Psalms 147:11 Meaning and Explanation
“The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Lord is pleased by those who fear him and trust in his mercy.
The Context of Psalms 147:11
God's pleasure is directed toward those with a reverent and hopeful heart.
What Does Psalms 147:11 Mean?
The positive statement follows the negation. God's pleasure rests on fear (reverence, awe) and hope (trust, expectation of mercy). These are not physical attributes or accomplishments but inner stances—dispositions of the heart toward God. A person in any station of life can cultivate these.
Fear of the Lord in biblical language is not terror but proper regard—acknowledging that God is other, majestic, and the source of all good. Hope in mercy presupposes that the Lord is gracious. Together, fear and hope create the posture of wisdom: taking God seriously while trusting his goodness.
Psalms 147:11 in the Original Language
yirah (יִירָה), 'fear' — includes reverence, awe, and proper submission, not mere terror.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 147:11
What does Psalms 147:11 mean?
The Lord is pleased by those who fear him and trust in his mercy.
What is the context of Psalms 147:11?
God's pleasure is directed toward those with a reverent and hopeful heart.