Psalms 147:13
For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חִ֭זַּק
For he hath strengthened
H2388
חִ֭זַּק
For he hath strengthened
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
2 of 7
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
בֵּרַ֖ךְ
he hath blessed
H1288
בֵּרַ֖ךְ
he hath blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
5 of 7
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
Cross References
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 125:2As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.Nehemiah 12:30And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.Nehemiah 7:1Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,Psalms 51:18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.Nehemiah 6:1Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)Nehemiah 7:3And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.Lamentations 4:12The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.Daniel 9:25Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
Historical Context
Nehemiah's rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and gates (Nehemiah 3-6) provided historical context for this imagery. The returned exiles faced hostile opposition during reconstruction. Once completed, the fortified city represented God's faithfulness to restore His people. The blessing of children within secure walls reversed the exile's devastation, where families were scattered and children grew up in foreign lands. This psalm celebrates both physical restoration and renewed covenant relationship.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'gates' in your spiritual life need God's strengthening to protect against enemy attacks?
- How does God's promise to bless 'children within' speak to the importance of discipleship and spiritual reproduction?
- In what ways does external security (strong gates) relate to internal blessing (thriving children) in the life of faith communities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee. The Hebrew chizzaq brichei she'arayik (חִזַּק בְּרִיחֵי שְׁעָרָיִךְ) uses chizzaq, meaning to make strong, fortify, or secure. City gates were vulnerable points in ancient defenses; strong bars (brichei, בְּרִיחֵי) were essential for security against invaders. God's strengthening of Jerusalem's gates represents His protective covenant faithfulness—He Himself guards His people.
The second half shifts from external security to internal blessing: "he hath blessed thy children within thee" (beirakh banayik beqirbek, בֵּרַךְ בָּנַיִךְ בְּקִרְבֵּךְ). The verb beirakh (blessed) conveys God's active favor, prosperity, and multiplication. Banayik (your children/sons) extends God's covenant promise generationally—He doesn't merely preserve the present generation but ensures a future through their offspring. The phrase beqirbek (within you/in your midst) emphasizes internal wholeness and communal blessing.
This dual blessing—external protection and internal flourishing—fulfills covenant promises. Deuteronomy 28:3-6 details blessings for obedience: safety, fruitful wombs, agricultural abundance. The New Testament applies this spiritually: Christ is the gate who protects His sheep (John 10:9), and believers are blessed with spiritual children—disciples made through gospel proclamation (Galatians 4:26-27; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8).