Psalms 148:12
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
Original Language Analysis
בַּחוּרִ֥ים
Both young men
H970
בַּחוּרִ֥ים
Both young men
Strong's:
H970
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)
וְגַם
H1571
וְגַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בְּתוּל֑וֹת
and maidens
H1330
בְּתוּל֑וֹת
and maidens
Strong's:
H1330
Word #:
3 of 6
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
Historical Context
Ancient Israelite worship included all ages and both sexes at major festivals (Deuteronomy 16:11, 14). Women participated in temple worship (Anna, Luke 2:36-38), sang in victory celebrations (Exodus 15:20-21; 1 Samuel 18:6-7), and prophesied (Deborah, Huldah). Children learned torah in family and synagogue settings. The psalm's inclusivity reflects covenant community encompassing every member, anticipating the New Testament reality where "there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).
Questions for Reflection
- How does your faith community include and value the worship contributions of all ages—children, youth, adults, elderly?
- What unique perspectives and expressions of praise do different generations and genders bring to corporate worship?
- In what ways does this verse challenge cultural or religious barriers that exclude certain people from full participation in worship?
Analysis & Commentary
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: The final category called to praise encompasses all humanity across age and gender. The Hebrew uses four groups in two pairs: "young men and maidens" (bachurim vegam betulot, בַּחוּרִים וְגַם־בְּתוּלוֹת) represents youth in their prime, while "old men and children" (zeqenim im-ne'arim, זְקֵנִים עִם־נְעָרִים) brackets life's extremes—the aged and the very young. The inclusio is comprehensive: all ages, both sexes, every stage of human life.
This universal call demolishes all barriers to worship. Ancient cultures often restricted religious participation—women excluded from certain rituals, children considered too young, elderly past active service. Yet God's cosmic choir includes everyone: vigorous youth, mature elders, innocent children, men and women equally. Joel 2:28-29 prophesies the Spirit's outpouring on "all flesh... sons and daughters... old men... young men... servants and handmaids," fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:16-18).
The structure emphasizes corporate worship—not isolated individuals but "young men AND maidens," "old men WITH children." Generational and gender diversity enriches praise. Psalm 8:2 declares "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength"—even infant praise silences God's enemies. Revelation 7:9-10 envisions the ultimate fulfillment: "a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" worshiping together.