King James Version

What Does Psalms 147:11 Mean?

Psalms 147:11 in the King James Version says “The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 147 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.”

Psalms 147:11 · KJV

Fear & CourageHope

Context

9

He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.

10

He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.

11

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

12

Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.

13

For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.

Read Psalms 147 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals the specific orientation of God's favor: 'The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.' The phrase 'taketh pleasure' (Hebrew 'ratzah') indicates divine delight and approval. 'In them that fear him' employs 'fear' (yirah) in the biblical sense not of terror but of reverent awe and respect. The parallel 'in those that hope in his mercy' (yachelu le-chesdo) establishes that fear of God and hope in His mercy are not opposites but complementary. Those who reverence God appropriately also trust in His kindness. This verse answers a crucial question: what kind of people please God? Not the powerful or wealthy, but those who combine proper fear with confident trust. The pairing of fear and hope suggests a mature spirituality that neither despises God's authority nor doubts His benevolence. Divine pleasure (ratzah) is closely linked in biblical thought to acceptance and favor. Those who combine reverent awe with trust in mercy find themselves in right relationship with God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of 'fear of the LORD' (yirat YHWH) is foundational to biblical theology, appearing in Proverbs, Job, and throughout the Psalter. This verse articulates the theological synthesis: proper fear of God coexists with hope in His mercy. During the exile and post-exilic periods, when God's power was not evident in political/military terms, maintaining both proper reverence and confident hope was spiritually demanding. The phrase 'hope in his mercy' (chesed) echoes the covenant theology that sustained Israel through dispersion. In later Jewish thought, the combination of 'fear of heaven' (yirat shamayim) with trust in divine benevolence became the essence of piety. The Kiddushin tractate of the Talmud (42a) discusses who inherits the world to come, consistently emphasizing those who combine proper fear with genuine kindness. In Christian tradition, this verse pointed to the security of believers who, fearing God appropriately, could nonetheless approach Him with confidence through Christ's mediation (Ephesians 3:12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can fear of God (reverent awe) coexist with hope in His mercy without one undermining the other?
  2. What does it mean that 'The LORD taketh pleasure' in those who fear Him - what is God's emotional response to human reverence?
  3. Why does the psalm pair 'fear' with 'hope in mercy' rather than pairing 'fear' with 'obedience' or 'hope' with 'love'?
  4. In what ways does the character of those who fear God and trust His mercy inform our understanding of righteousness?
  5. How should believers today understand and practice the 'fear of the LORD' in light of New Testament revelation of God's love?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
רוֹצֶ֣ה1 of 7

“taketh pleasure”

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

יְ֭הוָה2 of 7

“The LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת3 of 7
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְרֵאָ֑יו4 of 7

“in them that fear”

H3373

fearing; morally, reverent

אֶת5 of 7
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַֽמְיַחֲלִ֥ים6 of 7

“him in those that hope”

H3176

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

לְחַסְדּֽוֹ׃7 of 7

“in his mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

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 147:11 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 147:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 33:18Malachi 3:16-17Zephaniah 3:17Psalms 149:4Isaiah 62:4Psalms 33:22

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