King James Version

What Does Psalms 144:12 Mean?

Psalms 144:12 in the King James Version says “That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the s...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 144 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace: polished: Heb. cut”

Psalms 144:12 · KJV

Context

10

It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword. salvation: or, victory

11

Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:

12

That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace: polished: Heb. cut

13

That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store : that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: all: Heb. from kind to kind

14

That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets. strong: Heb. able to bear burdens, or, loaden with flesh

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace. Sons like plants suggest strength, vitality. Daughters like polished cornerstones suggest beauty, stability, structural importance. Both convey value and purpose.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel valued children highly—economic assets, covenant continuity. Strong sons defended; virtuous daughters built households (Proverbs 31).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do "plants" and "corner stones" shape parenting goals?
  2. What would praying for children's flourishing look like?
  3. How do these challenge views of children as burdens?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אֲשֶׁ֤ר1 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּנֵ֨ינוּ׀2 of 10

“That our sons”

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

כִּנְטִעִים֮3 of 10

“may be as plants”

H5195

a plant

מְגֻדָּלִ֪ים4 of 10

“grown up”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

בִּֽנְעוּרֵ֫יהֶ֥ם5 of 10

“in their youth”

H5271

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

בְּנוֹתֵ֥ינוּ6 of 10

“that our daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

כְזָוִיֹּ֑ת7 of 10

“may be as corner stones”

H2106

an angle (as projecting), i.e., (by implication) a corner-column (or anta)

מְ֝חֻטָּב֗וֹת8 of 10

“polished”

H2404

to chop or carve wood

תַּבְנִ֥ית9 of 10

“after the similitude”

H8403

structure; by implication, a model, resemblance

הֵיכָֽל׃10 of 10

“of a palace”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

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 144:12 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 144:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 128:31 Peter 3:3-6Isaiah 44:3-5Psalms 115:14-15Job 42:15Song of Solomon 8:8-9

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