Psalms 111:5

KJV

He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath given {H5414} meat {H2964} unto them that fear {H3373} him: he will ever {H5769} be mindful {H2142} of his covenant {H1285}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He gives food to those who fear him. He remembers his covenant forever.

Berean Standard Bible

He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever.

American Standard Version

He hath given food unto them that fear him: He will ever be mindful of his covenant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 111:5 stands as a profound declaration of God's character, celebrating His benevolent provision for those who revere Him and His unwavering faithfulness to His solemn promises. This verse encapsulates two foundational truths about the divine-human relationship: God's active, compassionate care in sustaining His people and His immutable commitment to His covenantal word, providing a secure anchor for faith across generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 111 is a meticulously crafted acrostic psalm (each line or half-line begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet), forming a hymn of praise and thanksgiving. It is closely linked with Psalm 112, which is also an acrostic and describes the blessedness of the one who fears the Lord, mirroring the qualities of God praised in Psalm 111. The psalm opens with a call to praise the Lord for His "great works" ([Psalms 111:2](/psalms/111-2 "Psalms 111:2 - God's Great Works")), detailing His glorious and righteous deeds, His gracious and compassionate nature, and His eternal remembrance of His covenant. Verse 5, "He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant," seamlessly integrates into this celebratory narrative, specifically highlighting God's practical demonstration of His goodness through sustenance and His theological consistency through His enduring covenant faithfulness. The psalm as a whole serves to encourage deep reflection on God's perfect character and His just administration of the world.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, life was often precarious, with sustenance directly dependent on agricultural success, rainfall, and protection from enemies. The concept of "meat" or "provision" (Hebrew: *ṭereph*) was not merely about physical food but encompassed all that was necessary for survival and flourishing, including protection from adversaries and the spoil of victory. Covenants (*beriyth*) were foundational to ancient Near Eastern societies, serving as solemn, binding agreements between parties, often involving oaths, sacrifices, and blessings or curses. God's covenants with Israel (e.g., Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic) established their identity, land, and purpose. The psalmist's declaration that God "will ever be mindful of his covenant" would have resonated deeply with a people whose history was defined by God's faithful adherence to these agreements, even when they were unfaithful. This provided immense security and hope in a world marked by instability and the unreliability of human promises.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 111 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Provision for the God-Fearing**, emphasizing God's active and benevolent care for those who honor Him. The "meat" signifies comprehensive sustenance, extending beyond mere physical nourishment to all that is needed for life and godliness, demonstrating God's attentive care for His faithful, a theme echoed in the New Testament's assurance that God knows our needs before we ask ([Matthew 6:8](/matthew/6-8 "Matthew 6:8 - God Knows Your Needs")). Secondly, the phrase "them that fear him" highlights the theme of **Reverential Awe and Obedience**, defining the posture of humanity that positions individuals to receive God's blessings. This "fear of the Lord" is not a cowering dread but a profound respect, trust, and devotion that leads to obedience, recognized as "the beginning of wisdom" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). Finally, the declaration "he will ever be mindful of his covenant" firmly establishes God's **Enduring Covenant Faithfulness**. This immutable characteristic of God is central to understanding His relationship with Israel and, ultimately, with all humanity through the new covenant established in Christ ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat (Hebrew, _ṭereph'_):** This word (טֶרֶף) carries a range of meanings, including "prey," "food," "sustenance," or "spoil." Its usage here emphasizes God's active, powerful, and often abundant provision. It implies that God is not merely a passive provider but one who actively secures what is needed, much like a hunter provides for his family or a shepherd for his flock. This provision is comprehensive, encompassing all that is necessary for life and well-being.
* **Fear him (Hebrew, _yare'_):** The Hebrew root (ירא) denotes not just terror or dread, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect that leads to obedience and worship. It describes a humble and submissive posture before God, recognizing His sovereignty and holiness. Those who "fear him" are not afraid of punishment but are filled with a deep, loving respect that motivates them to live in accordance with His will, trusting in His character.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _beriyth'_):** This term (בְּרִית) signifies a solemn, binding agreement or treaty. In the biblical context, it often refers to an agreement initiated by God, establishing a relationship and outlining mutual responsibilities, promises, and blessings. God's covenants (e.g., with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David) are foundational to His redemptive plan, demonstrating His faithfulness to His word and His people. The phrase "ever mindful" underscores the eternal and immutable nature of these divine commitments.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath given meat unto them that fear him":** This clause highlights God's active and benevolent provision. The subject "He" refers to the Lord, the focus of the entire psalm's praise. The "meat" signifies comprehensive sustenance, not limited to physical food but encompassing all necessary provisions for life and flourishing. The recipients are specifically "them that fear him," indicating that God's special care and provision are extended to those who hold Him in reverential awe and live in humble obedience to His commands. This is a statement of divine generosity and attentive care for His devoted followers.
* **"he will ever be mindful of his covenant":** This second clause affirms God's enduring faithfulness and reliability. The phrase "ever be mindful" emphasizes God's perfect memory and unwavering commitment; He never forgets His promises or reneges on His agreements. The "covenant" refers to the solemn, binding agreements God has established with His people throughout history. This declaration provides immense assurance that God's character is consistent and trustworthy, and His promises are eternally secure, forming the bedrock of hope and faith for believers.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 111:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second line reinforces and expands upon the first. "He hath given meat unto them that fear him" is directly linked to "he will ever be mindful of his covenant," implying that God's provision is a direct outflow of His covenant faithfulness. The phrase "ever be mindful" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the eternal and unchanging nature of God's memory and commitment, far beyond human capacity. The "meat" itself functions as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a part (food) stands for the whole (comprehensive provision and well-being). The entire verse also serves as a **Declaration of Divine Attributes**, succinctly stating God's benevolence, attentiveness, and unwavering fidelity, which are central to the psalm's overarching theme of praise for God's character and works.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 111:5 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's character as both Provider and Covenant-Keeper. This verse reassures believers that the same God who sustained Israel in the wilderness with manna ([Exodus 16:35](/exodus/16-35 "Exodus 16:35 - Manna in the Wilderness")) and water from the rock ([Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock")) is eternally committed to His promises. His provision is not arbitrary but flows directly from His covenantal faithfulness, demonstrating that His care for His people is an integral part of His unchanging nature. This truth forms the basis for trust in every generation, reminding us that our security is rooted not in our own efforts, but in the steadfast love and fidelity of God.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone")
* [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 111:5 offers profound comfort and a clear call to action for believers today. It encourages us to cultivate a deep, reverential awe for God, recognizing that such a posture is foundational to experiencing His abundant provision. In a world often marked by anxiety over material needs and broken promises, this verse serves as an anchor, assuring us that our God is both capable and committed to sustaining us in every way—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It invites us to release our worries and trust in His unfailing faithfulness, knowing that His covenant promises are eternally secure. Our response should be one of grateful obedience, living out our fear of the Lord not as a burden, but as a joyful recognition of His sovereignty and goodness, confident that He will always be mindful of His word to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "fear" as reverential awe, rather than dread, change your perspective on receiving His provision?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply in God's provision, knowing He is "ever mindful of his covenant"?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sense of gratitude for God's daily provision, both physical and spiritual?**

### FAQ
**Does "meat" in this verse refer only to physical food?**

Answer: While "meat" (Hebrew: *ṭereph*) literally means food or sustenance, in the biblical context, especially within the Psalms, it often carries a broader, more comprehensive meaning. It signifies God's complete provision for His people, encompassing not only physical nourishment but also protection, safety, spiritual sustenance, wisdom, and all that is necessary for their well-being and flourishing. This holistic understanding aligns with other scriptures that speak of God's comprehensive care for those who seek Him, such as Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom") that if we seek God's kingdom first, all other things will be added to us. Therefore, "meat" here represents God's abundant and holistic provision for those who live in reverent awe of Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 111:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's provision and covenant faithfulness. He is the true "bread of life" who came down from heaven, offering not just physical sustenance but eternal spiritual nourishment to those who believe in Him ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")). Just as God provided manna in the wilderness, Jesus miraculously fed the multitudes, demonstrating God's ongoing commitment to provide for His people's physical needs, yet pointing to a deeper spiritual hunger ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")). Moreover, Christ is the mediator and guarantor of the New Covenant, established through His blood, where God's promises of forgiveness, a new heart, and intimate knowledge of Him are fully realized ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")). Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Jesus fulfilled the law and the prophets, ensuring that God is "ever mindful of his covenant" not just with Israel, but with all who are united to Him by faith, making us heirs to the promises of God's eternal provision and steadfast love ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 105:8

¶ He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word [which] he commanded to a thousand generations.

Luke 1:72

To perform the mercy [promised] to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;

Matthew 6:26

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Daniel 9:4

¶ And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

Luke 12:30

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

Psalms 34:9

O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for [there is] no want to them that fear him.