But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

PSALMS 5:7KJV
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Psalms 5:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 5:7 mean?

Psalms 5:7 describes the psalmist’s intention to approach God’s presence with deep respect, relying on God’s abundant mercy, and worshiping with reverence toward God’s holy temple. The verse highlights a personal commitment to honor God, not based on personal merit, but on God’s steadfast love.

King David is speaking in this verse, contrasting himself with the wicked described earlier in the psalm. He expresses his choice to enter God’s “house” (meaning God’s presence or sanctuary) because of God’s great mercy, not his own righteousness. David emphasizes worshiping with “fear,” meaning awe and reverence, as he turns toward God’s holy temple, even though the physical temple had not yet been built—pointing to the place where God dwells.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 5:7

  • “Mercy” (חֶסֶד, ḥesed): This word means steadfast love, kindness, or loyal love. David’s approach to God is grounded in God’s faithful, covenant love, not his own worthiness.
  • “Fear” (יִרְאָה, yir’ah): This word often means awe or reverence, not just being afraid. David’s worship is marked by deep respect for God’s holiness.
  • “Worship” (שָׁחָה, shachah): This verb means to bow down or prostrate oneself. It shows a physical act of humility before God, not just an inward attitude.
  • “Temple” (הֵיכָל, heykhal): Although the temple was not yet built in David’s time, this word refers to God’s holy dwelling place. It points to the idea of God’s presence being central to worship.

Why Psalms 5:7 matters

  • Psalms 5:7 clarifies that access to God is based on God’s mercy (חֶסֶד, ḥesed), not human achievement or goodness.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of approaching God with both confidence in His love and a humble, reverent attitude.
  • Psalms 5:7 connects personal worship to God’s presence, showing that true worship involves both the heart and outward actions of respect.

Where else these words appear

“fear” Hebrew H3374 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 20:11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.
  • Psalms 34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
  • Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

“temple” Hebrew H1964 · used in 76 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.
  • Nehemiah 6:10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.
  • Ezekiel 41:1 Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle.

“multitude” Hebrew H7230 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 16:10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:5 Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.
  • Proverbs 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.