King James Version
Psalms 127
5 verses with commentary
Unless the Lord Builds the House
A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. for: or, of Solomon that: Heb. that are builders of it in it
View commentary
Solomon's wisdom psalm establishes divine sovereignty over human endeavors through parallel declarations: God must build the house, God must keep the city, or human labor is 'vain' (shav—empty, worthless). This isn't a call to passivity but recognition that apart from God's blessing, even diligent work proves futile (John 15:5). The verse applies to literal construction, family building (verses 3-5), and all human enterprises. It echoes the foundational truth that 'in him we live, and move, and have our being' (Acts 17:28) and anticipates Christ's teaching about abiding in the vine for fruitfulness.
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
View commentary
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows—Shav (vain, worthless). For so he giveth his beloved sleep (כֵּן יִתֵּן לִידִידוֹ שֵׁנָא, ken yitten li-ydido shena). Psalm 127 contrasts anxious striving with God-dependent rest. The issue isn't hard work but anxious toil driven by self-reliance. God gives his beloved sleep—not just physical rest but peace of trusting him. This echoes Jesus: "Take no thought for your life" (Matthew 6:25-32). Faith works hard but rests easy.
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
View commentary
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD (הִנֵּה נַחֲלַת יְהוָה בָּנִים, hinneh nachalat YHWH banim). And the fruit of the womb is his reward. Children are nachalah (inheritance)—they belong to God, entrusted to parents. They're sakar (reward)—not burden but blessing. This challenges cultures viewing children as economic liability.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
View commentary
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Arrows extend a warrior's reach; require strength to draw; achieve what the warrior alone cannot. Children born in youth are especially valuable—young parents have energy, and children reach maturity while parents are active.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. his: Heb. filled his quiver with them speak: or, subdue, or, destroy
View commentary
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them. They shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. A full quiver means many children. The blessing isn't just private joy but public strength—they won't be shamed when confronting enemies in the gate (law courts). Many sons meant advocates, defenders. This challenges small-family preferences.