Psalms 112:1

KJV

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.

KJV (with Strong's)

Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}. Blessed {H835} is the man {H376} that feareth {H3372} the LORD {H3068}, that delighteth {H2654} greatly {H3966} in his commandments {H4687}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Halleluyah! How happy is anyone who fears ADONAI, who greatly delights in his mitzvot.

Berean Standard Bible

Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments.

American Standard Version

Praise ye Jehovah. Blessed is the man that feareth Jehovah, That delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 112:1 serves as a foundational declaration, opening with a universal call to worship and immediately connecting true blessedness with a specific posture of the heart towards the Creator. It introduces the righteous individual whose life is characterized by profound reverence for the Lord and an enthusiastic joy in His divine instructions, setting the stage for the subsequent description of the flourishing life that results from such devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 112 is part of a pair with Psalm 111, both commencing with the Hebrew imperative "Hallelujah" ("Praise ye the LORD"). While [Psalm 111](/psalms/111 "Psalm 111 - God's Great Works") extols the glorious works and righteous nature of God, Psalm 112 shifts focus to the blessedness and prosperity—not necessarily material, but spiritual, moral, and enduring—of the person who responds appropriately to such a magnificent God. Both psalms are acrostic in their original Hebrew, demonstrating a structured and intentional theological message, with Psalm 112 serving as a wisdom psalm that outlines the characteristics and rewards of the righteous. It acts as an introduction to the qualities and eventual blessings of the person who fears and delights in God, providing a human counterpart to the divine attributes praised in the preceding psalm.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during or after the post-exilic period, Psalm 112 reflects the wisdom tradition prevalent in ancient Israel, which sought to instruct individuals on how to live a life pleasing to God within the covenant community. The concept of "blessedness" (Hebrew: *'ashre*) was deeply rooted in the Israelite understanding of God's favor and covenant faithfulness, often linked to obedience to the Torah. Unlike pagan notions of capricious fortune, Israelite blessedness was understood as a direct, divinely-ordained consequence of a right relationship with Yahweh. The "fear of the LORD" was a central tenet of Israelite piety, signifying not terror, but a profound reverence, awe, and submission to God's authority and holiness, which was considered the foundation of all true wisdom and knowledge, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge").

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout the Psalms and broader biblical literature. The **Call to Praise** serves as an imperative invitation to acknowledge God's sovereignty and goodness, establishing worship as the proper starting point for humanity's relationship with the divine. The theme of **True Blessedness** defines a state of profound happiness, well-being, and divine favor that is not accidental but is a direct result of one's spiritual posture and actions, echoing the beatitudes found in [Psalm 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Two Ways") and the Sermon on the Mount in [Matthew 5](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"). The **Fear of the Lord** is presented as a foundational principle, denoting a reverential awe and respect for God's holiness and power that naturally leads to obedience and a desire to please Him. Finally, **Delight in His Commandments** highlights a joyful and willing obedience, portraying God's laws not as burdensome restrictions but as pathways to life, peace, and flourishing, a theme extensively developed in [Psalm 119](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - The Supremacy of God's Word").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _'ashre'_):** This word signifies a state of deep, intrinsic happiness, well-being, and divine favor. It describes an enviable condition of flourishing that is not dependent on external circumstances but flows from a right relationship with God. It implies a sense of inner contentment and spiritual prosperity that transcends mere material wealth or fleeting pleasure.
* **Feareth (Hebrew, _yare'_):** Often misunderstood as terror, *yare'* in this context refers to a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's majesty, power, and holiness. It is a recognition of God's supreme authority and an acknowledgment of one's dependence on Him, leading to a desire to honor and obey Him. This "fear" is the antithesis of casual familiarity; it is the foundation of wisdom and true piety.
* **Delighteth greatly (Hebrew, _chaphets me'od'_):** This phrase conveys a strong, passionate pleasure and eager desire. The righteous person does not merely obey God's commandments out of obligation or fear of punishment, but finds immense joy and satisfaction in them. This "great delight" indicates a heart that loves God's ways and embraces His laws as good, beneficial, and desirable, transforming obedience from a duty into a source of profound inner joy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Praise ye the LORD."**: This opening phrase, "Hallelujah" in Hebrew, serves as an imperative call to worship addressed to the entire congregation. It sets the tone for the psalm, establishing that the blessedness described is rooted in a context of acknowledging and exalting the sovereign God. It is an invitation to participate in the adoration of Yahweh, implying that the subsequent description of the blessed man is for those who heed this call.
* **"Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD,"**: This clause immediately identifies the recipient of blessedness: the individual whose life is characterized by a reverential awe and profound respect for God. This "fear" is not a cowering dread, but a deep and abiding recognition of God's holiness, power, and authority, which naturally leads to a life of obedience and devotion. It is the foundational disposition of the heart from which all other virtues flow.
* **"[that] delighteth greatly in his commandments."**: This second characteristic further defines the blessed man. His obedience is not grudging or forced; rather, he finds immense joy and pleasure in God's laws and instructions. This "great delight" signifies a heart that embraces God's will wholeheartedly, seeing His commandments not as burdens but as pathways to life, wisdom, and true fulfillment. It demonstrates a love for God that expresses itself in eager conformity to His desires.

#### Literary Devices
The verse opens with an **Imperative** ("Praise ye the LORD"), immediately engaging the audience and setting a tone of worship and exhortation. The subsequent description of the "blessed man" employs **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "feareth the LORD" and "delighteth greatly in his commandments" express two facets of the same core spiritual disposition. While distinct, these two phrases are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing: true reverence for God naturally leads to a joyful embrace of His will. This structure is characteristic of **Wisdom Literature**, which often uses concise, memorable statements to convey profound truths about righteous living and its consequences. The verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, offering a universal truth about the nature of blessedness and the qualities required to attain it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 112:1 encapsulates a profound theological truth: true human flourishing is inextricably linked to a right relationship with God, characterized by reverential awe and joyful obedience. This blessedness is not a reward for merit but a natural outflow of a heart aligned with the Creator's will. It speaks to the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where obedience to His commands is not burdensome but a pathway to life and peace. This verse serves as a foundational statement for the entire wisdom tradition, emphasizing that the beginning of wisdom and the path to genuine happiness lies in acknowledging God's sovereignty and embracing His divine instruction.

* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man and the Law")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life Through Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 112:1 offers a timeless blueprint for a life of true blessedness. It challenges us to examine the foundation of our own happiness: is it rooted in fleeting worldly pursuits, or in a deep, reverential relationship with God? Cultivating the "fear of the LORD" means approaching God with profound respect, acknowledging His supreme authority in every area of our lives, and seeking to honor Him in our daily choices. This reverence is not a cowering dread but a liberating awe that frees us from the fear of anything else. Furthermore, finding genuine "delight" in His commandments transforms obedience from a burdensome duty into an expression of love and gratitude. This delight is fostered by understanding God's character and recognizing that His laws are for our ultimate good, leading to a life of purpose, peace, and flourishing. It calls us to actively seek out and internalize God's Word, allowing it to shape our desires and actions, thereby experiencing the profound joy that comes from walking in His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "fearing the LORD" truly mean in your daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **In what ways do you genuinely "delight" in God's commandments, and what steps can you take to cultivate greater joy in obedience?**
* **How does the blessedness described in this verse differ from the world's definition of happiness or success?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to grow in both your reverence for God and your delight in His Word?**

### FAQ
**What does "fear the LORD" mean, and is it still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: The "fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: *yare'*) in biblical terms does not mean to be terrified of God in a cowering sense, but rather to hold Him in profound reverence, awe, and respect. It is a recognition of His absolute holiness, power, and sovereignty, which naturally leads to humility, worship, and obedience. For Christians today, this concept is incredibly relevant. It means acknowledging God's rightful place as Creator and Redeemer, submitting to His authority, and living in a way that honors Him. It's the foundation of wisdom and true knowledge, as [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom") states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." This reverential fear motivates us to turn from evil and pursue righteousness, knowing that God is both loving and just.

**Is the "blessedness" promised in this verse primarily about material prosperity?**

Answer: While the Old Testament often connects obedience with material blessings (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience")), the "blessedness" (Hebrew: *'ashre*) in Psalm 112:1 is primarily a holistic and spiritual flourishing. It encompasses profound inner happiness, well-being, divine favor, and a sense of purpose that transcends mere material wealth. The subsequent verses of Psalm 112 describe the righteous man's character—generosity, compassion, integrity—and his enduring legacy, which are far more significant than fleeting riches. While God may bless materially, the core promise is one of spiritual prosperity, peace of mind, and an enduring legacy that comes from a right relationship with Him, which is ultimately more valuable than any earthly possession.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 112:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly "blessed" man, not merely in receiving divine favor, but in His intrinsic union with the Father. Jesus perfectly embodied the "fear of the LORD," demonstrating absolute reverence and submission to God's will in every aspect of His life, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly "delighted greatly in His commandments," declaring, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Delight in Doing God's Will")). He lived a life of flawless obedience, not as a burden, but as the very essence of His being and mission. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Jesus makes it possible for us, who are inherently unable to perfectly fear and delight in God's commandments, to be counted righteous. He imputes His perfect obedience to us ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Righteousness Through Obedience")), and through the Holy Spirit, enables us to genuinely grow in our own reverence for God and our delight in His Word ([Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - God's Spirit Enables Obedience")). Thus, the blessedness described in Psalm 112:1 is not merely an aspiration for believers, but a reality made possible and sustained by our union with Christ.

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 128:1

¶ A Song of degrees. Blessed [is] every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

Isaiah 50:10

¶ Who [is] among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh [in] darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

Luke 1:50

And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation.

Psalms 119:47

And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.

Psalms 119:48

My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

Psalms 119:35

¶ Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

Psalms 145:19

He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.