The Meaning of Psalms 111:5 Explained

Psalms 111:5

KJV: He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

YLT: Prey He hath given to those fearing Him, He remembereth to the age His covenant.

Darby: He hath given meat unto them that fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.

ASV: He hath given food unto them that fear him: He will ever be mindful of his covenant.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

He hath given  meat  unto them that fear  him: he will ever  be mindful  of his covenant. 

What does Psalms 111:5 Mean?

Study Notes

fear
.
fear of the Lord
The "fear of the Lord," a phrase of the O.T. piety, meaning reverential trust, with hatred of evil.

Context Summary

Psalms 111:1-10 - The Works Of The Lord
A fresh series of psalms begins here, of which the dominant note is Hallelujah. This and the next are similar in construction, each being alphabetical; that is, the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The first is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving at the contemplation of Jehovah's works; and the second describes the righteousness which His chosen derive from Him. They are the work of an unknown minstrel, but anonymity is characteristic of the highest work. When a man has achieved a really noble and beautiful work, he is indifferent to the judgment and praise of his fellows.
Let us, as Psalms 111:2 suggests, take pleasure in God's works and seek them out. It is well to acquaint ourselves with some branch of natural study for this purpose. But the wealth of truth hidden in the precepts of the Word of God, Psalms 111:7, will still better repay us. God's works in nature, providence, and grace will be our theme and joy for eternal ages. A veil, however, is now on our eyes and a lethargy on our tongues. What precious phrases are scattered through this psalm! Full of compassion; meat for his own ever mindful of his covenant; redemption sent to his people; the covenant commanded forever. What strong consolation for those who have fled for refuge! In the closing verses wisdom is used, as in Solomon's time, of the intuitions of the pure heart. [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalms 111

1  The psalmist by his example incites others to praise God for his glorious
5  And gracious works
10  The fear of God breeds true wisdom

What do the individual words in Psalms 111:5 mean?

Food He has given to those who fear Him He will be mindful ever of His covenant
טֶ֭רֶף נָתַ֣ן לִֽירֵאָ֑יו יִזְכֹּ֖ר לְעוֹלָ֣ם בְּרִיתֽוֹ

טֶ֭רֶף  Food 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: טֶרֶף  
Sense: prey, food, leaf.
נָתַ֣ן  He  has  given 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Perfect, third person masculine singular
Root: יָתַן 
Sense: to give, put, set.
לִֽירֵאָ֑יו  to  those  who  fear  Him 
Parse: Preposition-l, Adjective, masculine plural construct, third person masculine singular
Root: יָרֵא  
Sense: fearing, reverent, afraid.
יִזְכֹּ֖ר  He  will  be  mindful 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: זָכַר 
Sense: to remember, recall, call to mind.
לְעוֹלָ֣ם  ever 
Parse: Preposition-l, Noun, masculine singular
Root: עֹולָם  
Sense: long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world.
בְּרִיתֽוֹ  of  His  covenant 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular construct, third person masculine singular
Root: בְּרִית  
Sense: covenant, alliance, pledge.