Psalms 111:10

“The beginning of wisdom is the fear of YHWH; good understanding have all who practice them; his praise endures forever.”

Psalms 111:10 · direct translation from the Hebrew
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A psalm of praise that ends by naming the fear of YHWH as where wisdom beginsWisdom

With the Hebrew beneath

10

Psalms 111:10, word by word

The beginningרֵאשִׁיתreshit

beginning

The beginning: "in the beginning".

Where else “reshit” appears
of wisdom isחָכְמָהchachma

wisdom

Knowing how to live well; it begins with revering YHWH.

Where else “chachma” appears
the fearיִרְאַתyirat

fear

Fear. "The fear of God" is deep reverence that leads one to obey him and avoid evil.

Where else “yirat” appears
of YHWHיְהוָהyehva

YHWH

The personal name of the God of Israel, written in Hebrew with four letters, Y-H-W-H, without vowels. Out of reverence Jews stopped pronouncing it and read "Adonai" (Lord), so many Bibles put "the LORD" or "Jehovah". This translation keeps the four letters. The name is related to the verb "to be" (Exodus 3:14-15). He is not a god other than Elohim: "YHWH Elohim" is the same Creator God, called by his name.

Where else “yehva” appears
goodטוֹבtov

good

What is as it should be and gives delight: sound, useful, beautiful or valuable.

Where else “tov” appears
understanding haveשֵׂכֶלsechel

insight

The sense to act well.

Where else “sechel” appears
who practice themעֹשֵׂיose

do

To carry out an act or to deal with someone in a certain way, for good or ill.

Where else “ose” appears
his praiseתְּהִלָּתtehilat

praise

Praise; deeds worthy of praise; a song of praise.

Where else “tehilat” appears
enduresעֹמֶדֶתomedet

endure

To hold firm, without falling or coming to an end.

Where else “omedet” appears
foreverעַדad

forever

Time that does not end, without limit of years.

Where else “ad” appears

The context

9Redemption he has sent to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever; holy and awesome is his name.

10 · This verse (above)

Read all of Psalms 111

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