Psalms 111
Old Testament · King James Version
Psalm 111 is an alphabetic hymn of praise celebrating God's works, righteousness, compassion, provision, covenant faithfulness, redemption, and enduring commands. It concludes by locating true wisdom in reverent allegiance to the Lord.
Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Context
A communal hymn of praise shaped as an acrostic, inviting God's people to study, remember, and trust the character revealed in divine works and covenant faithfulness.
Themes & application
- Praise
- Works of God
- Righteousness
- Compassion
- Covenant
- Provision
- Redemption
- Wisdom
- Fear of the Lord
Study God's works carefully, remember grace and provision without turning them into entitlement, practice trustworthy obedience, and understand the fear of the Lord as reverent allegiance rather than coercive terror.
Key verses
God's works are great and worthy of careful study.
God's provision is connected with covenant remembrance, not a prosperity guarantee.
The fear of the Lord begins wisdom and leads toward faithful practice.
Common misreadings of Psalms 111
Misreading: Psalm 111 promises that faithful people will always be materially prosperous and protected from hardship.
In context: The psalm praises God's provision and covenant faithfulness without promising uninterrupted wealth, health, or immunity from suffering.
Misreading: Verse 6 gives modern believers a territorial mandate over other peoples.
In context: The verse recalls Israel's covenant history and does not authorize modern conquest, dispossession, ethnic supremacy, or political domination.
Misreading: The fear of the Lord in verse 10 means leaders may control people through fear.
In context: Biblical reverence is not permission for intimidation, trauma, coercive control, or spiritual abuse.
Cross-references
- Exodus 34:6 — God's gracious and compassionate character.
- Proverbs 1:7 — The fear of the Lord and wisdom.
- Psalm 112 — A companion acrostic focused on the person who fears the Lord.
Frequently asked questions about Psalms 111
What does it mean to study God's works in Psalm 111:2?
What is the fear of the Lord in Psalm 111:10?
Sources & editorial notes
- Translation
- Commentary anchored in the public-domain Psalm 111 text used by the site (en).
- Authorship
- The psalm heading does not name an individual author; the commentary does not assign one beyond the text.
- Editorial process
- Synthesis checked against the psalm's three literary movements and safeguards around prosperity, territorial claims, coercion, wisdom, and fear language.
References
- Psalm 111 — Primary text and literary structure.
- Proverbs 1:7 — Canonical context for fear of the Lord and wisdom.
Author: The Lord Will Editorial Team · Reviewed by: Ugo Candido · Updated: 2026-08-21