Quiver definition full#

In ancient Israel’s culture, a household filled with many sons brought security the larger the family, the less vulnerable it was. Such a father is in no danger of being overtaken or abused by his enemies, physically, legally, economically, or in any other way. The picture the psalmist creates is one of an aging father surrounded by a group of strapping, grown sons who form a strong shield of protection for him and the family in his declining days.

Quiver definition full#

A quiver full of children could also defend against those who might take advantage of elderly parents. Having a quiver full of children was a gift from God because it would protect the family when the parents no longer could. But the symbolism relates more to security within the family. They teach that children, like arrows, are meant to be launched out into the world. This metaphor of children being “like arrows in the hands of a warrior” is also taken out of context by some Christians today. These children are “like arrows in the hands of a warrior.”

The passage suggests that parents who have many children when they are young are blessed because those children will grow up in time to support them in their old age. Thus, the term quiver full conveys the idea of protection and security.Ĭhildren “born in one’s youth” are those who are born when their parents are still young. A soldier with his quiver full of arrows was well-prepared for battle. Warriors and hunters carried their quivers on their backs or slung over their shoulders. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court” (Psalm 127:4–5).Ī quiver is a tube-like container usually made of leather, used for holding arrows. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. But the subsequent text requires a look at the historical background: So far, the meaning of the passage is straightforward. In ancient times, having numerous children in a family was considered a special blessing from the Lord. In verse 3, the psalmist declares that “children are a gift from the LORD they are a reward from him” (NLT). Psalm 127 is a praise psalm extolling the virtues of family life as established under God.

Since it is essential to study the phrase quiver full within its theological framework, we must consider the whole passage to discern its meaning. Believing they are obeying God’s Word and safeguarding the church’s growth, Quiverfull followers reject all forms of birth control and accept as many children as the Lord chooses to give them. The Quiverfull movement applies the Psalm 127 passage in this way. Some Christians have taken the idea of having a “quiver full” of children out of its original context to support a doctrinal position that encourages married couples to abstain from using contraception and have large families. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” Having a “quiver full” of children is a biblical concept that comes from Psalm 127:4–5: “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.