Psalms 147:11

← Psalms 147:10 Psalms 147:12 →

Psalms 147:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

The Lord takes pleasure in his worshippers, and in those whose hope is in his mercy.

Free Bible Version FBV

What the Lord values are those who follow him, those who put their confidence in his trustworthy love.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But the Lord deliteth in them that feare him, and attende vpon his mercie.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Jehovah is pleased with those fearing Him, With those waiting for His kindness.

World English Bible WEB

The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his loving kindness.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Translation for Translators T4T

Instead, what pleases him are those who revere him, those who confidently expect him to continue to faithfully love them.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 147:11

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Psalms 147:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB רוֹצֶ֣ה יְ֭הוָה אֶת יְרֵאָ֑י/ו אֶת הַֽ/מְיַחֲלִ֥ים לְ/חַסְדּֽ/וֹ

רוֹצֶ֣ה râtsâh H7521 to accept V-Qal

יְ֭הוָה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יְרֵאָ֑י/ו yârêʼ H3373 afraid V-Qal | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַֽ/מְיַחֲלִ֥ים yâchal H3176 to wait Art | V-Piel

לְ/חַסְדּֽ/וֹ chêçêd H2617 kindness Prep | N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 147:11

רוֹצֶ֣ה râtsâh H7521 "to accept" V-Qal

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to accept or be pleased with something, like God accepting our prayers. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, showing God's favor towards us. This word is about being satisfied or delighted.

Definition: 1) to be pleased with, be favourable to, accept favourably 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be pleased with, be favourable to 1a2) to accept 1a3) to be pleased, be determined 1a4) to make acceptable, satisfy 1a5) to please 1b) (Niphal) to be accepted, be pleased with 1c) (Piel) to seek favour of 1d) (Hiphil) to please, pay off 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself acceptable or pleasing

Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: (be) accept(-able), accomplish, set affection, approve, consent with, delight (self), enjoy, (be, have a) favour(-able), like, observe, pardon, (be, have, take) please(-ure), reconcile self. See also: Genesis 33:10; Psalms 50:18; Psalms 40:14.

יְ֭הוָה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

יְרֵאָ֑י/ו yârêʼ H3373 "afraid" V-Qal | Suff

This word describes someone who is afraid or fearful, and is also used to convey a sense of reverence or respect. It's often translated as 'afraid' in the KJV. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's reactions to God or scary situations.

Definition: fearing, reverent, afraid

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: afraid, fear (-ful). See also: Genesis 22:12; Psalms 103:17; Psalms 15:4.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַֽ/מְיַחֲלִ֥ים yâchal H3176 "to wait" Art | V-Piel

To wait or be patient is the meaning of this verb, used to describe hoping or trusting in something, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: : wait[for_time] 1) to wait, hope, expect 1a) (Niphal) to wait 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait, await, tarry 1b2) to wait for, hope for 1c) (Hiphil) to wait, tarry, wait for, hope for Also means: ya.chal (יָחַל ": hope" H3176H)

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, have, make to) hope, be pained, stay, tarry, trust, wait. See also: Genesis 8:12; Psalms 69:4; Psalms 31:25.

לְ/חַסְדּֽ/וֹ chêçêd H2617 "kindness" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.

Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness

Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.

Study Notes — Psalms 147:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 147:11 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 147:11
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:11
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:11
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:11
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 147:11
Sermons on Psalms 147:11

Context — It Is Good to Sing Praises

9He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call. 10He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

11The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.

12Exalt the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion! 13For He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses the children within you.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 33:18	Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion
2	Malachi 3:16–17	At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name. “They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.
3	Zephaniah 3:17	The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”
4	Psalms 149:4	For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the afflicted with salvation.
5	Isaiah 62:4	No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride.
6	Psalms 33:22	May Your loving devotion rest on us, O LORD, as we put our hope in You.
7	Psalms 35:27	May those who favor my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “Exalted be the LORD who delights in His servant’s well-being.”
8	Proverbs 11:20	The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight.
9	1 Peter 1:17	Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.
10	1 Peter 1:13	Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Psalms 147:11 Summary

This verse means that God is pleased with people who respect and trust Him, and who have hope in His love for them. It's not about being strong or weak, but about having a humble heart that recognizes God's power and authority. As it says in Jeremiah 9:23-24, we should not boast in our own strength or wisdom, but rather in our knowledge and understanding of God. By trusting in God's loving devotion, we can have confidence and peace, knowing that He is always with us and cares for us, as promised in Romans 8:38-39.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to fear the Lord in Psalms 147:11?

To fear the Lord means to have a deep respect and reverence for Him, recognizing His power and authority, as seen in Psalms 111:10, which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

How can we hope in God's loving devotion?

We can hope in God's loving devotion by trusting in His promises and character, as expressed in Psalms 136:1, which reminds us that God's love endures forever.

Does this verse mean that God only likes people who are weak and timid?

No, this verse is not saying that God only likes people who are weak and timid, but rather that He values those who humbly trust and reverence Him, as opposed to those who trust in their own strength, as seen in Psalms 147:10.

How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?

You can apply this verse by making a conscious effort to cultivate a deep respect and reverence for God, and by trusting in His loving devotion, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says to trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can demonstrate my fear and reverence for the Lord in my daily life?
How can I balance the desire to trust in God's loving devotion with the temptation to trust in my own abilities?
What are some promises of God's loving devotion that I can reflect on and trust in during difficult times?
In what ways can I show my hope in God's loving devotion to others, and be a witness to His faithfulness?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:11

The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him,.... With a filial and godly fear; that serve and worship him, privately and publicly, with reverence and love: as, appears by the goodness he lays up

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:11

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 147:11

That believingly and patiently expect and seek relief and happiness from God alone, and from his mere grace and mercy, and not from any creature, nor from their own merits.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:11

Psalms 147:11 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.Ver. 11. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him] That put themselves into the hands of justice, in hope of mercy. These are his Hephzibahs, his darlings in whom he taketh singular delight and complacence. Mentemque habere queis bonam; Et esse corculis datum est.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:11

Verse 11. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him] That are truly religious. In those that hope is his mercy.] Who are just beginning to seek the salvation of their souls. Even the cry of the penitent is pleasing in the ear of the Lord. With this verse the hundred and forty-sixth Psalm ends in all the Versions, except the Chaldee. And the hundred and forty-seventh commences with the 12th verse. I believe these to be two distinct Psalms. The subjects of them are not exactly the same, though something similar; and they plainly refer to different periods.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:11

11. those that hope in his mercy] Or, those that wait for his loving-kindness.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:11

The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him - In those who truly worship him, however humble, poor, and unknown to people they may be; however unostentatious, retired, unnoticed may be their worship.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 147:11

11. Taketh pleasure—As in Ezra and Nehemiah, who, having been loyal to God in trying times, now felt the sunshine of his pleasure.

Sermons on Psalms 147:11

	Sermon	Description
	The Fear of the Lord Is His Treasure by Paul Lloyd	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning and fearing God. He uses the example of God judging Ananias and Sapphira in Acts, which brought fear upon those w
	They Are Attended With a Christian Tenderness of Spirit. by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards preaches about the contrast between gracious affections that soften the heart and false affections that harden it. Gracious affections lead to a Christian tenderne
	You Belong to Him! by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound love and delight that God has for His people, as illustrated in the Song of Solomon and the Psalms. He explains that God sees His bride as p
	Hope by William Cowper	William Cowper preaches about the transformative power of hope in the face of despair and the importance of genuine faith in God's mercy and grace. He contrasts the emptiness of wo
	Fellowship by John Follette	John Follette emphasizes the importance of offering our humanity to please God, despite our failures and limited spiritual understanding. He discusses the concept of Degrees of Fel
	Has the Church Lost the Fear of the Lord by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman delivers a powerful message urging the church to wake up from spiritual slumber and embrace the fear of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of repentance, seeking re
	Jesus' Need by Herbert Henry Farmer	Herbert Henry Farmer emphasizes the danger of viewing God as a servant rather than as One to be served, highlighting the profound concept of God's infinite desire for our companion