Psalms 144:12
That 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:
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בָּנֵ֨ינוּ׀
That our sons
H1121
בָּנֵ֨ינוּ׀
That our sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 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
מְגֻדָּלִ֪ים
grown up
H1431
מְגֻדָּלִ֪ים
grown up
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
4 of 10
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
בִּֽנְעוּרֵ֫יהֶ֥ם
in their youth
H5271
בִּֽנְעוּרֵ֫יהֶ֥ם
in their youth
Strong's:
H5271
Word #:
5 of 10
(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)
בְּנוֹתֵ֥ינוּ
that our daughters
H1323
בְּנוֹתֵ֥ינוּ
that our daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
6 of 10
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
כְזָוִיֹּ֑ת
may be as corner stones
H2106
כְזָוִיֹּ֑ת
may be as corner stones
Strong's:
H2106
Word #:
7 of 10
an angle (as projecting), i.e., (by implication) a corner-column (or anta)
Cross References
Psalms 128:3Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.Job 42:15And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.Lamentations 4:2The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
Historical Context
Ancient Israel valued children highly—economic assets, covenant continuity. Strong sons defended; virtuous daughters built households (Proverbs 31).
Questions for Reflection
- How do "plants" and "corner stones" shape parenting goals?
- What would praying for children's flourishing look like?
- How do these challenge views of children as burdens?
Analysis & Commentary
That 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. Sons like plants suggest strength, vitality. Daughters like polished cornerstones suggest beauty, stability, structural importance. Both convey value and purpose.