Psalms 147:10
Psalms 147:10 in Multiple Translations
He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legpower of the man.
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: He taketh no pleasure in the legs of a man.
He has no delight in the strength of a horse; he takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
The Lord doesn't appreciate the strength of war-horses or value human power.
He hath not pleasure in the strength of an horse, neither delighteth he in the legs of man.
Not in the might of the horse doth He delight, Not in the legs of a man is He pleased.
He doesn’t delight in the strength of the horse. He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
He is not pleased with strong horses or with men who can run [MTY] fast.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 147:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 147:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹ֤א
בִ/גְבוּרַ֣ת
הַ/סּ֣וּס
יֶחְפָּ֑ץ
לֹֽא
בְ/שׁוֹקֵ֖י
הָ/אִ֣ישׁ
יִרְצֶֽה
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בִ/גְבוּרַ֣ת
gᵉbûwrâh
H1369
might
Prep | N-fs
הַ/סּ֣וּס
çûwç
H5483
swallow
Art | N-ms
יֶחְפָּ֑ץ
châphêts
H2654
to delight in
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בְ/שׁוֹקֵ֖י
shôwq
H7785
leg
Prep | N-fd
הָ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
יִרְצֶֽה
râtsâh
H7521
to accept
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 147:10
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בִ/גְבוּרַ֣ת
gᵉbûwrâh
H1369
"might"
Prep | N-fs
This word means strength, might, or power, like God's mighty power in Psalm 111:6. It can describe a person's bravery or the strength of an action, as in the mighty deeds of God in Psalm 145:11.
Definition: 1) strength, might 1a) strength 1b) might, valour, bravery 1c) might, mighty deeds (of God) Aramaic equivalent: ge.vu.rah (גְּבוּרָה "might" H1370)
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength. See also: Exodus 32:18; Psalms 71:18; Psalms 20:7.
הַ/סּ֣וּס
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
יֶחְפָּ֑ץ
châphêts
H2654
"to delight in"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בְ/שׁוֹקֵ֖י
shôwq
H7785
"leg"
Prep | N-fd
In the Bible, this word describes the leg or thigh of a person or animal, often in reference to the lower leg or calf. It is sometimes translated as 'hip', 'leg', 'shoulder', or 'thigh'.
Definition: 1) leg, thigh 1a) of man; specifically the lower leg (calf) as opposed to the thigh 1b) of sacrificial animal; specifically the thigh, upper leg, hind leg, as the portion eaten Aramaic equivalent: shaq (שָׁק "leg" H8243)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: hip, leg, shoulder, thigh. See also: Exodus 29:22; Leviticus 10:15; Psalms 147:10.
הָ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
יִרְצֶֽה
râtsâh
H7521
"to accept"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to accept or be pleased with something, like God accepting our prayers. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, showing God's favor towards us. This word is about being satisfied or delighted.
Definition: 1) to be pleased with, be favourable to, accept favourably 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be pleased with, be favourable to 1a2) to accept 1a3) to be pleased, be determined 1a4) to make acceptable, satisfy 1a5) to please 1b) (Niphal) to be accepted, be pleased with 1c) (Piel) to seek favour of 1d) (Hiphil) to please, pay off 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself acceptable or pleasing
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: (be) accept(-able), accomplish, set affection, approve, consent with, delight (self), enjoy, (be, have a) favour(-able), like, observe, pardon, (be, have, take) please(-ure), reconcile self. See also: Genesis 33:10; Psalms 50:18; Psalms 40:14.
Study Notes — Psalms 147:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 147:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 147:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 147:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:10
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:10
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 147:10
- Sermons on Psalms 147:10
Context — It Is Good to Sing Praises
8who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the hills.
9He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call.
10He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
11The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion. 12Exalt the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 16:7 | But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 31:1 | Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. |
| 3 | Proverbs 21:31 | A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD. |
| 4 | Psalms 20:7 | Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. |
| 5 | Psalms 33:16–18 | No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 9:11 | I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all. |
| 7 | Hosea 1:7 | Yet I will have compassion on the house of Judah, and I will save them—not by bow or sword or war, not by horses and cavalry, but by the LORD their God.” |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 1:23 | Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. |
| 9 | Job 39:19–25 | Do you give strength to the horse or adorn his neck with a mane? Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting? He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength; he charges into battle. He laughs at fear, frightened of nothing; he does not turn back from the sword. A quiver rattles at his side, along with a flashing spear and lance. Trembling with excitement, he devours the distance; he cannot stand still when the ram’s horn sounds. At the blast of the horn, he snorts with fervor. He catches the scent of battle from afar— the shouts of captains and the cry of war. |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 2:18–23 | The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied. So Abner told him, “Turn to your right or to your left, seize one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself.” But Asahel would not stop chasing him. Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?” But Asahel refused to turn away; so Abner thrust the butt of his spear into his stomach, and it came out his back, and he fell dead on the spot. And every man paused when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died. |
Psalms 147:10 Summary
This verse, Psalms 147:10, reminds us that God's power and strength are not like ours, and He doesn't need or want our physical abilities to accomplish His will. Instead, He delights in our trust and relationship with Him, as seen in Psalms 147:11 and Jeremiah 9:23-24. This means we should focus on building our spiritual strength and trusting in God's loving devotion, rather than relying on our own power. By doing so, we can experience God's pleasure and joy, as mentioned in Psalms 147:11, and live a life that honors and glorifies Him, as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God does not delight in the strength of the horse?
This means that God's power and strength are not measured by human or animal standards, as seen in Psalms 147:10, and is instead demonstrated through His creation and provision, as stated in Psalms 147:8-9 and Jeremiah 32:17.
Why does God take no pleasure in the legpower of the man?
This emphasizes that our physical abilities, no matter how impressive, are insignificant to God, who values humility, faith, and trust, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalms 147:11.
Is this verse saying that strength and physical ability are bad?
No, it's not saying that strength is inherently bad, but rather that God's delight and pleasure are not found in these things, as stated in Psalms 147:10, but in our relationship with Him and our trust in His loving devotion, as seen in Psalms 147:11 and Deuteronomy 10:12-13.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us to prioritize our spiritual strength and relationship with God over our physical abilities, and to trust in His power and provision, as stated in Isaiah 40:29-31 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I rely too heavily on my own strength, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's loving devotion and provision, as mentioned in Psalms 147:11?
- In what ways can I use my physical abilities to serve and glorify God, rather than relying on them for my own strength?
- What does it mean for me to 'fear' God, as mentioned in Psalms 147:11, and how can I demonstrate this fear in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:10
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse,.... It has been his will and pleasure to give the horse strength for the use and service of men, both for labour and war; and as this is a creature of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:10
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. He delighteth not in the strength of the horse; he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 147:10
As if he needed either the one or the other for the accomplishment of his designs.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:10
Psalms 147:10 He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.Ver. 10. He delighteth not in the strength of the horse] Plutarch in Numa saith the same, Yεοςουκεστιφιλιππος, God careth not for horses, or any such helps as wherein carnal people confide, as if they had no need of God. Origen observeth that in the conquest of Canaan, the enemies had horses and chariots, but Israel had none. And it is expressly cautioned that the king of Israel "shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses," Deuteronomy 17:16, lest they should occasion him or his people to trade with that idolatrous people, 1 Kings 10:26; 1 Kings 10:28, or to trust in the number and strength of that warlike creature, a horse, Proverbs 21:31. He taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man] How swift soever, as Achilles, ποδαςωκυς, or Asahel, as light of foot as a wild roe, 2 Samuel 2:18. None sooner perish in the waters, nor oftener, than those that are most skilled in swimming and diving, because they do too much trust to their skill; so it is here; for there is no outrunning of Divine vengeance. Nemo scelus gerit in pectore qui non idem Nemesin in tergo; your sin will find you out. Here "the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong," Ecclesiastes 9:11.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 147:10
(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, Psalms 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 before seen that Eastern nations naturally select fleetness of foot as the typical quality in a vigorous warrior. (See Psalms 18:33.) The constant epithet “swift-footed Achilles,” suggests the best explanation of the second clause of the verse. (Comp. 2 Samuel 2:18).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:10
Verse 10. He delighteth not] The horse, among all animals, is most delighted in by man for beauty, strength, and fleetness. And a man's legs, if well proportioned, are more admired than even the finest features of his face. Though God has made these, yet they are not his peculiar delight.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:10
10. 11. Based upon Psalms 33:16-18. Jehovah’s delight is not in physical strength, but in reverent trustfulness;—a thought of consolation, parallel to Psalms 147:6. Israel might look regretfully back to its ancient military power, or envy the forces of neighbouring nations; but it is by spiritual strength that its victories are to be won. The horse is the warhorse (Job 39:19): the man is the warrior, for whom strength and swiftness of foot were indispensable qualifications. Cp. Psalms 20:7; Psalms 18:33; Amos 2:14-15 : and the standing epithet in Homer for Achilles, “swift of foot.”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:10
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse - The horse is among the noblest works of God - perhaps the noblest of all the animals that he has made. See the notes at Job 39:19-25.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 147:10
10. Delighteth not… taketh not pleasure—Hebrew poetry loves to divide thoughts into parallel expressions. The English would be more likely to say: “The strength and legs (speed) of horse or man.”
Sermons on Psalms 147:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
To the Parliament, the Army by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches a message of repentance and humility to the Parliament, the Army, and all the Well-affected in the Nation who have strayed from the Good Old Cause. He high |
|
"a.w. Tozer on Judgment" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the importance of examining our motives behind our actions, emphasizing that we will be judged not just for what we have done but for the reasons and motive |
|
A Touch From God - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, especially in times of turmoil and fear. It highlights the need for individuals to hunger for more of God's pre |
|
A Heart After God Is Better Than Skils by K P Yohannan by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon shares a powerful testimony from Tripura, India, where the love of Christ transformed warring tribes into brothers and sisters, uniting them in faith. It highlights the |
|
|
Dependence Upon the Lord by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the destruction of a printing press and the loss of valuable materials. He emphasizes the importance of humility and exalting God in all asp |
|
Sin Crouching at the Door by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon delves into the urgent need to address the issue of sin as a barrier to revival, emphasizing the importance of mastering sin through Christ. It explores the story of Ca |
|
Wisdom to Live By by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of confronting problems in life. He uses the analogy of stars being bigger than the earth to highlight the significance of th |