Psalms 147:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} taketh pleasure {H7521} in them that fear {H3373} him, in those that hope {H3176} in his mercy {H2617}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who wait for his grace.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.

American Standard Version

Jehovah taketh pleasure in them that fear him, In those that hope in his lovingkindness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 147:11 profoundly articulates the divine heart of pleasure, presenting a striking contrast to human estimations of worth and power. While the world often values physical might, military prowess, or self-sufficiency, this verse reveals that the Almighty's delight rests not in outward displays of strength but in the internal disposition of a humble and trusting heart. It underscores God's profound satisfaction in those who approach Him with reverent awe and unwavering confidence in His unfailing compassion and grace, establishing a foundational truth about what truly pleases the Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 147 is a magnificent hymn of praise, likely composed for a public worship setting, possibly celebrating the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the return of exiles, echoing themes found in [Nehemiah 3](/nehemiah/3 "Nehemiah 3 - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem"). The psalm opens with an exhortation to praise the LORD for His goodness and pleasantness, as seen in [Psalm 147:1](/psalms/147-1 "Psalm 147:1 - Praise the LORD!"). It then skillfully oscillates between extolling God's immense power over creation—such as numbering the stars and calling them by name in [Psalm 147:4](/psalms/147-4 "Psalm 147:4 - God's Omnipotence")—and His tender, particular care for the humble and afflicted, specifically healing the brokenhearted in [Psalm 147:3](/psalms/147-3 "Psalm 147:3 - Healing for the Brokenhearted"). Verse 11 serves as a pivotal statement, immediately following a declaration in [Psalm 147:10](/psalms/147-10 "Psalm 147:10 - God's Disinterest in Human Strength") that God "delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man." This sharp contrast highlights that God's favor is not earned through human might or worldly achievements but through a spiritual posture of reverence and trust, shifting the focus from external power to internal disposition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed during a period when Israel was re-establishing itself, perhaps after the Babylonian exile, Psalm 147 would have resonated deeply with a people who had experienced profound weakness and dependence. The emphasis on God's power over nature, sending snow, frost, and hail in [Psalm 147:16-17](/psalms/147-16-17 "Psalm 147:16-17 - God's Control Over Nature"), and His specific care for Israel, declaring His word and statutes to Jacob in [Psalm 147:19-20](/psalms/147-19-20 "Psalm 147:19-20 - God's Word and Statutes to Israel"), would have provided immense comfort and reassurance. In a world where nations relied on military might and large armies (represented by horses and men's legs), the psalm's counter-cultural message that God's pleasure is found elsewhere would have been profoundly encouraging to a vulnerable community. It redirected their focus from earthly power dynamics to divine sovereignty and covenant faithfulness, fostering a deeper reliance on God's provision and protection.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to understanding the psalm's overarching message about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It encapsulates the theme of **God's True Pleasure**, revealing that His delight is not in external strength or self-sufficiency, but in the internal disposition of the heart. This directly challenges human pride and self-reliance, redirecting focus to spiritual qualities that align with His nature. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the **Fear of the LORD**, which is not a cowering terror but a reverent awe and profound respect for God's majesty, power, and holiness. This "fear" implies a humble recognition of His supreme authority and a desire to obey His will, often presented in Scripture as the [beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom"). Finally, the theme of **Hope in His Mercy** complements the fear of the LORD. It speaks to a deep, unwavering trust in God's steadfast love and compassion, known in Hebrew as *hesed*. This hope acknowledges human weakness and dependence, placing full reliance on God's unfailing grace and willingness to bless and forgive, as seen in passages like [Psalm 33:18](/psalms/33-18 "Psalm 33:18 - God's Eye on Those Who Hope in His Mercy"). Together, these themes paint a comprehensive picture of a God who delights in a humble, trusting, and obedient relationship with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **taketh pleasure (Hebrew, _râtsâh'_):** This verb (H7521) signifies "to be pleased with," "to accept," "to delight in," or "to have favor." It implies a deep satisfaction and approval from God, indicating that His disposition towards those who fear Him and hope in His mercy is one of active enjoyment and affirmation, not mere tolerance or passive acceptance. This suggests a reciprocal relationship where God finds joy in the genuine spiritual posture of His people.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** While *yârêʼ* (H3373) can denote dread or terror, in this context, especially when paired with "hope in his mercy," it carries the meaning of reverent awe, profound respect, and humble submission. It describes a posture of acknowledging God's supreme power and holiness, leading to a desire to honor and obey Him. This is a positive, relational fear, recognizing God's rightful place and our dependence on Him, fostering a life of devotion rather than dread.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This rich Hebrew term (H2617) is often translated as "steadfast love," "lovingkindness," "covenant loyalty," or "unfailing grace." It describes God's committed, benevolent love that endures despite human failings. To "hope in his mercy" means to place one's complete confidence and expectation in this unwavering, loyal, and compassionate character of God, especially in times of need or weakness. It is the bedrock of Israel's relationship with Yahweh (H3068), signifying His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him":** This clause establishes the first condition for God's delight, explicitly naming "The LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God). It highlights that God's favor is not arbitrary but directed towards a specific disposition: a reverent awe and humble respect for His majesty. This "fear" is not a cowering dread but a profound recognition of God's sovereignty and holiness that leads to obedience and worship, signifying a humble acknowledgment of who God is and our proper place before Him.
* **"in those that hope in his mercy":** This second clause complements the first, adding another essential quality that pleases God. It speaks of an active, enduring trust and confident expectation in God's *chêçêd*—His steadfast love, covenant loyalty, and unfailing compassion. This hope is not wishful thinking but a firm reliance on God's unchanging character, particularly His willingness to extend grace, forgiveness, and deliverance. It acknowledges human frailty and places full dependence on divine benevolence, demonstrating a deep trust in His goodness even amidst challenging circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 147:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("in those that hope in his mercy") reiterates and expands upon the meaning of the first ("in them that fear him"). This structure emphasizes the interconnectedness and complementary nature of reverence and trust in God's character. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, implicitly building on the preceding verse ([Psalm 147:10](/psalms/147-10 "Psalm 147:10 - God's Disinterest in Human Strength")) which dismisses human strength. This sets up a powerful juxtaposition between what the world values (physical might, self-sufficiency) and what God truly delights in (spiritual humility and trust). Furthermore, the concept of God "taking pleasure" can be seen as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotions (pleasure, delight) to God to help us comprehend His relational nature and active engagement with His people, making His divine disposition more relatable and understandable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 147:11 encapsulates a core theological truth about the nature of God and the appropriate human response to Him. It underscores that God's pleasure is not contingent upon human performance, strength, or self-sufficiency, but upon a heart that acknowledges His supreme sovereignty and relies entirely on His grace. The "fear of the LORD" is a foundational concept throughout the Old Testament, signifying a right relationship with God characterized by reverence, obedience, and wisdom. This fear, far from being a source of terror, is the pathway to intimate knowledge of God and His will. Coupled with "hope in his mercy," it reveals a God who desires a relationship built on humble dependence and unwavering trust in His lovingkindness, rather than on human merit. This divine delight in human faith and humility foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on grace and faith as the basis of salvation, demonstrating a consistent divine character across the biblical narrative.

* [Psalm 33:18](/psalms/33-18 "God's Eye on Those Who Hope in His Mercy")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Faith Pleases God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 147:11 offers profound practical guidance for believers today, challenging our natural inclination to rely on our own abilities or seek validation in worldly achievements. It calls us to cultivate a heart that prioritizes spiritual reverence and humble dependence on God above all else. Instead of striving for worldly accolades, power, or self-reliance, we are encouraged to nurture a genuine awe of God's character—His holiness, power, and justice—and to place our unwavering trust in His compassionate nature and unfailing promises. This verse reminds us that true divine favor and pleasure are found not in what we can achieve through our own strength, but in our posture of faith, seeking His face and relying on His abundant mercy. It invites us to release the burden of self-sufficiency and embrace the freedom of trusting in a God who delights in our dependence on Him, aligning our hearts with what truly pleases the Creator of the universe and finding peace in His sovereign care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to rely on your own strength or abilities rather than placing your hope in God's mercy?**
* **How can cultivating a deeper "fear of the LORD"—a reverent awe—transform your daily walk and decision-making?**
* **What does it practically look like to "hope in His mercy" in the face of uncertainty, failure, or suffering?**

### FAQ

**What does "fear him" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In Psalm 147:11, "fear him" (Hebrew: *yârêʼ*) does not primarily mean to be terrified of God in a cowering sense. Instead, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's majesty, holiness, and supreme authority. It's a recognition of His rightful place as Creator and Lord, leading to a humble desire to honor Him, obey His commands, and live in accordance with His will. This kind of fear is often described as the [beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom") and is foundational to a right relationship with God, fostering devotion rather than dread.

**How does "hope in his mercy" relate to "fear him"?**

Answer: These two concepts are deeply intertwined and complementary. The "fear of the LORD" acknowledges God's immense power and holiness, leading to humility and a recognition of our own inadequacy. This humility, in turn, drives us to "hope in his mercy" (Hebrew: *chêçêd*), which is God's steadfast love, covenant loyalty, and unfailing grace. We recognize that despite our shortcomings, God's character is one of compassion and faithfulness, and it is in this unchanging mercy that we place our trust. Thus, fearing God leads us to depend on His mercy, and hoping in His mercy deepens our reverence for His gracious character. It's a beautiful balance of awe and trust, forming the core of a pleasing relationship with God, as highlighted in [Psalm 147:11](/psalms/147-11 "God's Delight in Fear and Hope").

**Why does God not take pleasure in "the strength of the horse" or "the legs of a man" (Psalm 147:10)?**

Answer: [Psalm 147:10](/psalms/147-10 "God's Disinterest in Human Strength") sets up a crucial contrast with verse 11. God's disinterest in the strength of the horse (a symbol of military power) or the legs of a man (representing human physical prowess or swiftness) is because these are symbols of self-reliance and worldly might. God does not delight in what humanity can achieve independently or by its own power, as such achievements often foster pride and diminish reliance on Him. Instead, God's pleasure is found in humility, dependence, and faith—qualities that acknowledge His sovereignty and grace. This contrast emphasizes that true strength and worth in God's eyes come from a humble heart that trusts in Him, rather than from human capabilities or worldly displays of power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 147:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of one who "feared" the Lord in the truest sense—not with terror, but with perfect reverence, obedience, and submission to the Father's will. His life was marked by complete dependence on God, culminating in His willing sacrifice on the cross, saying, "[Not my will, but yours be done](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Furthermore, Jesus is the very personification of God's "mercy" (*chêçêd*). Through His atoning work, God's steadfast love and unfailing grace are poured out upon humanity. We, who are called to "fear Him" and "hope in His mercy," do so *through* Christ. Our reverence for God is now mediated by our relationship with the Son, and our hope in God's mercy is entirely founded upon the finished work of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Believers are those who, by faith in Christ, receive God's mercy and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of humble obedience and confident trust, thereby reflecting the very qualities in which the Father takes pleasure. Our capacity to fear God and hope in His mercy is a direct result of God's mercy revealed in Jesus, who is "[full of grace and truth](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - Jesus, Full of Grace and Truth")" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - Jesus, Full of Grace and Truth")), making Him the perfect object and means of our spiritual posture.

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 33:18

Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

Malachi 3:16

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

Malachi 3:17

And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Psalms 149:4

For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

Psalms 33:22

Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

Isaiah 62:4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.