but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to overlook that the verse highlights two distinct but connected ways people draw God's pleasure: first, through reverent fear, and second, by actively placing their hope in His steadfast love. This isn't about just feeling good; it's about a way of living rooted in trust that God's unfailing kindness is the ultimate source of security.
but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears near the end of a psalm that celebrates God's power in creation and His care for all living things. The psalm builds from praising God for bringing back exiles and healing the brokenhearted to marveling at how He sustains even the ravens and cattle. Therefore, this verse serves as a concluding thought, contrasting God's delight in humble reliance on Him with the futility of trusting in human strength or might.
We often think God is impressed by our strength, our achievements, or our powerful connections. But does the Bible agree?
The psalm contrasts what impresses humans with what truly pleases God.
Human Worth vs. Divine Value
Humans often admire strength, power, and impressive displays. We might be drawn to powerful horses or the might of a strong army. Yet, the psalmist declares that God does not find His pleasure in these things. "Not in the strength of the horse will he take pleasure, nor in the legs of man will he delight."
Where God's Delight Resides
Instead of physical might or human capability, God's pleasure is found in the humble heart that recognizes its need for Him. This isn't about weakness, but about a chosen dependence on Him.
The verse mentions two key attitudes that draw God's pleasure. What are they, and how do they work together?
The verse identifies two intertwined qualities that capture God's attention and delight: fearing Him and hoping in His steadfast love.
The Fear of the Lord
This isn't a cowering, terrified fear, but a deep reverence and awe that acknowledges God's holiness and power. It's a fear that leads to obedience and respect. It means living with a constant awareness of God's presence and His will.
Hoping in Steadfast Love
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This is the active trust and expectation that God is good and will act on behalf of His people. It's leaning into His
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God, revealed to Moses, representing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
A reverent, awe-filled submission to God that recognizes His holiness, power, and authority. It is the beginning of wisdom and motivates obedience and righteous living.
yachal · Hebrew Verb
An expectant, confident waiting upon God’s promises and character, rooted in the assurance of His future deliverance and grace.
chesed · Hebrew Noun
God's loyal, covenant-keeping love, mercy, and kindness. It is a central biblical concept describing the steadfast devotion of God to His people despite their unworthiness.
This passage speaks to honoring the Lord with our wealth and possessions, suggesting that genuine reverence and trust in God lead to material blessing, mirroring the idea that God favors those who fear Him and hope in His mercy.
Malachi 3:16-17Here, those who fear the LORD and think on His name are treasured by Him, aligning with Psalm 147:11's theme that God takes special pleasure in His devoted followers who rely on Him.
1 Peter 5:5-7This New Testament passage encourages humility and casting our anxieties on God because He cares, directly linking godly reverence and hope in God's steadfast love with His attentive care and favor.
Hebrews 11:6This verse states that without faith it is impossible to please God, highlighting that those who come to Him must believe that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him, echoing the sentiment that God delights in those who hope in His mercy.
clarkePsalms 147:11: "The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy."
The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him - That are truly religious. In those that hope is his mercy - Who are just beginning to seek the salvation of their souls. Even the cry of the penitent is pleasing in the ear of the Lord. With this verse the hundred and forty-sixth Psalm ends in all the Versions, except the Chaldee. And the hundred and forty-seventh commences with the Psalm 147:12. I b…
poolePsalms 147:11: "The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy."
That believingly and patiently expect and seek relief and happiness from God alone, and from his mere grace and mercy, and not from any creature, nor from their own merits.
It's easy to overlook that the verse highlights two distinct but connected ways people draw God's pleasure: first, through reverent fear, and second, by actively placing their hope in His steadfast love. This isn't about just feeling good; it's about a way of living rooted in trust that God's unfailing kindness is the ultimate source of security.
This verse appears near the end of a psalm that celebrates God's power in creation and His care for all living things. The psalm builds from praising God for bringing back exiles and healing the brokenhearted to marveling at how He sustains even the ravens and cattle. Therefore, this verse serves as a concluding thought, contrasting God's delight in humble reliance on Him with the futility of trusting in human strength or might.
This verse appears near the end of a psalm that celebrates God's power in creation and His care for all living things. The psalm builds from praising God for bringing back exiles and healing the brokenhearted to marveling at how He sustains even the ravens and cattle. Therefore, this verse serves as a concluding thought, contrasting God's delight in humble reliance on Him with the futility of trusting in human strength or might.
"but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love." — It's easy to overlook that the verse highlights two distinct but connected ways people draw God's pleasure: first, through reverent fear, and second, by actively placing their hope in His *steadfas…
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Last reviewed October 2026