King James Version

What Does Psalms 111:10 Mean?

Psalms 111:10 in the King James Version says “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 111 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. a good: or, good success his commandments: Heb. them”

Psalms 111:10 · KJV

Fear & CourageWisdom

Context

8

They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. stand: Heb. are established

9

He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. a good: or, good success his commandments: Heb. them

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents the foundational principle for all wisdom: 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.' 'Fear' (Hebrew 'yirah') encompasses reverence, awe, worship, and recognition of God's authority. It's not servile terror but proper respect for God's character. 'Beginning' (reshit) can mean first in time, importance, or both - the fear of the LORD is both the starting point and the foundational principle of wisdom. Without proper relationship to God, all learning remains folly. The second clause expands: 'a good understanding have all they that do his commandments.' 'Good understanding' (sekel tov) means sound judgment, skill in living. Wisdom isn't merely theoretical knowledge but practical application - demonstrated through keeping God's commandments. Obedience validates understanding. The final phrase returns to worship: 'his praise endureth for ever.' Genuine wisdom results in perpetual praise. This creates a complete cycle: fearing God leads to wisdom, wisdom manifests in obedience, and obedience produces eternal praise.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse echoes Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10, establishing a consistent wisdom tradition in Israel. Unlike surrounding ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature which focused on pragmatic success, Hebrew wisdom rooted all understanding in relationship with YHWH. The 'fear of the LORD' was Israel's distinctive contribution to wisdom literature. In Solomon's time, Israel's wisdom tradition flourished, drawing seekers from other nations (1 Kings 4:29-34). However, even Solomon's wisdom proved insufficient when he abandoned the fear of the LORD (1 Kings 11). Post-exilic Judaism increasingly emphasized Torah study as the path of wisdom, making the connection between 'doing his commandments' and 'good understanding' explicit. The verse would be particularly meaningful to those who experienced exile's consequences of abandoning God's commands. In the New Testament, Christ becomes the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24), and the fear of the Lord remains essential (2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 5:21). The eternal nature of God's praise reflects that wisdom rooted in God has eternal value, unlike earthly wisdom that perishes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is 'fear of the LORD' both the beginning and foundation of all genuine wisdom?
  2. What is the relationship between knowing God's commandments and doing them in the development of wisdom?
  3. Why is wisdom impossible to attain apart from proper reverence for God?
  4. How does this verse challenge modern education that separates knowledge from morality and God?
  5. In what ways should the eternal nature of God's praise shape our priorities and pursuits?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
רֵ֘אשִׁ֤ית1 of 11

“is the beginning”

H7225

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

חָכְמָ֨ה׀2 of 11

“of wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

יִרְאַ֬ת3 of 11

“The fear”

H3374

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שֵׂ֣כֶל5 of 11

“understanding”

H7922

intelligence; by implication, success

ט֭וֹב6 of 11

“a good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לְכָל7 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֹשֵׂיהֶ֑ם8 of 11

“have all they that do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

תְּ֝הִלָּת֗וֹ9 of 11

“his commandments his praise”

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

עֹמֶ֥דֶת10 of 11

“endureth”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לָעַֽד׃11 of 11

“for ever”

H5703

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 111:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 111:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 1:7Proverbs 9:10Job 28:28Ecclesiastes 12:13Deuteronomy 4:6John 5:44

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