Psalm 8:2
New International Version
Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

New Living Translation
You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.

English Standard Version
Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.

Berean Standard Bible
From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

New American Standard Bible
From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have established strength Because of Your enemies, To do away with the enemy and the revengeful.

NASB 1995
From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.

NASB 1977
From the mouth of infants and nursing babes Thou hast established strength, Because of Thine adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.

Legacy Standard Bible
From the mouth of infants and nursing babies You have established strength Because of Your adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.

Amplified Bible
Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries, That You might silence the enemy and make the revengeful cease.

Christian Standard Bible
From the mouths of infants and nursing babies, you have established a stronghold on account of your adversaries in order to silence the enemy and the avenger.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Because of Your adversaries, You have established a stronghold from the mouths of children and nursing infants to silence the enemy and the avenger.

American Standard Version
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou established strength, Because of thine adversaries, That thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

Contemporary English Version
With praises from children and from tiny infants, you have built a fortress. It makes your enemies silent, and all who turn against you are left speechless.

English Revised Version
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou established strength, because of thine adversaries, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
From the mouths of little children and infants, you have built a fortress against your opponents to silence the enemy and the avenger.

Good News Translation
it is sung by children and babies. You are safe and secure from all your enemies; you stop anyone who opposes you.

International Standard Version
Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have established strength on account of your adversaries, in order to silence the enemy and vengeful foe.

Majority Standard Bible
From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.

NET Bible
From the mouths of children and nursing babies you have ordained praise on account of your adversaries, so that you might put an end to the vindictive enemy.

New Heart English Bible
From the lips of children and infants you have established praise, because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.

Webster's Bible Translation
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thy enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

World English Bible
From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength, because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
From the mouths of infants and sucklings "" You have founded strength, "" Because of Your adversaries, "" To still an enemy and a self-avenger.

Young's Literal Translation
From the mouths of infants and sucklings Thou hast founded strength, Because of Thine adversaries, To still an enemy and a self-avenger.

Smith's Literal Translation
Out of the mouth of children and sucklings thou hast founded strength on account of thine enemies, to cause the enemy and the avenger to cease.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings thou hast perfected praise, because of thy enemies, that thou mayst destroy the enemy and the avenger.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Out of the mouths of babes and infants, you have perfected praise, because of your enemies, so that you may destroy the enemy and the revenger.

New American Bible
with the mouths of babes and infants. You have established a bulwark against your foes, to silence enemy and avenger.

New Revised Standard Version
Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Out of the mouth of young men and infants hast thou established thy glory because of thine enemies, that thou mightest destroy the enemy and the avenger.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
From the mouth of young men and boys you prepared your song, because of your enemies, to destroy the enemy who avenges,
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou founded strength, Because of Thine adversaries; That Thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou perfected praise, because of thine enemies; that thou mightest put down the enemy and avenger.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
How Majestic is Your Name!
1For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. A Psalm of David. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens. 2From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger. 3When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place—…

Cross References
Matthew 21:16
“Do You hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’?”

Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

1 Corinthians 1:27
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

Hebrews 2:6-8
But somewhere it is testified in these words: “What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? / You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor / and placed everything under his feet.” When God subjected all things to him, He left nothing outside of his control. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.

Luke 10:21
At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.

1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

Ephesians 4:14
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.

Isaiah 28:9
Whom is He trying to teach? To whom is He explaining His message? To infants just weaned from milk? To babies removed from the breast?

Isaiah 29:19
The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 11:6
The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them.

Jeremiah 1:7
But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak.

Job 32:8
But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

Job 12:7
But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you.


Treasury of Scripture

Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings have you ordained strength because of your enemies, that you might still the enemy and the avenger.

Out

Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Matthew 21:16
And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

Luke 10:21
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

ordained.

Psalm 84:5-7
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Amos 5:9
That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong, so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress.

still

Psalm 4:4
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Exodus 11:7
But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

the enemy

Psalm 44:16
For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.

Jump to Previous
Adversaries Avenger Babes Babies Breast Bulwark Cease Children Clear Cruel Enemies Enemy Established Foes Founded Infants Lips Mightest Mouth Mouths Nursing Ordained Praise Revengeful Self-Avenger Shame Silence Strength Sucklings
Jump to Next
Adversaries Avenger Babes Babies Breast Bulwark Cease Children Clear Cruel Enemies Enemy Established Foes Founded Infants Lips Mightest Mouth Mouths Nursing Ordained Praise Revengeful Self-Avenger Shame Silence Strength Sucklings
Psalm 8
1. God's glory is magnified by his works, and by his love to man














From the mouths of children and infants
This phrase highlights the purity and innocence of children, emphasizing that God can use even the weakest and most vulnerable to accomplish His purposes. In biblical times, children were often seen as insignificant in society, yet here they are given a significant role. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God chooses the humble and lowly to confound the wise and powerful (1 Corinthians 1:27). Jesus Himself referenced this verse in Matthew 21:16 when He was praised by children in the temple, affirming that God values and uses the praise of the innocent.

You have ordained praise
The ordination of praise suggests a divine appointment or establishment. This indicates that God has intentionally chosen the praise of children as a means to demonstrate His power and glory. The Hebrew word for "ordained" can also mean "established" or "founded," suggesting a firm and purposeful action by God. This reflects the idea that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and that true worship can come from the most unexpected sources.

on account of Your adversaries
This phrase implies that the praise from children serves a specific purpose against God's adversaries. In the context of ancient Israel, adversaries could refer to both physical enemies and spiritual forces opposed to God’s will. The use of praise as a weapon against adversaries is a recurring theme in the Psalms, where worship and trust in God lead to victory over enemies (Psalm 149:6-9). This also foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over all spiritual adversaries.

to silence the enemy and avenger
The silencing of the enemy and avenger suggests that the praise of children has a powerful effect in spiritual warfare. The "enemy" and "avenger" can be understood as those who oppose God’s people and His purposes. In a broader sense, this can also refer to Satan and his forces, who are ultimately defeated by the power of God. The imagery of silencing implies a complete cessation of their accusations and attacks, reminiscent of how Jesus silenced the Pharisees and other opponents with His wisdom and authority (Matthew 22:34-46). This phrase underscores the theme of God’s sovereignty and His ability to protect and vindicate His people through unexpected means.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Children and Infants
Represent innocence and purity, often used in Scripture to symbolize humility and dependence on God.

2. Adversaries
Those who oppose God and His purposes, representing spiritual and earthly opposition.

3. Enemy and Avenger
Terms that denote those who seek to harm or retaliate against God's people or His plans.
Teaching Points
The Power of Praise
Praise is a powerful tool ordained by God to combat spiritual opposition. Even the simplest expressions of worship can have profound effects in the spiritual realm.

God's Use of the Humble
God often chooses the humble and seemingly insignificant to accomplish His purposes, reminding us that His strength is made perfect in weakness.

Childlike Faith
Embrace a childlike faith that trusts and praises God without reservation. This kind of faith is potent and effective against spiritual adversaries.

Silencing the Enemy
Our praise can silence the accusations and lies of the enemy. Regularly engage in worship to maintain spiritual victory.

Dependence on God
Like children, we are called to depend on God for our strength and deliverance. Recognize and embrace your need for His guidance and protection.(2) Babes and sucklings.--Better, young children and sucklings. A regular phrase to describe children from one to three years old (1Samuel 15:3; 1Samuel 22:19). The yonek, or suckling, denotes an earlier stage of the nursing period (which, with Hebrew mothers, sometimes extended over three years, 2 Maccabees 7:27, and on Talmudic authority could not be less than two years) than the olel, which is applied to children able to play about on the streets (Jeremiah 9:21; Lamentations 4:4). (See Dr. Ginsburg on Eastern Manners and Customs: Bible Educator, i. 29.)

Ordained strength . . .--At the first glance, the LXX. translation, as quoted in Matthew 21:16 (see Note, New Testament Commentary), "Thou hast perfected praise," seems to be correct, from a comparison with Psalm 29:1, where strength translates the same Hebrew word, and plainly means homage. This expresses, doubtless, part of the thought of the poet, that in a child's simple and innocent wonder lies the truest worship; that God accomplishes the greatest things and reveals His glory by means of the weakest instruments--a thought which was seized upon by our Lord to condemn the want of spirituality in the scribes and Pharisees. But the context, speaking the language of war, seems to demand the primitive meaning, stronghold or defence. The truth which the Bible proclaims of the innate divinity of man, his essential likeness to God, is the principal subject of the poet; and in the princely heart of innocence of an unspoilt child he sees, as Wordsworth saw, its confirmation. "Trailing clouds of glory do we come, From God who is our home." Such a proof is strong even against the noisy clamour of apostate men, who rebel against the Divine government, and lay upon God the blame of their aberration from His order. "His merry babbling mouth provides a defence of the Creator against all the calumnies of the foe" (Ewald). Others think rather of the faculty of speech, and the wonder and glory of it. . . .

Verse 2. - Out of the month of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength. By "babes and sucklings" are meant young children just able to lisp God's praises, and often doing so, either through pious teaching or by a sort of natural instinct, since "Heaven lies about us in our infancy" (Wordsworth). These scarce articulate mutterings form a foundation on which the glory of God in part rests. Because of thine enemies. To put them to shame, who, having attained to manhood, refuse to acknowledge God. That thou mightset still the enemy and the avenger. It scarcely seems as if any single individual - either Absalom, or Ahithophel, or even Satan (Kay) - is intended. Rather the words are used generally of all those who are enemies of God, and desirous of revenging themselves upon him. The existence of such persons is well shown by Hengstenberg.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
From the lips
מִפִּ֤י (mip·pî)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

of children
עֽוֹלְלִ֨ים ׀ (‘ō·wl·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5768: A suckling

and infants
וְֽיֹנְקִים֮ (wə·yō·nə·qîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3243: To suck, to give milk

You have ordained
יִסַּ֪דְתָּ֫ (yis·saḏ·tā)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3245: To set, to found, to sit down together, settle, consult

praise
עֹ֥ז (‘ōz)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5797: Strength, might

on account of
לְמַ֥עַן (lə·ma·‘an)
Preposition
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

Your adversaries,
צוֹרְרֶ֑יךָ (ṣō·wr·re·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6887: To bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, or cramped

to silence
לְהַשְׁבִּ֥ית (lə·haš·bîṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7673: To repose, desist from exertion

the enemy
א֝וֹיֵ֗ב (’ō·w·yêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

and avenger.
וּמִתְנַקֵּֽם׃ (ū·miṯ·naq·qêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5358: To grudge, avenge, punish


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OT Poetry: Psalm 8:2 From the lips of babes and infants (Psalm Ps Psa.)
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