King James Version

What Does Psalms 148:12 Mean?

Psalms 148:12 in the King James Version says “Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 148 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:”

Psalms 148:12 · KJV

Context

10

Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: flying: Heb. birds of wing

11

Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

12

Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:

13

Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. excellent: Heb. exalted

14

He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.

Read Psalms 148 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: The final category called to praise encompasses all humanity across age and gender. The Hebrew uses four groups in two pairs: "young men and maidens" (bachurim vegam betulot, בַּחוּרִים וְגַם־בְּתוּלוֹת) represents youth in their prime, while "old men and children" (zeqenim im-ne'arim, זְקֵנִים עִם־נְעָרִים) brackets life's extremes—the aged and the very young. The inclusio is comprehensive: all ages, both sexes, every stage of human life.

This universal call demolishes all barriers to worship. Ancient cultures often restricted religious participation—women excluded from certain rituals, children considered too young, elderly past active service. Yet God's cosmic choir includes everyone: vigorous youth, mature elders, innocent children, men and women equally. Joel 2:28-29 prophesies the Spirit's outpouring on "all flesh... sons and daughters... old men... young men... servants and handmaids," fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:16-18).

The structure emphasizes corporate worship—not isolated individuals but "young men AND maidens," "old men WITH children." Generational and gender diversity enriches praise. Psalm 8:2 declares "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength"—even infant praise silences God's enemies. Revelation 7:9-10 envisions the ultimate fulfillment: "a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" worshiping together.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israelite worship included all ages and both sexes at major festivals (Deuteronomy 16:11, 14). Women participated in temple worship (Anna, Luke 2:36-38), sang in victory celebrations (Exodus 15:20-21; 1 Samuel 18:6-7), and prophesied (Deborah, Huldah). Children learned torah in family and synagogue settings. The psalm's inclusivity reflects covenant community encompassing every member, anticipating the New Testament reality where "there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your faith community include and value the worship contributions of all ages—children, youth, adults, elderly?
  2. What unique perspectives and expressions of praise do different generations and genders bring to corporate worship?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge cultural or religious barriers that exclude certain people from full participation in worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בַּחוּרִ֥ים1 of 6

“Both young men”

H970

properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)

וְגַם2 of 6
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בְּתוּל֑וֹת3 of 6

“and maidens”

H1330

a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state

זְ֝קֵנִ֗ים4 of 6

“old men”

H2205

old

עִם5 of 6
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

נְעָרִֽים׃6 of 6

“and children”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

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 148:12 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 148:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 31:13Psalms 68:25Titus 2:4-6Psalms 8:2Zechariah 9:17Luke 19:37

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