Psalms 127:5
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.
Original Language Analysis
אַשְׁרֵ֤י
Happy
H835
אַשְׁרֵ֤י
Happy
Strong's:
H835
Word #:
1 of 14
happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
הַגֶּ֗בֶר
is the man
H1397
הַגֶּ֗בֶר
is the man
Strong's:
H1397
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מִלֵּ֥א
full
H4390
מִלֵּ֥א
full
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
4 of 14
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵבֹ֑שׁוּ
of them they shall not be ashamed
H954
יֵבֹ֑שׁוּ
of them they shall not be ashamed
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְדַבְּר֖וּ
but they shall speak
H1696
יְדַבְּר֖וּ
but they shall speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
11 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Historical Context
City gates were where legal cases were heard (Genesis 23:10, Ruth 4). A man with many sons had representatives to defend family interests, providing social capital and security.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this challenge views that large families are irresponsible?
- What would "full quiver" mean for those called to spiritual parenting?
- How does family strength in public square connect to church's cultural engagement?
Analysis & Commentary
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. A full quiver means many children. The blessing isn't just private joy but public strength—they won't be shamed when confronting enemies in the gate (law courts). Many sons meant advocates, defenders. This challenges small-family preferences.