TRV
Translation
King James Version
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Berean Standard Bible
Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.
American Standard Version
Lo, children are a heritage of Jehovah; Andthe fruit of the womb ishisreward.
World English Bible Messianic
Behold, children are a heritage of the LORD. The fruit of the womb is his reward.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Beholde, children are the inheritance of the Lord, and the fruite of the wombe his rewarde.
Young's Literal Translation
Lo, an inheritance of Jehovah are sons, A reward is the fruit of the womb.
In the KJVVerse 16,125 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 127 verses 1–5
1 ¶ 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.
2 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.
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5 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.
We are here taught to have a continual regard to the divine Providence in all the concerns of this life. Solomon was cried up for a wise man, and would be apt to lean to his own understanding and forecast, and therefore his father teaches him to look higher, and to take God along with him in his undertakings. He was to be a man of business, and therefore David instructed him how to manage his business under the direction of his religion. Parents, in teaching their children, should suit their exhortations to their condition and occasions. We must have an eye to God,
I. In all the affairs and business of the family, even of the royal family, for kings' houses are no longer safe than while God protects them. We must depend upon God's blessing and not our own contrivance, 1. For the raising of a family: Except the Lord build the house, by his providence and blessing, those labour in vain, though ever so ingenious, that build it. We may understand it of the material house: except the Lord bless the building it is to no purpose for men to build, any more than for the builders of Babel, who attempted in defiance of heaven, or Hiel, who built Jericho under a curse. If the model and design be laid in pride and vanity, or if the foundations be laid in oppression and injustice (Hab 2:11, Hab 2:12), God certainly does not build there; nay, if God be not acknowledged, we have no reason to expect his blessing, and without his blessing all is nothing. Or, rather, it is to be understood of the making of a family considerable that was mean; men labour to do this by advantageous matches, offices, employments, purchases; but all in vain, unless God build up the family, and raise the poor out of the dust. The best-laid project fails unless God crown it with success. See Mal 1:4. 2. For the securing of a family or a city (for this is what the psalmist particularly mentions): if the guards of the city cannot secure it without God, much less can the good man of the house save his house from being broken up. Except the Lord keep the city from fire, from enemies, the watchmen, who go about the city, or patrol upon the walls of it, though they neither slumber nor sleep, wake but in vain, for a raging fire may break out, the mischief of which the timeliest discoveries may not be able to prevent. The guards may be slain, or the city betrayed and lost, by a thousand accidents, which the most watchful sentinel or most cautious governor could not obviate. 3. For the enriching of a family; this is a work of time and thought, but cannot be effected without the favour of Providence any more than that which is the product of one happy turn: "It is vain for you to rise up early and sit up late, and so to deny yourselves your bodily refreshments, in the eager pursuit of the wealth of the world." Usually, those that rise early do not care for sitting up late, nor can those that sit up late easily persuade themselves to rise early; but there are some so hot upon the world that they will do both, will rob their sleep to pay their cares. And they have as little comfort in their meals as in their rest; they eat the bread of sorrows. It is part of our sentence that we eat our bread in the sweat of our face; but those go further: all their days they eat in darkness, Ecc 5:17. They are continually fell of care, which embitters their comforts, and makes their lives a burden to them. All this is to get money, and all in vain except God prosper them, for riches are not always to men of understanding, Ecc 9:11. Those that love God, and are beloved of him, have their minds easy and live very comfortably without this ado. Solomon was called Jedidiah - Beloved of the Lord (Sa2 12:25); to him the kingdom was promised, and then it was in vain for Absalom to rise up early, to wheedle the people, and for Adonijah to make such a stir, and to say, I will be king. Solomon sits still, and, being beloved of the Lord, to him he gives sleep and the kingdom too. Note, (1.) Inordinate excessive care about the things of this world is a vain a d fruitless thing. We weary ourselves for vanity if we have it, and often weary ourselves in vain for it, Hag 1:6, Hag 1:9. (2.) Bodily sleep is God's gift to his beloved. We owe it to his goodness that our sleep is safe (Psa 4:8), that it is sweet, Jer 31:25, Jer 31:26. God gives us sleep as he gives it to his beloved when with it he gives us grace to lie down in his fear (our souls returning to him and reposing in him as our rest), and when we awake to be still with him and to use the refreshment we have by sleep in his service. He gives his beloved sleep, that is, quietness and contentment of mind, and comfortable enjoyment of what is present and a comfortable expectation of what is to come. Our care must be to keep ourselves in the love of God, and then we may be easy whether we have little or much of this world.
II. In the increase of the family. He shows, 1. That children are God's gift, Psa 127:3. If children are withheld it is God that withholds them (Gen 30:2); if they are given, it is God that gives them (Gen 33:5); and they are to us what he makes them, comforts or crosses. Solomon multiplied wives, contrary to the law, but we never read of more than one son that he had; for those that desire children as a heritage from the Lord must receive them in the way that he is pleased to give them, by lawful marriage to one wife. Mal 2:15, therefore one, that he might seek a seed of God. But they shall commit whoredom and shall not increase. Children are a heritage, and a reward, and are so to be accounted, blessings and not burdens; for he that sends mouths will send meat if we trust in him. Obed-edom had eight sons, for the Lord blessed him because he had entertained the ark, Ch1 26:5. Children are a heritage for the Lord, as well as from him; they are my children (says God) which thou hast borne unto me (Eze 16:20); and they are most our honour and comfort when they are accounted to him for a generation. 2. That they are a good gift, and a great support and defence to a family: As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, who knows how to use them for his own safety and advantage, so are children of the youth, that is, children born to their parents when they are young, which are the strongest and most healthful children, and are grown up to serve them by the time they need their service; or, rather, children who are themselves young; they are instruments of much good to their parents and families, which may fortify themselves with them against their enemies. The family that has a large stock of children is like a quiver full of arrows, of different sizes we may suppose, but all of use one time or other; children of different capacities and inclinations may be several ways serviceable to the family. He that has a numerous issue may boldly speak with his enemy in the gate in judgment; in battle he needs not fear, having so many good seconds, so zealous, so faithful, and in the vigour of youth, Sa1 2:4, Sa1 2:5. Observe here, Children of the youth are arrows in the hand, which, with prudence, may be directed aright to the mark, God's glory and the service of their generation; but afterwards, when they have gone abroad into the world, they are arrows out of the hand; it is too late to bend them then. But these arrows in the hand too often prove arrows in the heart, a constant grief to their godly parents, whose gray hairs they bring with sorrow to the grave.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 127
As if you should ask again, who are the beloved? "Lo, children, the reward of the fruit of the womb, are an heritage of the Lord" [Psalm 127:3]. Since he says, "fruit of the womb," these children have been born in travail. There is a certain woman, in whom what was said unto Eve, "in sorrow shall you bring forth children," is shown after a spiritual manner. The Church bears children, the Bride of Christ; and if she bears them, she travails of them. In figure of her, Eve was called also "the Mother of all living." He who said, "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again, until Christ be formed in you," [Galatians 4:19] was among the members of her who travails. But she travailed not in vain, nor brought forth in vain: there will be a holy seed at the resurrection of the dead: the righteous who are at present scattered over the whole world shall abound. The Church groans for them, the Church travails of them; but in that resurrection of the dead, the offspring of the Church shall appear, pain and groaning shall pass away....
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 127:3 articulates a profound theological truth: children are not merely the product of human endeavor but are a direct, precious gift and blessing from the LORD Himself. This verse elevates the status of offspring from a biological outcome to a divine inheritance and a gracious reward, underscoring God's sovereign involvement in the formation of families and the continuation of generations. It calls believers to recognize the sacred value of every child as a trust from the Creator, fostering a posture of gratitude and responsible stewardship in parenting.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 127:3 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message with emphasis and clarity. The most prominent is Synonymous Parallelism, where the second half of the verse ("and the fruit of the womb is his reward") reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first half ("Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD") using different but related phrasing. This repetition serves to intensify the central truth: children are unequivocally a divine blessing. The phrase "fruit of the womb" is a clear Metonymy, where "fruit" stands in for the offspring it produces, highlighting the natural, yet divinely ordained, process of procreation. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a Divine Ascription, attributing the origin and value of children directly to the LORD, thereby elevating their status beyond mere human progeny to a sacred, God-given gift. The initial "Lo" (or "Behold!") acts as an Exclamation, drawing the reader's immediate attention and underscoring the profundity and wonder of the statement, inviting reflection on this profound truth.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 127:3 profoundly shapes our understanding of family, life, and divine sovereignty. It grounds the very existence of children in the will and grace of God, moving them from the realm of human achievement to divine bestowal. This perspective challenges a purely secular or human-centric view of procreation, asserting that every child is a testament to God's creative power and His ongoing involvement in human affairs. It implies that parenting is not merely a biological or social role but a sacred stewardship of God's precious gifts. This verse connects deeply with the biblical narrative of creation, where God commanded humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" in Genesis 1:28, establishing procreation as part of His original design and blessing. It also resonates with the broader theme of God's care for families and His desire to bless His people through their offspring, as seen in the promises to Abraham in Genesis 12:2. Ultimately, it calls believers to a posture of gratitude, trust, and intentional spiritual investment in the lives of their children, recognizing them as a vital part of God's unfolding plan for generations.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 127:3 offers a transformative lens through which to view children and family life. It calls us to move beyond a utilitarian or self-centered perspective of children as merely fulfilling personal desires or societal expectations, and instead embrace them as invaluable, divinely-given treasures. This understanding fosters a profound sense of gratitude, shifting our focus from the challenges of parenting to the immense privilege of stewarding God's heritage. It encourages parents to raise their children with intentionality, recognizing that they are not ultimately "ours" but belong to the Lord, entrusted to our care for a season. This perspective also provides comfort and hope for those who long for children but face difficulties, reminding them that the gift of life, in all its forms, ultimately rests in God's sovereign hands. It challenges us to trust God's timing and plan, and to find joy and purpose in whatever family structure He provides. Moreover, it underscores the spiritual dimension of parenting: raising children in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4) becomes not just a good idea, but a sacred duty in response to God's gracious gift, aiming to cultivate faith and character that honors the Giver.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse imply that everyone is guaranteed to have children if they trust God?
Answer: While Psalms 127:3 clearly states that children are a blessing and a reward from the LORD, it does not function as an unconditional promise guaranteeing biological children to every individual believer. The Bible presents children as a general blessing, and in ancient Israel, large families were often seen as a sign of God's favor and prosperity. However, God's sovereignty extends to all aspects of life, including family size and composition. There are many righteous individuals in Scripture and throughout history who did not have biological children, yet were profoundly blessed and used by God (e.g., the prophet Jeremiah, the apostle Paul). The primary message is that when children are given, they are a divine gift, not merely a human achievement. God's blessings come in many forms, and His plan for each individual life is unique, sometimes involving spiritual fruitfulness and a legacy of faith rather than biological offspring, as highlighted in passages like Isaiah 56:4-5.
What does "fruit of the womb" mean in a contemporary context, especially for adoptive families?
Answer: "Fruit of the womb" is a Hebrew idiom specifically referring to biological offspring. However, the underlying theological principle that children are a "heritage of the LORD" and "his reward" extends far beyond biological ties. In a contemporary context, particularly for adoptive families, this verse profoundly affirms that adopted children are no less a divine gift. The act of adoption, mirroring God's own spiritual adoption of believers into His family through Christ (Ephesians 1:5), demonstrates a profound love and commitment that reflects God's heart. Therefore, while not biologically "fruit of the womb," adopted children are absolutely a "heritage of the LORD" and a precious "reward" to their parents, divinely placed within their families. The emphasis of the verse is on God's active, sovereign role in forming families and bestowing the blessing of children, regardless of the specific means of their arrival.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 127:3, declaring children to be "an heritage of the LORD" and "the fruit of the womb is his reward," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. While the Old Testament longed for physical offspring to carry on the lineage and inherit the promised land, the New Testament reveals a greater, spiritual "heritage" and "reward" in the family of God, established through Jesus. Christ himself welcomed children, declaring "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:14), elevating their spiritual significance and demonstrating God's heart for the vulnerable and those with humble faith. More profoundly, through His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, Jesus makes it possible for all believers, regardless of their biological lineage or earthly status, to become "children of God" (John 1:12) through faith in His name. This spiritual adoption is the ultimate "heritage" and "reward" bestowed by the Father, fulfilling the deepest human longing for belonging, identity, and an eternal legacy. Christ is the true "seed" promised to Abraham (Galatians 3:16), through whom all spiritual blessings flow, including the blessing of a spiritual family that transcends earthly ties. Thus, while physical children remain a precious blessing from God, Christ reveals the greater, eternal family of God, where all who believe are heirs with Him, receiving an imperishable "inheritance" that is kept in heaven for them (1 Peter 1:4).