He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.

PSALMS 115:13KJV
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Psalms 115:13 (KJV)

What does Psalms 115:13 mean?

Psalms 115:13 says that God will bless everyone who respects and honors Him, no matter their status or position in life. The verse makes it clear that both those considered "small" and those considered "great" are included in this promise.

In this psalm, the speaker is addressing the people of Israel, encouraging them by reminding them that God’s favor is not limited to a certain group. The context is a call to trust in the LORD (H3068), and this verse assures all who "fear" (H3373) God—meaning those who revere and respect Him—that they are seen and valued, regardless of their rank or importance in society.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 115:13

  • "bless" (בָּרַךְ, barakh): This word means to show favor or grant benefits. Here, it emphasizes God's active goodwill toward those who honor Him.
  • "fear" (יָרֵא, yare’): In this context, it refers to a deep respect or reverence for God, not just being afraid. It highlights the attitude God values.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, underscoring that the blessing comes from a relational, covenant-keeping God.
  • "small" (קָטָן, qatan) and "great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol): These words stress that God’s blessing is not limited by human distinctions—everyone who honors God is included, from the least to the greatest.

Why Psalms 115:13 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that God’s blessings are reserved only for the powerful, wealthy, or important; it highlights God’s impartiality.
  • The emphasis on both "small and great" connects to the psalm’s larger theme of God’s faithfulness to all who trust Him, reinforcing that every person matters to God.
  • By using the language of "fear" (reverence), the verse shifts the focus from outward status to the inner attitude toward God, showing what truly counts in receiving His blessing.

Where else these words appear

“fear” Hebrew H3373 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
  • Psalms 128:1 A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

“small” Hebrew H6996 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 1:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
  • 1 Samuel 15:17 And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?
  • 2 Chronicles 31:15 And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small: