Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

PSALMS 8:2KJV
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Psalms 8:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 8:2 mean?

Psalms 8:2 says that God uses the words and praise of little children and infants to show His strength and to silence those who oppose Him. This verse highlights how God can display power and victory through what seems weak or insignificant to people.

King David is speaking to God in this psalm, reflecting on God's greatness as seen in creation and humanity. Here, David points out that even the youngest and most vulnerable—babies and nursing infants—can be instruments for God to establish strength, especially in the face of enemies. The verse suggests that God's glory is so great that it does not rely on human power or status, but can shine through anyone, even those considered least powerful.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 8:2

  • "babes" (עוללים, olelim): This word refers to very young children or toddlers. The use of this term emphasizes innocence and weakness, showing that God’s strength is not limited by human expectations of power.
  • "sucklings" (יונקים, yonqim): This means nursing infants, highlighting an even younger and more dependent group than "babes." The verse draws attention to how God can work through those who are completely dependent and seemingly powerless.
  • "ordained" (יסד, yasad): This word means to establish or lay a foundation. The verse says God has "ordained strength" from the mouths of children, suggesting that their praise is not accidental but intentionally set up by God as a foundation for His strength.
  • "strength" (עז, oz): This word often means might or power. Here, it is the strength that God establishes through the praise of children, showing that true power comes from God, not from human sources.

Why Psalms 8:2 matters

  • Psalms 8:2 clarifies that God’s power is not shown only through the strong or influential, but often through those who seem weakest, like infants and small children.
  • The verse connects to the larger psalm, which marvels at God’s majesty in creation and His care for humanity, by showing that even the smallest voices can declare God’s greatness.
  • This verse helps correct the idea that only adults or leaders can honor God; instead, it shows that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can be part of God’s plan to overcome opposition.

Where else these words appear

“babes” Hebrew H5768 · used in 20 verses

  • 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
  • Isaiah 13:16 Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished.
  • Lamentations 2:19 Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.

“sucklings” Hebrew H3243 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 21:7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.
  • Deuteronomy 33:19 They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand.
  • Isaiah 11:8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.

“avenger” Hebrew H5358 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 4:15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.
  • Judges 16:28 And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.
  • Jeremiah 5:29 Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

“ordained” Hebrew H3245 · used in 41 verses

  • Exodus 9:18 Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.
  • Esther 1:8 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.
  • Isaiah 14:32 What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.