His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just saying God isn't impressed by brute strength; it highlights that human pride often lies in the attributes of these powerful forces – the sheer muscle of a horse or the swift, strong legs of a runner. God finds no pleasure in these external displays of power, preferring the internal disposition of a heart that fears Him and hopes in His mercy.
His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is celebrating God's care for creation and his people, highlighting his power and goodness. After detailing how God provides for all living creatures, from grass to ravens, the focus shifts to what truly matters to Him. The verse emphasizes that God isn't impressed by the mighty warhorses or swift human warriors that earthly powers rely on for victory.
We often think God delights in our impressive achievements, our powerful armies, or our personal strengths. But the psalmist reveals something surprising about what truly captures God's attention.
The verse starkly contrasts what people admire with what God values. Humans are drawn to the raw power of a warhorse or the swiftness of a skilled runner. These are visible, impressive displays of force and ability. The horse, a symbol of military might, and a man's 'legs' – representing his speed, agility, and endurance in battle or in a race – are prime examples of physical prowess.
However, the psalmist states God doesn't delight in these things. It's not that God is unaware of or unappreciative of the strength and speed He created. Instead, these are not the ultimate objects of His pleasure or the basis of His favor. He isn't impressed by military might or athletic ability in the way we might be. He doesn't rely on them for His purposes.
If God isn't impressed by our physical power or speed, what does capture His heart and earn His pleasure? The verses following this one offer a profound answer.
The psalm quickly pivots from what God doesn't delight in to what He does. While human strength and speed are not the focus of God's pleasure, a different kind of 'strength' and 'hope' are highly valued.
The verses following Psalm 147:10 reveal God's true delight: 'The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those whose hope is in his steadfast love.' (Psalm 147:11). This fear isn't terror, but a deep reverence and awe that leads to obedience. It's recognizing God's holiness and choosing to turn away from sin.
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Furthermore, God delights in those whose hope is anchored in His 'steadfast love' – His enduring, covenantal kindness. This points to a reliance on God's character and promises, not on our own capabilities. It's a humble dependence on Him, especially when we feel weak or lacking.
Understand the original words
chephets · Hebrew Noun
In the context of the Old Testament, delight refers to the divine pleasure or favor God takes in something or someone. It implies an alignment with His will or character, contrasting with human pride or false security.
geburah · Hebrew Noun
The capacity, power, or physical dominance often trusted in by humans rather than in God. In a biblical context, it frequently represents human pride or reliance on worldly resources for security.
This passage highlights the contrast between man's reliance on physical strength and courage (like Goliath's) and David's reliance on the Lord, mirroring the Psalm's point that God's delight isn't in mere human might.
Proverbs 21:31This proverb directly states that 'The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD,' echoing the Psalm's theme that ultimate power and success come from God, not military strength.
Jeremiah 9:23-24This prophetic passage also contrasts boasting in human strength or wisdom with boasting in the Lord, aligning with the Psalm's message that God finds no pleasure in man's physical prowess or self-reliance.
Zechariah 4:6This verse declares that 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts,' which is a powerful confirmation of the Psalm's idea that God's favor is not tied to human or animal strength.
ellicottPsalms 147:10: "He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man."
(10) Strength of the horse . . . legs of a man. —This somewhat strange antithesis has been explained to refer to cavalry and infantry, but the much more expressive passage, Psalm 33:16-17 , which was plainly before this poet, would hardly have been altered so strangely. The horse as a type of strength and endurance was of course common. (Comp. especially Job 39:19-25 .) And we have befo…
bensonPsalms 147:10: "He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man."
Psalm 147:10-11 . He delighteth not in the strength of the horse, &c. — As if he needed either one or the other for the accomplishment of his designs: see the note on Psalm 33:16-17 . Mr. Green translates the verse, He delights not in the courage of the horse, nor is pleased with the agility of the warrior; and Bishop Patrick connects it with the preceding verse: and paraphrases it thus…
This verse isn't just saying God isn't impressed by brute strength; it highlights that human pride often lies in the attributes of these powerful forces – the sheer muscle of a horse or the swift, strong legs of a runner. God finds no pleasure in these external displays of power, preferring the internal disposition of a heart that fears Him and hopes in His mercy.
This psalm is celebrating God's care for creation and his people, highlighting his power and goodness. After detailing how God provides for all living creatures, from grass to ravens, the focus shifts to what truly matters to Him. The verse emphasizes that God isn't impressed by the mighty warhorses or swift human warriors that earthly powers rely on for victory.
This psalm is celebrating God's care for creation and his people, highlighting his power and goodness. After detailing how God provides for all living creatures, from grass to ravens, the focus shifts to what truly matters to Him. The verse emphasizes that God isn't impressed by the mighty warhorses or swift human warriors that earthly powers rely on for victory.
"His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man," — This verse isn't just saying God isn't impressed by brute strength; it highlights that human pride often lies in the attributes of these powerful forces – the sheer muscle of a horse or the swift,…
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Last reviewed October 2026