The big picture
Psalms 111 opens in verse 1 with “Praise ye the LORD . I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the…”, reaches its middle movement near verse 5 with “He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.”, and closes in verse 10 with “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that…” Repeated or prominent terms include LORD, works, praise, commandments, covenant. Together, those details trace this chapter’s own movement from its opening to its conclusion.
Scripture beside the summary
Psalms · King James Version · 10Psalms 111:1-5
1–5: Praise ye the LORD . I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the…
Psalms 111:1–5 opens with “Praise ye the LORD . I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright…” and reaches “He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on the wording and movement of this passage, with particular weight carried by LORD, praise, works.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Praise ye the LORD . I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the…” Naming Praise keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Psalms 111:1-5
King James Version1Praise ye the LORD . I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
2The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
Psalms 111:6-10
6–10: He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them…
Psalms 111:6–10 opens with “He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the…” and reaches “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on the wording and movement of this passage, with particular weight carried by commandments, people, works.
Context that brings the passage to life
“He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.” The line’s distinctive content terms include heathen, heritage, people. Its relationship to verses 7 shows what work it does in this passage.
Psalms 111:6-10
King James Version6He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
8They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
9He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Details worth noticing
The opening image
Psalms 111:1 begins with “Praise ye the LORD . I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.”
Where the chapter turns
Psalms 111:5 forms a natural hinge: “He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.”
The final note
Psalms 111:10 leaves the reader with “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.”
A word trail through the chapter
The words LORD, works, praise, commandments, covenant, endureth help reveal the chapter’s repeated concerns.
KJV words made clear
- unto
- to
- hath
- has
Text first
Where readers differ
The chapter summary begins with what the passage says and how its parts fit together. It does not assume one denomination has already settled every question. Where a conclusion depends on a tradition, literary theory, or historical reconstruction, that dependence is named openly.
The KJV text is presented first. Interpretive conclusions are labeled, and differences are introduced only when they help a reader understand why serious communities do not always reach the same answer.
Comparative interpretive notes for this chapter are in preparation. Until reviewed notes are ready, this page separates the KJV text from summary and application without claiming that serious readers agree on every question.