He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about God providing daily bread; it highlights that "food" here can also mean "prey" or "spoil," hinting at the miraculous provision of manna and the spoils from Egypt. God’s consistent faithfulness to His covenant is the underlying reason for all these provisions, showing He actively cares for those who honor Him.
He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness and works, building on the theme of praising God for His mighty deeds. Following the call to praise in the preceding verses, this verse highlights God's provision for those who revere Him, linking it directly to His unwavering remembrance of His covenant promises. The context emphasizes that God's actions, like providing for His people, stem from His established covenant, underscoring His reliability and commitment throughout history.
What does it mean to 'fear God,' and how does this relate to receiving His provision?
The verse highlights a direct connection between fearing God and receiving His sustenance. The word translated 'meat' can also mean 'prey' or 'spoil,' suggesting God's generous provision goes beyond mere necessities, sometimes even involving the 'spoils' of His victory given to His people, like the Israelites after the Exodus.
This provision isn't just about physical food; it encompasses all that is necessary for their well-being and continued existence. It's a testament to God's active care for those who orient their lives around Him, trusting His authority and wisdom.
God's covenant is eternal. What does this mean for us when we face challenges?
The second part of the verse assures us that God 'remembers his covenant forever.' This isn't about God having a faulty memory that needs refreshing. Instead, it speaks to His faithfulness and immutable promises.
This covenant, rooted in promises made to figures like Abraham, obligates God to be our God and to provide for us. Even when we falter, God's commitment to His covenant stands firm. His actions towards His people, both in the past (like providing manna) and in their ongoing life, are a constant demonstration of His covenant faithfulness.
Understand the original words
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yārē’ · Hebrew Verb
A reverent, awe-filled respect for God that leads to obedience. It is not paralyzing terror, but a foundational posture of trust and submission before the Almighty.
bĕrît · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement or promise between God and His people, initiated by God, in which He pledges His loyalty and blessing, and stipulates the conditions of life under His rule.
This Psalm recalls God's historical acts of provision and covenant faithfulness, particularly during the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, reminding us that His past actions are a powerful testament to His enduring character and promises.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a foundational act of covenant faithfulness and power.
c. 1446-1445 BC— this verse
Provision in the Wilderness
During their 40-year journey, God miraculously provides manna and quails for the Israelites, demonstrating His care for those who fear Him.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquer the land promised to Abraham and his descendants.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
David establishes a unified kingdom, with Jerusalem as its capital, marking a period of relative peace and prosperity under God's covenant.
c. 931 BC
Divided Monarchy
The united kingdom splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, leading to further challenges and faithfulness testing.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, leading to the exile of many Judeans, a severe test of faith and God's covenant faithfulness.
This passage directly illustrates God providing 'food' (manna) for those who feared Him, specifically the Israelites in the wilderness, echoing the promise in Psalms 111:5.
Deuteronomy 7:9This verse highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant, stating He keeps His covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him, which is the foundation for His continued provision mentioned in Psalms 111:5.
Nehemiah 9:15This prayer recalls God providing 'food from heaven' and remembering His covenant at the Red Sea, connecting the historical acts of provision and covenant faithfulness that Psalms 111:5 celebrates.
Luke 12:32Jesus assures His followers not to be afraid, for it is their Father's good pleasure to give them the kingdom, a spiritual parallel to God's good pleasure in providing for those who fear Him, remembering His covenant.
pulpitPsalms 111:5: "He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant."
Verse 5. - He hath given meat unto them that fear him. The manna may be primarily in the writer's mind, but he is also thinking of the "food given to all flesh" (Psalm 136:25) continually. He will ever be mindful of his covenant. The covenant with Abraham, made "to a thousand generations" (Psalm 105:8).
wesleyPsalms 111:5: "He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant."
111:5 Meat - All necessary provisions for their being and well - being.
This verse isn't just about God providing daily bread; it highlights that "food" here can also mean "prey" or "spoil," hinting at the miraculous provision of manna and the spoils from Egypt. God’s consistent faithfulness to His covenant is the underlying reason for all these provisions, showing He actively cares for those who honor Him.
This psalm is a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness and works, building on the theme of praising God for His mighty deeds. Following the call to praise in the preceding verses, this verse highlights God's provision for those who revere Him, linking it directly to His unwavering remembrance of His covenant promises. The context emphasizes that God's actions, like providing for His people, stem from His established covenant, underscoring His reliability and commitment throughout history.
This psalm is a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness and works, building on the theme of praising God for His mighty deeds. Following the call to praise in the preceding verses, this verse highlights God's provision for those who revere Him, linking it directly to His unwavering remembrance of His covenant promises. The context emphasizes that God's actions, like providing for His people, stem from His established covenant, underscoring His reliability and commitment throughout history.
"He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever." — This verse isn't just about God providing daily bread; it highlights that "food" here can also mean "prey" or "spoil," hinting at the miraculous provision of manna and the spoils from Egypt. God’s co…
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Last reviewed October 2026