Psalms 144:13 (KJV)

What does Psalms 144:13 mean?

Psalms 144:13 describes a hope for abundance and prosperity, asking that storehouses be filled with all kinds of goods and that sheep multiply greatly in the community. The verse paints a picture of material blessing and flourishing livestock as signs of well-being.

King David is speaking in this psalm, praying to God for his people’s security and prosperity after times of struggle. The verse uses everyday images from ancient Israel—full barns and multiplying sheep—to express a desire for peace, stability, and plenty in the land.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 144:13

• "garners" (מְזוֹן, mĕzōn): This word refers to storehouses or granaries where food and supplies are kept. The focus is on having enough resources stored up for future needs.
• "affording" (פָּרַץ, pārats): This verb means to burst out or overflow. Here, it suggests that the storehouses are not just full, but overflowing with all kinds of provisions.
• "store" (מִין, mīn): This word means "kind" or "sort," emphasizing the variety of goods stored up, not just quantity.
• "sheep" (צֹאן, tson): This is the common word for sheep, a key measure of wealth and blessing in ancient Israel.
• "thousands" (אֶלֶף, eleph) and "ten thousands" (רְבָבָה, revavah): These words highlight a huge increase, showing the scale of blessing being hoped for.
• "streets" (חוּץ, chuts): This word means open places or public areas, suggesting that the prosperity is visible and widespread in the community.

Why Psalms 144:13 matters

• Psalms 144:13 clarifies that the blessings David seeks are not just personal but communal, meant for the whole nation’s well-being.
• The verse connects material abundance with peace and stability, showing what people in ancient Israel valued as signs of God’s favor.
• This verse fits into the larger psalm as part of a prayer for God’s help, moving from requests for deliverance to hopes for flourishing and peace.