King James Version

What Does Psalms 111:9 Mean?

Psalms 111:9 in the King James Version says “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 111 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 111:9 · KJV

Context

7

The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

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 celebrates God's redemptive intervention: 'He sent redemption unto his people.' 'Redemption' (Hebrew 'pedut') means deliverance, often through payment of a price or rescue from bondage. The verb 'sent' indicates God's initiative - salvation comes from Him to us, not our effort to reach Him. 'Unto his people' emphasizes covenant relationship - God redeems those who are His through covenant. The second clause establishes permanence: 'he hath commanded his covenant for ever.' 'Commanded' (Hebrew 'tsavah') means ordained, established with authority. God's covenant isn't tentative or conditional but eternally commanded. The final declaration completes the doxology: 'holy and reverend is his name.' 'Holy' (qadosh) means set apart, transcendent, morally pure. 'Reverend' (nora) means awe-inspiring, fearsome. God's name represents His revealed character, and that character demands worship and reverence. The verse ties together redemption, covenant, and the holy character of God - the basis for all true worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

For Israel, 'redemption' primarily recalled the exodus from Egypt when God delivered His people from slavery. The concept of redemption included the kinsman-redeemer role (goel) who bought back family members from slavery or land from creditors (Leviticus 25, Book of Ruth). God acted as Israel's redeemer, purchasing them not with silver but with mighty acts of judgment against Egypt. The covenant 'commanded forever' refers to God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15, 17), renewed with Moses at Sinai (Exodus 19-24), and confirmed with David (2 Samuel 7). Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's covenant remained because it depended on His faithfulness, not theirs. The declaration that God's name is 'holy and reverend' reflects the third commandment against taking God's name in vain (Exodus 20:7). Throughout Israel's history, reverence for God's name grew, to the point where Jews avoided pronouncing YHWH. New Testament fulfillment sees Jesus as the ultimate redeemer who purchased His people not with perishable things but with His precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19), establishing the new covenant 'forever' (Hebrews 13:20).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that God 'sent' redemption, emphasizing His initiative in salvation?
  2. How does God's redemption demonstrate both His justice (a price paid) and His mercy (freeing captives)?
  3. What assurance comes from knowing God has 'commanded his covenant forever'?
  4. How should recognizing that God's name is 'holy and reverend' affect our worship, prayer, and daily speech?
  5. In what ways does Old Testament redemption foreshadow Christ's greater redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
פְּד֤וּת׀1 of 9

“redemption”

H6304

distinction; also deliverance

שָׁ֘לַ֤ח2 of 9

“He sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לְעַמּ֗וֹ3 of 9

“unto his people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

צִוָּֽה4 of 9

“he hath commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לְעוֹלָ֥ם5 of 9

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

בְּרִית֑וֹ6 of 9

“his covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

קָד֖וֹשׁ7 of 9

“holy”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

וְנוֹרָ֣א8 of 9

“and reverend”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

שְׁמֽוֹ׃9 of 9

“is his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

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 111:9 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 111:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 99:3Luke 1:68Titus 2:14Luke 1:49Revelation 5:9Hebrews 9:12

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