King James Version

What Does Psalms 112:7 Mean?

Psalms 112:7 in the King James Version says “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 112 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.”

Psalms 112:7 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

5

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. discretion: Heb. judgment

6

Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

7

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

8

His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

9

He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

Read Psalms 112 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse addresses fear and faith: 'He shall not be afraid of evil tidings.' 'Evil tidings' (shemu'ah ra'ah) means bad news, reports of danger, or threatening circumstances. The promise isn't absence of evil news but absence of paralyzing fear in response to it. The second clause explains the source of this courage: 'his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.' 'Fixed' (nakown) means established, steadfast, stable - the same word from Psalm 108:1. The heart's stability comes from 'trusting in the LORD.' Trust (batach) means confident reliance, security in God's character and promises. A heart fixed on God remains stable regardless of external circumstances. This verse presents the antidote to fear: not the absence of threats but the presence of trust. It establishes that courage isn't natural temperament but theological conviction - those who truly know God's character need not be controlled by fear of circumstances.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient world, 'evil tidings' might include reports of approaching armies, famine, plague, or personal disaster. Israel's history was marked by such threats - Egyptian pursuit, Canaanite armies, Philistine invasions, Assyrian and Babylonian threats. The righteous person's response was tested repeatedly. This verse echoes Isaiah's counsel to Ahaz when facing Syrian and Ephraimite invasion: 'Take heed, and be quiet; fear not' (Isaiah 7:4). The stability of a 'fixed heart' contrasts with the anxious heart that wavers with every report. For exilic Jews, evil tidings were constant - destruction, captivity, oppression. Yet prophets like Daniel maintained fixed hearts through trust in God. New Testament teaching continues this theme: 'Be careful for nothing' (Philippians 4:6), 'casting all your care upon him' (1 Peter 5:7). The early church faced constant evil tidings - persecution, martyrdom - yet testimonies speak of believers facing death without fear. This verse has sustained martyrs, missionaries, and everyday believers facing life's uncertainties.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the relationship between a heart 'fixed' on God and freedom from fear of evil tidings?
  2. How can believers cultivate trust in the LORD that produces this kind of stability?
  3. Why does the verse promise freedom from fear of evil news rather than promise of only receiving good news?
  4. In what areas of life are we most susceptible to being afraid of 'evil tidings'?
  5. How does trust in God's sovereignty and goodness enable us to receive bad news without being overcome by fear?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
מִשְּׁמוּעָ֣ה1 of 8

“tidings”

H8052

something heard, i.e., an announcement

רָ֭עָה2 of 8

“of evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

לֹ֣א3 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִירָ֑א4 of 8

“He shall not be afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

נָכ֥וֹן5 of 8

“is fixed”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

לִ֝בּ֗וֹ6 of 8

“his heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

בָּטֻ֥חַ7 of 8

“trusting”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

בַּיהוָֽה׃8 of 8

“in the LORD”

H3068

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

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 112:7 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 112:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 26:3-4Proverbs 1:33Psalms 57:7Psalms 118:6Proverbs 3:25-26Psalms 34:4

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