Lexical Summary shethil or shathil: Plant, shoot, sapling Original Word: שְׁתִל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance plant From shathal; a sprig (as if transplanted), i.e. Sucker -- plant. see HEBREW shathal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shathal Definition a transplanted shoot, slip NASB Translation plants (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שָׁתִיל] noun [masculine] transplanted shoot, slip; — plural construct שְׁתִלֵי זֵיתִים Psalm 128:3 slips of olive (in simile). Topical Lexicon Botanical Imagery in Scripture The Hebrew noun שְׁתִיל (Strong’s 8363) pictures a tender transplant—young, living growth intentionally set in the soil to take root, flourish, and bear fruit. Scripture frequently draws on horticultural metaphors to portray covenant relationship, blessing, and spiritual vitality (Psalm 1:3; Isaiah 61:3; Jeremiah 17:8). In Psalm 128:3, the only occurrence of שְׁתִיל, the psalmist likens sons to “olive shoots around your table”. The image complements the surrounding vine metaphor for the wife so that the entire household is framed as a well-tended garden under God’s favor. Covenant Blessing and the Household Psalm 128 is a Song of Ascents celebrating the happiness of those who fear the LORD. Prosperity is expressed not in opulence but in a thriving family that mirrors Eden’s original mandate to “be fruitful and multiply.” The term שְׁתִיל underscores intentionality: children—like transplanted olive saplings—are to be nurtured within the covenant community. Such blessing is covenantal, rooted in God’s promise to reward obedience with generational fruitfulness (Deuteronomy 28:4; Proverbs 20:7). Olive Shoots: Symbolism and Significance 1. Longevity and Heritage. Olive trees can live centuries; their shoots perpetuate the parent tree’s life. Sons compared to שְׁתִיל anticipate long-lasting lineage, echoing God’s pledge to David of a dynasty that would endure (2 Samuel 7:16). Agricultural Background Ancient farmers propagated olives by planting rooted shoots rather than seeds, ensuring genetic continuity with a proven, fruitful tree. The verb שָׁתַל (Strong’s 8362) describes that deliberate transplanting. The noun שְׁתִיל thus carries the cultural context of careful cultivation—digging, watering, shielding from harsh elements—until the young plant establishes itself. So the father in Psalm 128 is pictured as a gardener whose reverence for the LORD creates an environment where his children thrive. Theological Trajectory While Psalm 128 is set in Israel’s earthly Zion, its imagery anticipates wider biblical themes: Ministry and Pastoral Application 1. Family Discipleship. Parents are called to intentional, patient nurture—watering children with Scripture, shielding them through prayer, and modeling obedience (Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Ephesians 6:4). Summary שְׁתִיל crystallizes the biblical conviction that God plants His people with purpose. The solitary occurrence in Psalm 128:3 radiates through the canon, connecting household blessing, covenant continuity, and the flourishing life found in the Messiah. Those who fear the LORD may therefore labor and rest in confidence that every young shoot placed in His soil will, by His grace, grow into a fruitful olive tree bearing testimony to His faithful love. Forms and Transliterations כִּשְׁתִלֵ֣י כשתלי kiš·ṯi·lê kishtiLei kišṯilêLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 128:3 HEB: בֵ֫יתֶ֥ךָ בָּ֭נֶיךָ כִּשְׁתִלֵ֣י זֵיתִ֑ים סָ֝בִ֗יב NAS: like olive plants Around KJV: like olive plants round about INT: your house your children plants olive Around 1 Occurrence |
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