Psalms 127:5

Authorized King James Version

Happy 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַשְׁרֵ֤י

H835

Happy

happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!

הַגֶּ֗בֶר

H1397

is the man

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מִלֵּ֥א

H4390

full

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַשְׁפָּת֗וֹ

H827

that hath his quiver

a quiver or arrow-case

מֵ֫הֶ֥ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵבֹ֑שׁוּ

H954

of them they shall not be ashamed

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

#10

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

יְדַבְּר֖וּ

H1696

but they shall speak

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#12

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#13

אוֹיְבִ֣ים

H341

with the enemies

hating; an adversary

#14

בַּשָּֽׁעַר׃

H8179

in the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 127 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?