Psalms 113:9

KJV

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, [and to be] a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

He maketh the barren woman {H6135} to keep {H3427} house {H1004}, and to be a joyful {H8056} mother {H517} of children {H1121}. Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He causes the childless woman to live at home happily as a mother of children. Halleluyah!

Berean Standard Bible

He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!

American Standard Version

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, And to bea joyful mother of children. Praise ye Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 113:9 culminates a profound hymn of praise, powerfully illustrating God's sovereign ability to reverse seemingly impossible human circumstances. It vividly portrays the Almighty's condescending grace, lifting the humble from the dust and transforming deep sorrow into overflowing joy, specifically through the miraculous gift of children to the barren. This verse serves as a climactic example of God's transformative power, eliciting a final, resounding call to worship and gratitude for His benevolent intervention in the lives of the needy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 113 stands as the inaugural psalm of the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), a collection of psalms traditionally recited during major Jewish festivals, including Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The psalm begins with an emphatic, universal call to praise Yahweh, "from the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same" ([Psalms 113:3](/psalms/113-3 "Psalm 113:3 - God's Name Praised from East to West")). It then transitions to extol God's incomparable majesty and transcendence, asserting His supremacy "above all nations" and "above the heavens" ([Psalms 113:4](/psalms/113-4 "Psalm 113:4 - The Lord Exalted Above All Nations")). Despite this lofty position, the psalm highlights God's astonishing condescension—how He "humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!" ([Psalms 113:6](/psalms/113-6 "Psalm 113:6 - God's Humility to Behold All Things")). The preceding verses specifically detail God's intervention on behalf of the lowly, stating, "He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people" ([Psalms 113:7-8](/psalms/113-7 "Psalm 113:7-8 - God Lifts the Poor and Needy")). Verse 9 serves as the climactic and most personal example of this divine reversal, providing a tangible, deeply relatable illustration of God's transformative power in the domestic sphere, thus bringing the psalm's theme of God's compassionate intervention to a poignant close.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the ability to bear children, particularly sons, was of paramount importance, deeply intertwined with social standing, family legacy, and divine blessing. Barrenness (childlessness) was not merely a personal sorrow but often carried significant social stigma and profound emotional distress, sometimes even interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure. A woman's primary role was seen as bearing and raising children, thus establishing and maintaining a household. The phrase "keep house" (Hebrew: *yoshevet bayit*) refers to the established and honored role of a wife and mother managing her household, a status denied to a childless woman. Therefore, God "making the barren woman to keep house" signifies a complete restoration of her dignity, purpose, and social standing within the community. This cultural backdrop amplifies the miracle described in the verse, transforming a state of profound shame and emptiness into one of ultimate joy and societal affirmation.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 113 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. The most prominent theme is the **Divine Reversal of Fortune**, where God, in His sovereignty and compassion, overturns humanly impossible or deeply distressing situations. This is vividly portrayed in the transformation from "barren woman" to "joyful mother of children," mirroring the earlier theme of lifting the "poor out of the dust" ([Psalms 113:7](/psalms/113-7 "Psalm 113:7 - God Lifts the Poor")). Another central theme is **God's Condescending Grace and Omnipotent Power**. Despite His exalted position, God actively intervenes in the lives of the humble and marginalized, demonstrating His power not only over creation but over human biology and destiny. The verse also highlights the **Blessing of Family and Posterity**, portraying children as a divine gift and a source of profound joy, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalms 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3 - Children Are a Heritage from the Lord")). Finally, the psalm, concluding with "Praise ye the LORD," underscores the theme of **Worship and Gratitude** as the appropriate response to God's wondrous acts of salvation and blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Barren (Hebrew, _'aqereth'_):** This word (עֲקֶרֶת) specifically denotes a woman who is unable to conceive or bear children. In ancient Israel, this condition carried significant social stigma and personal sorrow, as a woman's worth and identity were often closely tied to her ability to produce offspring and establish a household. The term emphasizes a state of emptiness, unfulfillment, and often, despair.
* **Keep House (Hebrew, _yoshevet bayit'_):** The phrase (יוֹשֶׁבֶת בַּיִת) literally means "sitting in the house" or "dwelling in the house." In this context, it signifies not merely residing there, but establishing and managing a household as a wife and mother. For a barren woman, this role was denied, so God "making her to keep house" implies a complete restoration of her social standing, domestic purpose, and the fulfillment of her natural desire for family life.
* **Joyful (Hebrew, _semecha'_):** This adjective (שְׂמֵחָה) describes a state of deep gladness, delight, and happiness. It stands in stark contrast to the sorrow and shame often associated with barrenness. The joy described is not fleeting but profound, stemming from the fulfillment of a long-held desire and the blessing of children.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He maketh the barren woman to keep house":** This clause highlights God's direct, miraculous intervention. The "barren woman" represents a humanly impossible situation, a state of unfulfillment and social marginalization. God, through His divine power, transforms her status, enabling her to establish and manage a household, a role previously denied to her due to her inability to bear children. This signifies a complete reversal of her fortune and a restoration of dignity and purpose.
* **"[and to be] a joyful mother of children":** This phrase further elaborates on the miraculous transformation. Not only is her social standing restored, but her deepest desire for motherhood is fulfilled. The emphasis on "joyful" underscores the profound emotional and spiritual blessing that accompanies this divine gift. Children were considered a heritage from the Lord, and their presence brought immense gladness and security to a family. This clause vividly portrays the transition from sorrow and emptiness to overflowing happiness and fruitfulness.
* **"Praise ye the LORD":** This concluding exhortation serves as the proper and ultimate response to God's wondrous acts. It is a direct command to worship and give thanks (Halleluyah) for His power, compassion, and faithfulness in intervening on behalf of the humble and helpless. It frames the entire psalm as a call to recognize and celebrate God's unparalleled greatness and benevolent character.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 113:9 employs several powerful literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is central, contrasting the "barren woman" with the "joyful mother of children," highlighting the dramatic and divine reversal of fortune. This stark contrast emphasizes the magnitude of God's miraculous intervention, transforming despair into delight. The verse also utilizes **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "barren woman" stands for anyone in a state of hopelessness or unfulfillment, and "joyful mother of children" represents ultimate blessing, fruitfulness, and restoration. The entire psalm, culminating in this verse, is an example of **Hymnody**, a song of praise, characterized by its focus on God's attributes and actions. The final phrase, "Praise ye the LORD," acts as a **Refrain** or **Inclusion**, echoing the opening call to praise in [Psalms 113:1](/psalms/113-1 "Psalm 113:1 - Praise the Lord!"), thereby framing the entire psalm as a unified expression of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 113:9 profoundly illustrates God's character as the one who delights in reversing human impossibilities and bringing life out of barrenness, joy out of sorrow. This theme is not isolated but resonates throughout the biblical narrative, showcasing a consistent pattern of divine intervention on behalf of the humble and the marginalized. The verse underscores God's sovereignty over life and death, His compassion for the afflicted, and His power to bring about unexpected blessings. It teaches that no situation is beyond God's redemptive reach, and His actions are always ultimately for His glory and for the good of those who trust in Him, inviting a response of profound praise and gratitude.

* [Genesis 21:1-7](/genesis/21-1 "Genesis 21:1-7 - The Birth of Isaac")
* [1 Samuel 1:20-2:10](/1_samuel/1-20 "1 Samuel 1:20-2:10 - Hannah Gives Birth to Samuel and Her Song of Praise")
* [Luke 1:46-55](/luke/1-46 "Luke 1:46-55 - Mary's Magnificat")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 113:9 offers profound encouragement for anyone facing circumstances that seem insurmountable, barren, or devoid of hope. It reminds us that God is not distant but intimately involved in the details of our lives, possessing the power to transform our deepest sorrows into overflowing joy. Whether the "barrenness" is literal childlessness, a period of spiritual dryness, professional stagnation, relational brokenness, or any area where fruitfulness and hope seem absent, this verse assures us of God's transformative power. It calls us to trust in His ability to do the impossible, to believe that He can bring life where there is death, and to respond with heartfelt praise for His goodness, sovereignty, and faithfulness. It is a powerful testament to the truth that no situation is beyond God's power to redeem and bless, prompting us to always look to Him for breakthrough and to offer Him our unreserved praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "barren" areas in your life are you currently struggling with, and how does this verse encourage you to trust God for transformation?**
* **How does the concept of God "lifting the poor out of the dust" and "making the barren woman to keep house" challenge your understanding of God's priorities and power?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a heart of praise, even when circumstances seem bleak, knowing that God is capable of miraculous reversals?**

### FAQ
**What does "maketh the barren woman to keep house" mean in its original context?**

Answer: In its original ancient Israelite context, "maketh the barren woman to keep house" (Hebrew: *yoshevet bayit*) signifies God's miraculous intervention to enable a woman who was previously unable to conceive to not only bear children but also to fulfill the honored role of a wife and mother managing her own household. Barrenness was a source of profound sorrow and social stigma, as a woman's identity and contribution were closely tied to bearing children. Thus, God's action here represents a complete restoration of her dignity, purpose, and social standing, transforming her from a state of emptiness to one of fulfillment and joy within the family and community. It's a powerful illustration of God reversing an impossible human situation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 113:9, with its vivid portrayal of God transforming barrenness into joyful fruitfulness, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the literal fulfillment speaks to physical motherhood, its deeper theological resonance points to spiritual barrenness and the new life offered in Christ. Humanity, apart from Christ, is spiritually barren, unable to produce true righteousness or eternal life ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Yet, through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection, God "maketh the barren" to "keep house" in a spiritual sense, bringing those who were spiritually dead into a vibrant, fruitful relationship with Him. The church, often described as the bride of Christ, was once spiritually barren, but through the Holy Spirit, she becomes a "joyful mother of children," bringing forth spiritual offspring through the gospel ([Galatians 4:27](/galatians/4-27 "Galatians 4:27 - Rejoice, Barren Woman!")). Jesus Himself declared, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Jesus the Vine")). Thus, the ultimate "joyful mother of children" is the spiritually fruitful believer or the church, made so by the life-giving power of Christ, transforming spiritual emptiness into an abundant harvest for God's glory ([Colossians 1:10](/colossians/1-10 "Colossians 1:10 - Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work")). This transformation culminates in the eternal praise of God, for His incredible grace that brings life out of death and joy out of despair, all centered in the redemptive work of the Lamb of God ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Worthy Is the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 68:6

God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry [land].

1 Samuel 2:5

[They that were] full have hired out themselves for bread; and [they that were] hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

Genesis 21:5

And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.

Genesis 21:7

And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born [him] a son in his old age.

Genesis 30:22

And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.

Genesis 30:23

And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach:

Isaiah 54:1

¶ Sing, O barren, thou [that] didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou [that] didst not travail with child: for more [are] the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.