King James Version

What Does Psalms 5:7 Mean?

Psalms 5:7 in the King James Version says “But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. thy holy: Heb. the temple of thy holiness”

Psalms 5:7 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

5

The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. in: Heb. before thine eyes

6

Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. bloody: Heb. man of bloods and deceit

7

But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. thy holy: Heb. the temple of thy holiness

8

Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. mine: Heb. those which observe me

9

For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. faithfulness: or, stedfastness their mouth: Heb. his mouth, that is, the mouth of any of them very: Heb. wickednesses

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After describing God's hatred of sinners, David contrasts himself not through self-righteousness but through God's mercy. 'The multitude of thy mercy' (Hebrew 'rob chesed' - abundance of covenant love) is his only plea. David will worship 'in thy fear' - reverential awe, not terror. The temple (literally 'holy temple' or 'palace of holiness') represents God's presence. This verse captures the Reformed doctrine of sola gratia - we approach God solely through His mercy, not our merit, yet this grace produces holy fear and worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Though written before Solomon's temple, David speaks prophetically of the future worship center. 'Thy fear' reflects proper covenant relationship - not cringing terror but reverent respect. The temple would be the place where God's mercy and holiness met, ultimately fulfilled in Christ who is both our mercy seat and our temple (John 2:19-21).

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you approach God presuming on His mercy or with appropriate reverential fear?
  2. How does awareness of God's abundant mercy toward you increase your worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַאֲנִ֗י1 of 10
H589

i

בְּרֹ֣ב2 of 10

“in the multitude”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

חַ֭סְדְּךָ3 of 10

“of thy mercy”

H2617

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

אָב֣וֹא4 of 10

“But as for me I will come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בֵיתֶ֑ךָ5 of 10

“into thy house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥ה6 of 10

“will I worship”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

אֶל7 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֵֽיכַל8 of 10

“temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

קָ֝דְשְׁךָ֗9 of 10

“toward thy holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

בְּיִרְאָתֶֽךָ׃10 of 10

“and in thy fear”

H3374

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 132:7Psalms 138:2Hebrews 4:16Psalms 69:13Hebrews 12:28-29Isaiah 55:7

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