Psalms 84:3
Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
מָ֪צְאָה
hath found
H4672
מָ֪צְאָה
hath found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
בַ֡יִת
an house
H1004
בַ֡יִת
an house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 16
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
קֵ֥ן
a nest
H7064
קֵ֥ן
a nest
Strong's:
H7064
Word #:
6 of 16
a nest (as fixed), sometimes including the nestlings; figuratively, a chamber or dwelling
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁ֪תָה
for herself where she may lay
H7896
שָׁ֪תָה
for herself where she may lay
Strong's:
H7896
Word #:
9 of 16
to place (in a very wide application)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֣ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Psalms 90:1Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.Psalms 91:1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.Matthew 8:20And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.Psalms 43:4Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
Historical Context
Psalm 84 is a Korahite pilgrimage psalm, sung by worshipers journeying to Jerusalem for festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles). The Sons of Korah were Levitical singers (1 Chronicles 6:31-37) whose ancestors rebelled against Moses (Numbers 16) but whose remnant found grace. The mention of sparrows nesting at the altars reflects actual temple life—birds would nest in the temple structure. For pilgrims living far from Jerusalem, longing for God's house was intense; this psalm gave voice to holy homesickness.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it reveal about God's character that even sparrows find welcome at His altars—how should this affect your approach to Him?
- Do you long for God's presence with the same intensity as the psalmist envies birds near the temple? What hinders or cultivates such longing?
- How does Jesus's teaching that God cares for sparrows (Matthew 10:29-31) connect to this psalm's imagery?
Analysis & Commentary
Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. This tender image contrasts small, seemingly insignificant birds with the majesty of God's sanctuary. "Sparrow" (צִפּוֹר/tsippor) and "swallow" (דְּרוֹר/deror) represent humble creatures, yet they find refuge at God's altar. The psalmist envies their access to the holy place.
The phrase "where she may lay her young" emphasizes the nest's purpose—not merely shelter but place for nurturing new life. "Even thine altars" (גַּם־מִזְבְּחוֹתֶיךָ/gam-mizbechotecha) suggests birds nesting near the temple altars, the very place where sacrifices were offered. The holiest space on earth welcomes the smallest creatures. This paradox reveals God's character: the transcendent LORD of hosts makes room for the humble.
The piled-up titles—"O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God"—express intensifying intimacy. "LORD of hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת/Yahweh Tseva'ot) denotes the commander of heavenly armies; "my King" (מַלְכִּי/malki) claims personal allegiance to the sovereign; "my God" (אֱלֹהָי/Elohai) affirms covenant relationship. The One who commands angel armies invites personal intimacy.