Psalms 127:3

KJV

Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

KJV (with Strong's)

Lo, children {H1121} are an heritage {H5159} of the LORD {H3068}: and the fruit {H6529} of the womb {H990} is his reward {H7939}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Children too are a gift from ADONAI; the fruit of the womb is a 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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 127 is one of the "Songs of Ascents" (or "Songs of Degrees"), a collection of fifteen psalms (Psalms 120-134) traditionally sung by pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. Though attributed to Solomon, its central message resonates with the broader wisdom literature of the Old Testament, emphasizing the futility of human effort apart from divine blessing. The preceding verses, [Psalms 127:1-2](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1-2 - God's Sovereignty in Human Endeavors"), powerfully declare that "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. 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." Verse 3 extends this principle of divine sovereignty from building houses and guarding cities to the very foundation of family life, asserting that children, too, are a gift from God, not merely the result of human planning or toil. This progression highlights that all aspects of life, from the grandest societal structures to the most intimate family units, are utterly dependent on God's active involvement and favor.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, children, particularly sons, were considered an indispensable blessing and a sign of divine favor. A large family ensured the continuation of the family name, lineage, and inheritance, and provided security in old age. Barrenness was often viewed as a curse or a sign of divine displeasure, leading to significant social and personal distress, as seen in the narratives of Sarah ([Genesis 16:1-2](/genesis/16-1 "Genesis 16:1-2 - Sarai's Barrenness")), Rachel ([Genesis 30:1](/genesis/30-1 "Genesis 30:1 - Rachel's Distress")), and Hannah ([1 Samuel 1:2](/1-samuel/1-2 "1 Samuel 1:2 - Hannah's Sorrow")). The concept of "building a house" (referencing [Psalms 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - God Builds the House")) often encompassed not just a physical dwelling but the establishment and perpetuation of a family line. Thus, the birth of children was a cause for great rejoicing and was understood as a direct gift from God, fulfilling His command to "be fruitful and multiply" ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate")). This cultural backdrop amplifies the significance of children being declared "an heritage of the LORD" and "his reward," emphasizing their divine origin and immense value within the societal framework.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Psalm 127 is the **absolute necessity of God's sovereignty and blessing** in all human endeavors. This verse specifically contributes to the theme of **children as a divine gift and heritage**, portraying them not as a burden or an accidental outcome, but as a precious possession and a lasting legacy entrusted by God to parents. This aligns with the biblical understanding that God is the giver of life and the orchestrator of family lines, as seen in [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's Intimate Knowledge and Formation"). Furthermore, the phrase "the fruit of the womb is his reward" reinforces the idea of **children as a positive recompense or blessing**, countering any notion of them being a liability and instead presenting them as a sign of divine favor and a source of joy. This theme encourages **reliance on God's provision and wisdom** in family matters, just as [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "The Lord Builds the House") encourages reliance on God for building and protecting. Ultimately, the psalm champions a God-centered view of life, where true success and fulfillment, including the blessing of family, flow from acknowledging and depending on the LORD.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heritage (Hebrew, _naḥălāh'_):** This term (נַחֲלָה) primarily refers to an inheritance, a possession, or a legacy, most commonly associated with land or property passed down through generations. In the Old Testament, it frequently describes the land of Canaan as Israel's divine inheritance from God ([Deuteronomy 4:21](/deuteronomy/4-21 "Deuteronomy 4:21 - Israel's Inheritance")). Applying this word to children signifies their immense value, not as mere biological offspring, but as a sacred trust and a lasting, invaluable blessing given by God. They are a divine endowment, enriching the lives of their parents and ensuring the continuation of a spiritual and physical legacy. It implies divine ownership and a stewardship responsibility for those who receive this "heritage."
* **Reward (Hebrew, _śāḵār'_):** The word (שָׂכָר) denotes recompense, wages, payment for services, or a beneficial return. It is a positive term, indicating something earned or given as a just return. Here, it conveys that children are not a burden or a debt, but a beneficial outcome, a positive return, and a gracious gift from God. It frames children as a valuable asset, a source of blessing and joy, rather than a liability or an accidental occurrence. This emphasizes God's generous nature in bestowing such a precious "payment" upon parents.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD":** The interjection "Lo" (Hebrew: הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) serves as an exclamation, drawing immediate attention to the profound truth that follows. It emphasizes the wonder and significance of the declaration. The core assertion is that children are not simply a natural consequence of human procreation but are a direct "heritage" (inheritance or possession) originating from "the LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel). This establishes divine ownership and underscores that children are a gift, a trust, and a blessing from God, rather than something parents create or own absolutely. It implies a sacred responsibility for their upbringing.
* **"[and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward":** This clause functions in synonymous parallelism with the first, reinforcing and elaborating on the same truth. "The fruit of the womb" is a common biblical idiom for offspring or children, emphasizing their origin from within the mother. This "fruit" is explicitly stated to be "his reward," meaning God's reward. This further solidifies the idea that children are a positive recompense, a beneficial outcome, or a gracious blessing bestowed by God. It counters any perception of children as a burden or an unfortunate consequence, instead presenting them as a valuable and desirable gift from the sovereign hand of God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 127:3 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. 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 emphasizes the central truth: children are 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 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.

### 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" ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate")), 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 ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham")). 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.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate: Be Fruitful and Multiply")
* [Deuteronomy 28:4](/deuteronomy/28-4 "Deuteronomy 28:4 - Blessings of Obedience: Fruit of the Womb")
* [Psalm 113:9](/psalms/113-9 "Psalm 113:9 - God Gives the Barren Woman a Home")

### 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](/ephesians/6-4 "Ephesians 6:4 - Nurturing Children in the Lord")) becomes not just a good idea, but a sacred duty in response to God's gracious gift.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does viewing children as "an heritage of the LORD" change your perspective on parenting or your desire for children?**
* **In what ways might our modern culture diminish the value of children as a "reward" from God, and how can we counteract that?**
* **If children are God's heritage, what specific responsibilities does that imply for parents and the wider community of faith?**
* **How can this verse offer comfort or guidance to those who struggle with infertility or who have chosen not to have biological children?**

### 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 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. 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 a human achievement. God's blessings come in many forms, and His plan for each individual life is unique, sometimes involving spiritual fruitfulness rather than biological offspring ([Isaiah 56:4-5](/isaiah/56-4 "Isaiah 56:4-5 - Eunuchs Who Keep God's Covenant")).

**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 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 adoption of believers into His family ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - God's Adoption Through Christ")), demonstrates a profound love and commitment. 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 is on God's active role in forming families, regardless of biological origin.

### 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, 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](/mark/10-14 "Mark 10:14 - Jesus Welcomes Children")), elevating their spiritual significance and demonstrating God's heart for the vulnerable. More profoundly, through His atoning work, Jesus makes it possible for all believers, regardless of their biological lineage, to become "children of God" ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God")) through faith. This spiritual adoption is the ultimate "heritage" and "reward" bestowed by the Father, fulfilling the longing for belonging and legacy. Christ is the true "seed" promised to Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")), through whom all spiritual blessings flow, including the blessing of a spiritual family that transcends earthly ties. Thus, while physical children remain a blessing, Christ reveals the greater, eternal family of God, where all who believe are heirs with Him, receiving an imperishable "inheritance" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1-peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")).

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 128:3

Thy wife [shall be] as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

Psalms 128:4

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

Deuteronomy 28:4

Blessed [shall be] the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

1 Samuel 1:27

For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

Genesis 48:4

And said unto me, Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee [for] an everlasting possession.

Isaiah 8:18

Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me [are] for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.

Genesis 1:28

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.