Psalms 111:10

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

רֵ֘אשִׁ֤ית

H7225

is the beginning

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

חָכְמָ֨ה׀

H2451

of wisdom

wisdom (in a good sense)

יִרְאַ֬ת

H3374

The fear

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שֵׂ֣כֶל

H7922

understanding

intelligence; by implication, success

ט֭וֹב

H2896

a good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֹשֵׂיהֶ֑ם

H6213

have all they that do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

תְּ֝הִלָּת֗וֹ

H8416

his commandments his praise

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

#10

עֹמֶ֥דֶת

H5975

endureth

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#11

לָעַֽד׃

H5703

for ever

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing wisdom contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 111 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on wisdom address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?