Psalm 127 Meaning Explained
A wisdom psalm attributing all true security to God. 'Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.' Vain are early risings and late sittings for bread; God gives sleep to His beloved. Children are a heritage from the LORD, like arrows in a warrior’s hand. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full. It critiques self-reliant toil and reorients value to divine provision and family.
A clear explanation of Psalm 127, its meaning, context, and message for believers today
Psalms Chapter 127 | KJV
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.
Historical Context
Psalm 127, a Song of Ascents by Solomon, emphasizes dependence on God for success, protection, and family blessing.
Phrase by Phrase
- Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: Without God, human effort is futile.
- Except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain: God’s protection is essential.
- Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: Family and offspring are blessings from God.
Application for Today
Believers can depend on God for success, protection, and blessings in work and family life.
FAQs
Q: What is the main theme of Psalm 127?
A: God’s providence and the futility of human effort without Him.
Q: Why is God’s blessing necessary?
A: Without Him, all human work and protection are in vain.
Q: Who are a heritage of the LORD?
A: Children and family.
Q: How can this psalm apply today?
A: Depend on God for work, protection, and family blessings.
Conclusion
Psalm 127 teaches reliance on God for success, security, and family blessings.
All Psalms
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 47
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 52
- 53
- 54
- 55
- 56
- 57
- 58
- 59
- 60
- 61
- 62
- 63
- 64
- 65
- 66
- 67
- 68
- 69
- 70
- 71
- 72
- 73
- 74
- 75
- 76
- 77
- 78
- 79
- 80
- 81
- 82
- 83
- 84
- 85
- 86
- 87
- 88
- 89
- 90
- 91
- 92
- 93
- 94
- 95
- 96
- 97
- 98
- 99
- 100
- 101
- 102
- 103
- 104
- 105
- 106
- 107
- 108
- 109
- 110
- 111
- 112
- 113
- 114
- 115
- 116
- 117
- 118
- 119
- 120
- 121
- 122
- 123
- 124
- 125
- 126
- 127
- 128
- 129
- 130
- 131
- 132
- 133
- 134
- 135
- 136
- 137
- 138
- 139
- 140
- 141
- 142
- 143
- 144
- 145
- 146
- 147
- 148
- 149
- 150