According to Psalms 127:3-5, children are explicitly called a gift and reward from God, contributing to a sense of strength and security for their parents.
Based on the reference provided, the Bible verse Psalms 127:3-5 describes children in several ways that highlight them as blessings from God:
Children as a Gift and Reward
The passage begins by stating the foundational idea:
Psalms 127:3
"Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him."
This verse clearly identifies children not as mere biological outcomes, but as a specific gift or "heritage" bestowed by the divine, and a "reward" given by the Lord. This perspective frames the presence of children in a family as something originating from God's will and goodness.
Children as Strength and Capability
The analogy used in the passage illustrates the potential and value children bring, particularly when parents are young:
Psalms 127:4
"Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth."
This comparison likens children to arrows in the hand of a warrior. Just as arrows are tools that provide a warrior with the ability to defend and engage, children are seen as providing strength, capability, and a future support system for their parents. This strength is particularly potent when the children are born while the parents are still in their youth, suggesting they grow alongside their parents and become active contributors sooner.
The Blessing of a Full Quiver
The text connects the number of children to the degree of blessing and security:
Psalms 127:5
"Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court."
This verse directly calls the person with many children ("whose quiver is full") "blessed." It explains how this is a blessing: such parents will have support and standing, not being "put to shame" when facing challenges or adversaries, metaphorically represented here as contending "in court." This implies children provide social support, security, and perhaps even practical help when parents need to stand firm against opposition.
Summary of Blessings from Psalms 127:3-5
| Aspect of Children | Description from Psalm 127:3-5 | Implication as a Blessing |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Heritage from the LORD, a reward from Him | They are a divine gift, not merely a result of human effort |
| Potential/Role | Like arrows in the hands of a warrior | They provide strength, capability, and future support |
| Quantity (Many) | Whose quiver is full of them is blessed | Having many children enhances the blessing and security |
| Outcome of Blessing | Will not be put to shame against opponents in court | They provide defense and standing in times of challenge |
In conclusion, Psalms 127:3-5 portrays children as direct blessings from God, given as a heritage and reward. They are depicted as sources of strength and capability, like arrows for a warrior, and a large family is specifically noted as bringing blessedness and security against adversity.
