Psalms 113:9

Authorized King James Version

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He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

Original Language Analysis

מֽוֹשִׁיבִ֨י׀ to keep H3427
מֽוֹשִׁיבִ֨י׀ to keep
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 1 of 8
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עֲקֶ֬רֶת He maketh the barren woman H6135
עֲקֶ֬רֶת He maketh the barren woman
Strong's: H6135
Word #: 2 of 8
sterile (as if extirpated in the generative organs)
הַבַּ֗יִת house H1004
הַבַּ֗יִת house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 3 of 8
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֵֽם mother H517
אֵֽם mother
Strong's: H517
Word #: 4 of 8
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
הַבָּנִ֥ים of children H1121
הַבָּנִ֥ים of children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 5 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שְׂמֵחָ֗ה and to be a joyful H8056
שְׂמֵחָ֗ה and to be a joyful
Strong's: H8056
Word #: 6 of 8
blithe or gleeful
הַֽלְלוּ Praise H1984
הַֽלְלוּ Praise
Strong's: H1984
Word #: 7 of 8
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
יָֽהּ׃ ye the LORD H3050
יָֽהּ׃ ye the LORD
Strong's: H3050
Word #: 8 of 8
jah, the sacred name

Analysis & Commentary

This verse celebrates God's compassionate intervention in human suffering. The Hebrew מוֹשִׁיבִי עֲקֶרֶת הַבַּיִת (moshivi aqeret habayit, 'He causes to dwell the barren woman of the house') shows God actively settling her in a home—transforming exile into belonging. The term עֲקֶרֶת (aqeret, 'barren') carried deep shame in ancient Israel, where a woman's worth was often measured by childbearing ability. Barrenness meant no legacy, no security in old age, and social stigma. The phrase אֵם־הַבָּנִים שְׂמֵחָה (em-habanim semechah, 'joyful mother of children') represents complete reversal—from shame to honor, from isolation to family, from sorrow to joy.

The concluding הַלְלוּ־יָהּ (hallelu-Yah, 'Praise the LORD') is not mere formula but explosive gratitude. This verse echoes Hannah's story (1 Samuel 2:5), Sarah's laughter-turned-joy (Genesis 21), and prefigures Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). The transformation from barrenness to motherhood represents God's power to overturn impossible situations, making this verse beloved by those experiencing any form of spiritual or physical barrenness. The psalmist sees this personal miracle as revealing God's character—He lifts the lowly and reverses human hopelessness.

Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, particularly Israel, barrenness was considered divine judgment or curse. Childless women faced social stigma, legal vulnerability (no sons to inherit or protect them), and deep psychological anguish. The Law protected widows and orphans but offered little for the barren. Yet Scripture repeatedly highlights God's compassion for barren women: Sarah (Genesis 21), Rebekah (Genesis 25:21), Rachel (Genesis 30:22), Manoah's wife/Samson's mother (Judges 13), Hannah (1 Samuel 1), and the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4). Psalm 113, part of the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118) recited at Passover and other festivals, emphasizes God's care for the lowly—the poor, needy, and barren. This verse became a source of hope for countless women through centuries of Jewish and Christian worship.

Questions for Reflection