Psalm 127:5
אַשְׁרֵ֤י הַגֶּ֗בֶר אֲשֶׁ֤ר מִלֵּ֥א אֶת־אַשְׁפָּתֹ֗ו מֵהֶ֥ם לֹֽא־יֵבֹ֑שׁוּ כִּֽי־יְדַבְּר֖וּ אֶת־אֹיְבִ֣ים בַּשָּֽׁעַר׃
Blessed Is the Man: אַשְׁרֵי הַגֶּבֶר
אַשְׁרֵי (“blessed is”) is a construct form of אֶשֶׁר (“happiness, blessedness”), functioning as a declaration of commendation or felicity.
- הַגֶּבֶר — “the man,” a strong term (as opposed to אָדָם) implying individual strength or valor
This common formula appears in wisdom and praise texts, linking moral or familial success with divine approval.
Fulfilled Quiver: אֲשֶׁר מִלֵּא אֶת־אַשְׁפָּתֹו מֵהֶם
This relative clause explains why the man is blessed.
- מִלֵּא — Piel perfect 3ms of מ־ל־א (“to fill”), emphasizing intentional completion
- אֶת־אַשְׁפָּתוֹ — “his quiver,” direct object with accusative marker אֶת
- מֵהֶם — “with them,” referring to the children mentioned in the previous verse (v. 4)
The image is martial: a full quiver symbolizes strength, preparedness, and legacy — children as arrows in a warrior’s arsenal.
Shame Prevented: לֹא־יֵבֹשׁוּ
יֵבֹשׁוּ — Qal imperfect 3mp of ב־ו־שׁ (“to be ashamed”).
- לֹא־יֵבֹשׁוּ — “they will not be ashamed,” likely referring to the father and his sons (collective subject)
This form projects future confidence and vindication, especially in social or legal settings.
Legal Advocacy: כִּי־יְדַבְּרוּ אֶת־אֹיְבִים בַּשָּׁעַר
כִּי introduces the reason they will not be ashamed.
- יְדַבְּרוּ — Piel imperfect 3mp of ד־ב־ר (“to speak, contend”), indicating emphatic legal speech or confrontation
- אֶת־אֹיְבִים — “with enemies,” direct object of the verb
- בַּשָּׁעַר — “in the gate,” the location of judgment, legal disputes, and community decision-making in ancient Israel
Thus, children become defenders and advocates, securing the family’s honor in public and legal arenas.
Parsing Table: Key Forms in Psalm 127:5
| Hebrew Word | Root | Form | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| מִלֵּא | מ־ל־א | Piel perfect (3ms) | “He filled” — action of preparing a full quiver |
| יֵבֹשׁוּ | ב־ו־שׁ | Qal imperfect (3mp) | “They will not be ashamed” — assurance of public honor |
| יְדַבְּרוּ | ד־ב־ר | Piel imperfect (3mp) | “They shall speak” — likely in the sense of arguing or defending |
The Grammar of Generational Strength
Psalm 127:5 weaves together familial imagery and legal advocacy through rich grammatical forms: participles, construct chains, and imperfect verbs. The result is a picture of multi-generational strength, where children serve as a father’s honor guard. The grammar reflects a theology where blessing, legacy, and societal standing converge in divine design.
