Psalms 148:12 — Word Study
WLCבַּחוּרִ֥ים וְגַם־ בְּתוּל֑וֹת זְ֝קֵנִ֗ים עִם־ נְעָרִֽים׃
BSAyoung menbâchûwr [chosen or select individuals] andgam maidensbᵉthûwlâh [virgins, or brides] oldzâqên [elderly, aged] andʻim young togethernaʻar [youths, from infancy to adolescence, with, in unity, as one]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| בַּחוּרִ֥ים | O young men | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| וְגַם־ | and also | Conjunction, adverb |
| בְּתוּל֑וֹת | young women | Noun common, feminine plural absolute |
| זְ֝קֵנִ֗ים | old [people] | Adj |
| עִם־ | with | Preposition |
| נְעָרִֽים׃ | youths | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | young men and maidens, old and young together. |
| KJV | Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: |
| ASV | Both young men and virgins; Old men and children: |
| YLT | Young men, and also maidens, Aged men, with youths, |
| WEB | both young men and maidens, old men and children. |
| BBE | Young men and virgins; old men and children: |
Where translations part company is in זְ֝קֵנִ֗ים — see How Translations Differ.
The verse presents a main clause followed by additional phrases that elaborate on the groups being called to worship.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, AdamClarke & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 148:12
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Call to Praise from All Generationsgenerated
Psalm 148:12 invites all people, regardless of age, to praise the Lord. The psalm emphasizes unity among different generations, highlighting that both the young and the old have a role in worship. This reflects the overarching theme of the psalm, which celebrates God's creation and sovereignty, as seen in the verses surrounding it.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 8:2 | From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger. |
| 2 | Psalm 68:25 | The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 31:13 | Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow. |
| 4 | Zechariah 9:17 | How lovely they will be, and how beautiful! Grain will make the young men flourish, and new wine, the young women. |
| 5 | Matthew 21:15–16 | But the chief priests and scribes were indignant when they saw the wonders He performed and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — בַּחוּרִ֥ים, ba.chu.Rimgenerated
The word בָּחוּר (bachuwr) means 'young man' and is a noun in the masculine plural form. It often refers to a chosen or select individual, emphasizing youthfulness and vitality. This term appears frequently in contexts that highlight the strength and potential of young men, such as in military settings.
The root of this word suggests the idea of selection, indicating that these young men are not just any youth, but those who have been chosen for specific roles or purposes. This adds a layer of significance to their inclusion in the call to praise.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, we analyze the verse as rendered in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses young men for בַּחוּרִ֥ים. Other translations, like the KJV and ASV, also use young men, maintaining consistency in this rendering.
However, where translations differ is in זְ֝קֵנִ֗ים. The LSV and YLT render it as aged, while the NETB and ULB choose elderly, reflecting a slight variation in the interpretation of the term.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of this verse is straightforward, consisting of a main clause that lists the groups called to praise: בַּחוּרִ֥ים, בְּתוּל֑וֹת, זְ֝קֵנִ֗ים, and נְעָרִֽים. This parallel structure emphasizes the inclusion of all ages.
The conjunction וְגַם־ serves to connect these groups, reinforcing the unity of their call to worship.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, בַּחוּרִ֥ים is rendered as νεανίσκοι (neaniskoi), which also means 'young men.' This choice maintains the focus on youth and suggests a similar emphasis on vigor and potential.
The term זְ֝קֵנִ֗ים is translated as πρεσβῦται (presbytai), indicating elders or older individuals, which aligns with the Hebrew meaning but also carries the connotation of authority.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 148:12 calls on all people, including young men and women, as well as the old and young, to praise the Lord together. This verse emphasizes the importance of unity in worship across different generations.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies that all generations, regardless of age or gender, have a role in worshiping God.
It highlights the continuity of faith and the shared responsibility of all people to honor God.
The psalm celebrates creation and calls all beings to praise God, emphasizing that worship is a communal act.
We learn that worship is inclusive and that every individual, regardless of age, has a voice in glorifying God.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I participate in worship alongside people of different ages?
- How can I encourage younger generations to engage in praise and worship?
- What examples can I find in my community of unity among different age groups in worship?
- How does understanding the significance of this verse impact my view of worship?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 148:12 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBoth young men, and maidens,.... These should praise the Lord, the one for their strength, the other for their beauty; and both should remember their Creator in the days of their youth, and fear,
Read John Gill on Psalms 148 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBoth young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Both young men and maidens; old men and children.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 148 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 148:12 Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:Ver. 12. Both young men, and maidens] Souls have no sexes; let the choice youths and the compt lasses quae totae occupantur in sese ornandis, saith Kimchi, who are much taken up in tricking and trimming themselves, leave that folly, and give glory to God.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 148 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 12. Both young men, and maidens] Who are in the bloom of youth, and in the height of health and vigour; know that God is your Father; and let the morning and energy of your days be devoted to him. Old men, and children] Very appropriately united here, as the beginning and conclusion of life present nearly the same passions, appetites, caprices, and infirmities: yet in both the beneficence, all-sustaining power, and goodness of God are seen.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 148 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges7–13. Let earth and all that is therein praise Jehovah for the revelation of His majesty.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 148 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleBoth young men, and maidens - Those in the morning of life, just entering on their career; just forming their character: with ardor, elasticity, cheerfulness, hope; let them consecrate all this to
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 148 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible11, 12. The human family is here called upon, as such, to praise God. They alone of all the creatures inhabiting the earth are endued with intelligence to trace all existence to its primal cause and ultimate ends.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 148 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
young men and maidens, old and young together.
both young men and maidens, old men and children.
young men and maidens, old and young together.
you young men and young women, you elderly, along with you children!
Tyndale line
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
Both young men and virgins; Old men and children:
Both young men and maidens; old men and children:
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
Yong men and maidens, also olde men and children:
Strictly literal
Both young men and maidens, old men with youths, —
Young men, and also maidens, Aged men, with youths,
Young men, and also maidens, || Aged men, with youths,
Young men and also virgins; old men, together with boys:—
both young men and young women, elderly and children.
From the Latin
Young men and maidens: let the old with the younger, praise the name of the Lord:
Simplified
young men and women, old people and children—
Young men and virgins; old men and children:
Word by word, the decisions they made
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads: בַּחוּרִ֥ים וְגַם־ בְּתוּל֑וֹת זְ֝קֵנִ֗ים עִם־ נְעָרִֽים׃. The Septuagint matches this closely, with all six words aligned, indicating a strong agreement between the two texts. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some restoration but align with the Masoretic Text in the key terms.
בַּחוּרִ֥ים וְגַם־ בְּתוּל֑וֹת זְ֝קֵנִ֗ים עִם־ נְעָרִֽים׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[בחורים] [וגם] בתולות זקנים עם נערים
2 words on the leather — 2 partly restored, 2 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 148:12
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
בָּחוּר (bachuwr) refers to a young man or youth, often implying someone who has been selected or chosen. The term appears in contexts that highlight youthfulness, and it is derived from a root meaning 'to select.' It is notably referenced in Isaiah 62:5.
בָּחוּר n.m. young man Is 62:5 7 t.
base
H970 בָּחוּר young man
970 bachuwr baw-khoor'
or bachur {baw-khoor'}; participle passive of 977; properly,
selected, i.e. a youth (often collective):--(choice) young
(man), chosen, X hole.
see HEBREW for 0977
בָּחוּר (ba.chur) — youth.
youth, young man
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
גַּם (gam) is an adverb meaning 'also' or 'moreover,' indicating addition or emphasis. It can express various nuances, such as 'even,' 'indeed,' or 'but.' The term is often used in a correlational manner, as in 'both...and.' It appears in contexts that require clarification or reinforcement of a statement.
גַּם 768 adv. denoting addition, also, moreover, yea
base
H1571 גַּם denoting addition, also, moreover, yea
1571 gam gam
by contraction from an unused root meaning to gather;
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea,
though; often repeated as correl. both...and:--again, alike,
also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and , but, either...or,
even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover,
nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea.
גַּם (gam) — also.
1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea
1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis)
1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative)
1c) even (for stress)
1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax)
1e) also (of correspondence or retribution)
1f) but, yet, though (adversative)
1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case)
2) (TWOT) again, alike
Conj | DirObjM — Conjunction · adverbHC/D
ol'-so: In the Greek kai, when it is equivalent to "also" or "even," is always placed before the word or phrase which it is intended to emphasize (e.g. Ac 12:3; 1 Joh 4:21). Mt 6:14 should therefore read, "Your heavenly Father will forgive you also"; Lu 6:13, "Whom also he named apostles"; Heb 8:6, "The mediator of a better covenant also"; and 1Th 4:14, `If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also (we believe that) those who are fallen asleep in Jesus, God will bring with Him.'
בְּתוּלָה (bthuwlah) means 'virgin' and is derived from a passive participle of an unused root that suggests separation. It can also refer to a bride and, in a figurative sense, to a city or state. The term appears in contexts related to purity and marital status.
בְּתוּלָה 60 n.f. virgin
base
H1330 בְּתוּלָה virgin
1330 bthuwlah beth-oo-law'
feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to
separate; a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by
continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or
state:--maid, virgin.
בְּתוּלָה (be.tu.lah) — virgin.
virgin
N-fp — Noun common · feminine plural absoluteHNcfpa
The position of women in the Hebrew commonwealth contrasts favorably with that which in the present day is assigned to them generally in eastern countries. The most salient point of contrast in the usages of ancient as compared with modern Oriental society was the large amount of liberty enjoyed by women. Instead of being immured in a harem, or appearing in public with the face covered. The wives and maidens of ancient times mingled freely and openly with the other sex in the duties and amenities of ordinary life. Rebekah travelled on a camel with her face unveiled until she came into the presence of her affianced. (Genesis 24:64,65) Jacob saluted Rachel with a kiss in the presence of the shepherds. (Genesis 29:11) Women played no inconsiderable part in public celebrations (
זָקֵן (zaqen) means 'old' and is used to refer to human beings, often as a noun for 'old man' or 'elder.' It encompasses meanings related to age and authority, indicating both age and leadership roles. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to be old,' and it is consistently associated with the concept of elders in various contexts.
זָקֵן adj. old
old, of human beings
usu. as subst.
old man (or woman)
elder
base
H2205 זָקֵן old . old, of human beings
. usu. as subst. . old man (or woman)
. elder
2205 zaqen zaw-kane'
from 2204; old:--aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man,
men and...women), senator.
see HEBREW for 02204
זָקֵן (za.qen) — old: elder.
: elder/leader
1) old
1a) old (of humans)
1b) elder (of those having authority)
זָקֵן (za.qen) — old.
: old
1) old
1a) old (of humans)
1b) elder (of those having authority)
Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Adj — AdjHAampa
pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…
עִם (im) is a preposition meaning 'with' and covers a range of relationships, including companionship, locality, and possession. It can imply actions done jointly, equality, or even opposition in contexts like combat. The related form מֵעִם (me.im) means 'from with' or 'beside.' The entries reflect various nuances but do not present significant disagreement.
עִם prep. with
of fellowship and companionship
of aid
Of actions done jointly with another
If the common action be of the nature of a contest or combat, with in the sense of against
Of dealing with a person, or of the relation in which one stands with, or towards, another
Of a common lot together with the wicked
Of equality or resemblance generally aid
Of time, as long as
Of a locality, close to, beside
Of persons, עִם is spec.
in the house or family or service of
In possession of
In the custody or care of
Beside = except
With = friendly with
Idiom. of a thought or purpose present with one
Metaph. together with = in spite of, notwithstanding
base
מֵעִם 72 from with or beside
base
H5973a עִם with . of fellowship and companionship
. Of a locality, close to, beside
. Of persons, עִם is spec. . in the house or family or service of
. In possession of
. In the custody or care of
. Beside = except
. With = friendly with
. Idiom. of a thought or purpose present with one
. Metaph. together with = in spite of, notwithstanding
H5973b מֵעִם from with, beside
5973 `im eem
from 6004; adverb or preposition, with (i.e. in conjunction
with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with;
often with prepositional prefix (and then usually
unrepresented in English):--accompanying, against, and, as (X
long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from
(among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-)to,
with(-al).
see HEBREW for 06004
עִם (im) — with.
1) with
1a) with
1b) against
1c) toward
1d) as long as
מֵעִם (me.im) — from with.
1a) beside, except
1b) in spite of
Prep — PrepositionHR
נַ֫עַר (na`ar) generally refers to a boy, lad, or youth, covering ages from infancy to adolescence. It can also imply a servant or retainer and, in some contexts, may refer to a girl of similar age. The term appears in various forms across different lexicons, with Brown-Driver-Briggs noting its usage as a shaking or scattering.
נַ֫עַר 239 n.m. 1. boy, lad, youth. 2. retainer (not in P)
boy, lad, youth (c. 133 t.)
servant, retainer (c. 105 t.)
base
H5288a נַ֫עַר usu. interpr. as a shaking, scattering H5288b נַ֫עַר, נַ֫עַר . boy, lad, youth
. retainer
5288 na`ar nah'-ar
from 5287; (concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of
infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by
interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latitude in age):--babe,
boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young
(man).
see HEBREW for 05287
נַ֫עַר (na.ar) — youth.
1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer
1a) boy, lad, youth
1b) servant, retainer
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa