King James Version

What Does Psalms 128:6 Mean?

Psalms 128:6 in the King James Version says “Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 128 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.

Psalms 128:6 · KJV


Context

4

Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.

5

The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.

6

Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalm concludes with multi-generational blessing: 'Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.' The word 'yea' adds emphasis, building on verse 5. The phrase 'see thy children's children' promises longevity and generational continuity - living long enough to know grandchildren was considered great blessing (Genesis 50:23; Job 42:16; Proverbs 17:6). This extends the family imagery (v. 3) across multiple generations, demonstrating covenant continuity. Children's children mean legacy, memory, and covenant promises extending forward. The final phrase 'peace upon Israel' concludes with corporate blessing - shalom (peace, wholeness, flourishing) resting on the entire covenant community. Personal blessing (seeing grandchildren) and national blessing (peace on Israel) are held together. The psalm ends with vision of multi-generational family and peaceful nation - comprehensive well-being flowing from fearing the LORD.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient culture, grandchildren represented success in fulfilling the creation mandate (Genesis 1:28) and covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:2; 15:5). Seeing multiple generations meant one's line would continue and covenant identity would be preserved. The connection to Israel's peace reflects how individual families flourished best in stable, peaceful national context.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is seeing 'children's children' considered such significant blessing?
  2. How does the emphasis on generations encourage long-term, sustained faithfulness rather than short-term gain?
  3. What is the relationship between personal longevity (seeing grandchildren) and national peace?
  4. How does this ending challenge modern individualism that disconnects personal life from community welfare?
  5. In what ways do Christians experience multi-generational blessing and participate in the peace of God's people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וּרְאֵֽה1 of 6

Yea thou shalt see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

לְבָנֶ֑יךָ2 of 6

children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לְבָנֶ֑יךָ3 of 6

children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שָׁ֝ל֗וֹם4 of 6

and peace

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

עַל5 of 6
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃6 of 6

upon Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 128:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 128:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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