrates family life as component of comprehensive blessing for the God-fearer.